Ski & Snowboard New Zealand

 

New Zealand has an international reputation for being one of the world's best skiing and Snowboarding destinations.
Spectacular scenery, short queues and perfect snow conditions add to the popularity of NZ Ski areas.  
Most ski and snowboard areas in New Zealand consist of wide open, tree-less slopes with both marked and unmarked trails. Several of the larger ski fields welcome the newish sport of freestyle snowboarding by creating terrain parks complete with grind rails and half pipes.
 

New Zealand Ski / Snowboard Areas

New Zealand offers ski and snowboard enthusiasts a variety of commercial or club fields.
Commercial fields offer snowmaking, snow grooming, bars/cafes, gear rental, etc.
Club fields are typically less crowded but offer fewer facilities (often only rope tow or T-bar lifts).
 

Queenstown Ski / Snowboard Areas

• The Remarkables - Great for everyone from beginners to adrenaline junkies.
• Coronet Peak - Popular ski area with wide-open slopes, close to Queenstown.

 

Wanaka Ski / Snowboard Areas

• Treble Cone - Fast lifts, shorts queues and fantastic terrain for all abilities.
• Cardrona - 3 basins of wide open ski and snowboard terrain.
• Waiorau - 55kms of classic and ski skating trails, groomed to international standards.

 

Otago/South Canterbury Ski / Snowboard Areas

• Roundhill - Perfect for beginners and young families, park right on the slopes.
• Mt Dobson - minimum queue lengths due to Triple Chair Lift, well proven T-bar and platter lifts..
• Ohau - serviced by a double chairlift, a platter and a fixed grip lift. Main trails regularly groomed.

 

Canterbury Ski / Snowboard Areas

• Mt Hutt - next to Methven, 1 hour drive from Christchurch. Rated among the best slopes in NZ!
• Temple Basin - at the heart of Arthur's Pass National Park, a true alpine environment.
• Craigieburn - not for beginners ... steep, deep and cheap.
• Broken River - 1.5 hours west of Christchurch. No tow queues.
• Mt Cheeseman - second closest ski area to Christchurch, sunny east to south east basin with open rolling terrain.
• Porter Heights - 90 min drive, closest ski area to Christchurch. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
• Mt Olympus - wide south facing basin, club field in the Cragieburn range offering a variety of uncrowded runs.
• Mt Potts - heli accessed snowcat skiing experience, maximum of 14 guests per day.

 

North Canterbury Ski / Snowboard Areas

• Mt Lyford - ideal family field, with a great learners area and challenging runs for intermediate to advanced skiers.
• Hanmer Springs - just over 2 hours from Christchurch. Well groomed main runs and virgin snow for the experts.

 

Nelson and Marlborough Ski / Snowboard Areas

• Rainbow - one of the most beautiful ski areas in the southern alps.
• Mt Robert - 1 1/4 hours from Nelson or Blenheim is St Arnaud, Lake Rotoiti.

 

Taranaki Ski / Snowboard Areas

• Manganui/Mt Egmont - family friendly, uncrowded, affordable club ski area

 

Ruapehu Ski / Snowboard Areas

• Whakapapa - on the north-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu. New Zealand's largest developed ski area.
• Turoa - the highest ski area in New Zealand. Areas of terrain to suit all skill levels.

 

Ski, Snowboard and Alpine Safety

• If you're a novice or newbie to skiing or snowboarding, take a lesson for your safety and for the safety of those around you.
• Consider others and observe the snow code.
• Be aware of other skiers and snowboarders above and below you.
• Take a friend, it's safer to ski/board in pairs in remote areas and you will have more fun!
• Check the weather forcast, change can come fast in alpine areas. Even experienced snow goers can struggle in adverse weather.
• Wear lots of warm/waterproof clothing, there's nothing worse than a cold day in the snow.
• Consider appropriate protective gear such as wristguards, helmits, sunglasses/goggles and sunscreen.
• Check your gear before hitting the slopes. Tighten your boots, check your bindings etc.