Skiing & Snowboarding

New Zealand is the ultimate destination for skiers and snowboarders, offering a staggering variety of experiences at ski fields ranging from resorts to small club fields – all against a backdrop of dramatic alpine scenery.

In addition to a range of fields for downhill skiing and snowboarding, there’s also a cross-country ski area, terrain parks for snowboards and the unforgettable opportunity to try heli-skiing. Slopes are generally less crowded than those on the continents and lift queues are shorter – best of all, visitors can indulge their love of snow sports in America and Europe’s off-season! An alpine climate of crisp sunny days and frosty nights, added to reliable snowfall, means plenty of powder.

Anyone can ski New Zealand. Beginners will find plenty of places to hone their skills, and expert tuition is offered at many ski areas. Larger fields offer dedicated areas for learners. Those with more experience will love the challenges available, and for extreme skiers and snowboarders, New Zealand is the ultimate destination. Heli-skiing is another unique thrill-seeker activity!

Renting or purchasing good quality equipment is easy in cities and ski resorts – most ski areas also rent gear on-site. On and off-piste, New Zealand offers the best possible lifestyle; top quality accommodation, and restaurants to suit every budget. In some major ski resort towns the party lasts all winter! If your clients need a break from the slopes, they’ll find plenty of other activities, from a soak in a hot pool to an adrenaline pumping jetboat ride. On and off the slopes, New Zealand is the perfect place to spend winter.

New Zealand Ski Areas

The majority of New Zealand’s ski areas are located in the Southern Alps of the South Island, but there are also ski areas in the Central North Island and Taranaki.

North Island

Central North Island

Whakapapa Ski Area – New Zealand’s largest developed ski area has excellent facilities.
Turoa Ski Area – Varied terrain including an off-trail area at the highest ski area in the Southern Hemisphere.
Tukino Ski Area – Gentle terrain for beginners and great powder runs for snowboarders.

Taranaki

Manganui Ski Area – Outstanding snowboarding with natural half-pipes and steep runs.

South Island

Nelson

Rainbow Ski Area – Rainbow features varied terrain for beginners and intermediates.

Canterbury

Hanmer Springs Ski Area – Varied intermediate skiing both on- and off-piste.
Mt Lyford Alpine Resort – Terrain for all levels including a snowboarding terrain park.
Broken River Ski Area – Experience the exhilaration of wide open spaces at this isolated ski area.
Craigieburn Valley – Craigieburn is well-known for being steep, deep and cheap!
Temple Basin – Hike in for exciting uncrowded slopes and nightskiing.
Mt Cheeseman – This family-friendly ski area is perfect for skiers of all abilities.
Mt Olympus – Mt Olympus features varied terrain for all abilities.
Porters – Impressive vertical drop, especially on the Big Mama run.
Mt Hutt – The longest season in Australasia and consistent light, dry powder.
HeliPark New Zealand – Exclusive helicopter-accessed terrain includes basins, chutes and cliffs.

Mackenzie

Fox Peak Ski Area – This ski area offers awesome trails and great scenery.
Mt Dobson Ski Area – Featuring a large learners’ area, natural half-pipe and terrain park.
Roundhill Ski Area – Gentle and safe slopes suitable for the whole family.
Awakino Ski Area – Plenty of powder for intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders.
Ohau Snow Fields – A unique position means great snow for all levels.

Southern Lakes

Coronet Peak – Terrain for all levels, including two natural half-pipes.
The Remarkables – Great extreme terrain, but also good for families and beginners.
Snow Farm Ski Area – New Zealand’s only dedicated cross-country ski area.
Snow Park NZ – This dedicated terrain park guarantees thrills!
Cardrona Alpine Resort – Suitable for all levels, Cardrona also has a terrain park.
Treble Cone Ski Area – Extreme off-piste terrain, plus natural and manmade half-pipes.

Ski Season

New Zealand’s ski and snowboard season generally runs from June to October. A Southern Hemisphere setting means that New Zealand’s seasons occur in reverse of Northern Hemisphere seasons. Spring skiing is always a big draw – great snow combined with warmer air temperatures makes for a fantastic day on the slopes.
Weather Information
See www.metservice.co.nz for the latest New Zealand weather information. Specific MetService Mountain Forecasts are available on this site.

Brown Bear Ski & Snowboard New Zealand

If you’d like to find out more about skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand, consult Brown Bear Ski & Snowboard New Zealand – New Zealand’s most widely read ski publication with essential information on all of New Zealand’s ski areas. You can also find information online at
www.brownbear.co.nz/ski.