Ski New Zealand

Ski New Zealand

New Zealand's fantastic snow quality and reliable winters, higher mountains and challenging terrain make skiing in New Zealand a popular option with ski enthusiasts from around the world. The New Zealand ski season generally runs from June through to early November. And, with seven international airports throughout New Zealand - it's easy to start your next adventure here.

Comparable in size and/or shape to Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, New Zealand has a population of only 4 million - making it one of the world's least crowded countries. It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers.

New Zealand boasts one of the best heli skiing regions in the world. Heli-skiing at Queenstown, Wanaka, Mount Cook, Methven is the ultimate New Zealand skiing experience. The powder is deep, and comparatively low altitudes mean temperatures are relatively warm and locations breathtaking.

Most of the skiing is located on the southern island, but the country's largest skiing area - Mt Ruapehu - is located on the north island and comprises the ski areas of Whakapapa and Turoa. Mt Ruapehu is home to huge snow filled basins, steep chutes, drop-offs and secret powder stashes. But also has learners' facilities, terrain parks for snowboarders and freeskiers of all abilities, and the best spring skiing in New Zealand. Mt Ruapehu is conveniently located right in the central North Island of New Zealand, approximately half way between Auckland and Wellington. There are four great little towns and villages surrounding Mt Ruapehu just a short drive from the ski areas with accommodations to suit every budget.

Whakapapa Ski Area on the north-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu is New Zealand's largest ski area, with more than 65 trails across 1,350 acres of skiable terrain. Turoa Ski Area on the south-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu has Australasia's longest vertical descent and New Zealand's highest lift .

Most of the ski resorts and clubs are located within the interior regions on the the southern island and within easy driving distance from Queenstown, Wanaka, Christchurch, and Methven. International airports are located in Queenstown, Christchurch, and Dunedin.


Queenstown:

Several ski areas, a crystal clear lake, lively apres ski culture and all the activity of a cosmopolitan resort town creates an enviable winter lifestyle in a spectacular environment. Queenstown is the closest town to a large number of ski fields, being 30 min away from both The Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski area and only 45 minutes away from Cardrona. The Remarkables boasts a high alpine location, north facing sunny aspect, fantastic terrain parks, great snow and friendly, relaxed nature, making it a true alpine experience for all ages. Majestically beautiful, its wide open bowls are surrounded by the rugged peaks of The Remarkables mountain range.

Coronet Peak is located just 20 minutes from Queenstown and the local’s choice! It has steeps, deeps, and back bowls, and the view from the ski field south across Lake Wakatipu and the smaller nearby Lake Hayes is breathtaking.


Wanaka:

Over the Crown Range from Queenstown is Wanaka, a lakeside town that serves four world class ski and snowboard resorts. Cardrona has specialists shops for beginners, wide open groomed slopes for intermediates, chutes for advanced, and an extensive park for freestylers. Snow Park NZ is the Southern Hemisphere’s only dedicated freestyle resort for boarders and skiers. Treble Cone has great terrain for all levels of ability. From the purpose-built learner area with a Magic Carpet Lift, to comfortable, groomed green and blue runs, through challenging black runs and secret powder stashes.

Want more? Heli ski the Southern Alps terrain for access to some of the most pristine steeps available in New Zealand.


Christchurch and Canterbury:

Located in the centre of the South Island’s east coast, Christchurch is New Zealand’s Tourism Gateway. Here you'll experience contemporary lifestyle with an understated English flavour. From Christchurch, head across the broad open expanses of the Canterbury Plains to enjoy the mix of commercial and club ski fields and world-class heli-skiing.


Methven:

Mt Hutt, located at the foot of the Southern Alps, boasts a speedy six-seater chairlift to carry skiers and snowboarders to some of the most varied terrain in the South Island. At 6,844 feet, Mt. Hutt has one of the largest vertical drops in the South Island and the greatest variety of terrain ranging from long, super wide groomed runs to double black diamond chutes.

Other ski fields within 2 hours drive include Porters, Mt Olympus, Craigieburn and Broken River.


Some Helpful Tips:

Skiing in New Zealand is typically above the tree line, meaning that there is no sheltered areas during periods of inclement weather. On-mountain accommodations are very rare at the large commercial ski resorts but the club fields typically have ski-in ski-out accommodations. And getting to the resorts is sometimes a harrowing experience, with many access roads unpaved and lacking safety rails.

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