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 12 September 2026

Green Steam Wānaka 2026

Treble Cone, Wānaka

Green Steam Wānaka returns for 2026, combining biking, ski touring and skiing in a low-emissions day on the mountain.

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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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19 September 2026

Green Steam Tāhuna 2026

Coronet Peak, Queenstown

Green Steam Tāhuna returns for its third year, with another human-powered mission from Arthur’s Point to Coronet Peak and back.

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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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Ski Event 25-26 September 2026

She’ll Be Right 2026

Cardrona Alpine Resort

She’ll Be Right returns to Cardrona for 2026, bringing together women and non-binary riders, photographers and filmmakers for two days focused on riding, progression…

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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.