Snowfall - ski magazine

Snow Events in New Zealand

Looking for ski events in New Zealand? Our 2026 Snow Events Calendar features winter festivals, ski competitions, snowboard events, opening celebrations, rail jams, and alpine community events happening throughout the New Zealand ski season.

Ski Event 28 August – 3 September 2026

The North Face Frontier 2026

The Remarkables, Queenstown

The North Face Frontier returns to Queenstown this winter, bringing one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading freeride competitions back to The Remarkables

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Festival 29 August 2026

Full Moon Fever 2026

Fox Peak Ski Area

Full Moon Fever returns to Fox Peak Ski Area on Saturday, August 29, for one of the field’s biggest nights of the season.

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Festival 5 September 2026

Red Bull Rail Riot 2026

Pembroke Park, Wānaka

Red Bull Rail Riot is coming to Wānaka on Saturday, September 5, bringing a ski and snowboard rail jam into the centre of town.

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Ski Event 6-13 September 2026

Jossi Wells Invitational 2026

Cardrona Alpine Resort & Treble Cone

The Jossi Wells Invitational returns to Cardrona and Treble Cone this September, bringing some of the world’s best skiers and snowboarders together for a…

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Festival 12 September 2026

Red Bull Rail Jam 2026

Tūroa Ski Area, Mt Ruapehu

The Tūroa Parks Rail Jam is set to bring big tricks, rider style and plenty of crowd energy to Mt Ruapehu this September.

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Ski Event 14-16 September 2026

MOFO 2026

Mt Olympus Ski Area

The Mt Olympus Freeride Open (MOFO) returns this September, bringing skiers and snowboarders back to Mt Olympus for one of New Zealand’s grassroots freeride events

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Festival 19 September 2026

Methven Chill Fest 2026

Methven, Canterbury

Methven Chill Fest returns on Saturday, September 19, bringing snow sports, live music and entertainment into the heart of Methven Presented by Mt Hutt…

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3 October

The Takeover 2026

Tūroa

The Ladylike Movement is taking its The Takeover event nationwide for winter 2026, with five one-day events planned across New Zealand.

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Featured New Zealand Snow Events

New Zealand’s winter calendar includes everything from ski field opening parties and rail jams through to major snow sports competitions and mountain festivals. Here are some of the key snow events to watch throughout the 2026 season.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Zealand’s ski season typically runs from June through to October, although snowfall and opening dates can vary depending on conditions and snowmaking.

New Zealand hosts a wide range of winter events including ski festivals, snowboard competitions, rail jams, alpine races, family snow days, and mountain opening celebrations.

Many of New Zealand’s largest winter events take place in Queenstown, Wānaka, Canterbury, and the Central North Island ski regions.

Many ski fields and alpine towns host family-friendly winter events throughout the season, including snow play activities, festivals, and beginner-focused celebrations.