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.
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The Snow League world challenge – Cardrona 2026
Cardrona Alpine Resort
The Snow League brings its World Challenge to Cardrona Alpine Resort this September, featuring some of the world’s leading snowboard and freeski halfpipe athletes.
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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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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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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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Peak to Powderkeg 2026 – Tūroa Ski Area
Tūroa Ski Area - Powderkeg, Ohakune
The Peak 2 Powderkeg returns to Tūroa on Saturday 26 September 2026, bringing one of Mt Ruapehu’s most iconic winter events back for its 30th running.
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Retro Day at Ohakune Junction 2026
Ohakune Junction
Retro Day is returning to Ohakune Junction on Saturday 3 October 2026, bringing old-school ski style, live DJs and plenty of retro fun to town.
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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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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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Snow Machine Festival, Queenstown 2026
Queenstown
One of New Zealand’s biggest winter music festivals is returning to Queenstown, with Snow Machine set to take over the resort town from 9–12 September…
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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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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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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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Rangatira Retro 2026
Whakapapa Ski Area
The Rangatira Alpine Trophy Race is on at Whakapapa Ski Area on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
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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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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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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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Hot Dub Time Machine, Coronet Peak night ski party!
Coronet Peak, Queenstown
One of Queenstown's biggest winter parties returns to Coronet Peak July 29, combining night skiing and snowboarding with a live performance from Hot Dub…
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Craigieburn Valley Opening Day
Craigieburn's planned opening day for the 2026 New Zealand ski season is 18 July 2026.
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Audiology Mardi Gras 2026
Queenstown
Get ready for one of New Zealand’s biggest winter parties as Audiology Mardi Gras returns in 2026. The event heads to Ohakune on 4 July…
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Tūroa Opening Day 2026
Tūroa Ski Area, Mt Ruapehu
Tūroa is preparing to welcome guests back to Mt Ruapehu for the 2026 winter season
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Mt Hutt Opening Day 2026
Mt Hutt Ski Area, Canterbury
Mt Hutt is planned to open for the 2026 ski season on 27 June 2026 Weather and snow conditions allowing – with very mild Autumn…
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The Remarkables Opening Day 2026
The Remarkables Ski Area, Queenstown
The Remarkables opening day 2026 is set for 13 June
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Treble Cone Opening Day
Treble Cone Ski Area, Wanaka
Treble Cone opening day is planned for June 27, 2026. Snow and weather conditions permitting.
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Cardrona Alpine Resort Opening Day 2026
Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka
Cardrona Alpine Resort opening day is planned for June 13, 2026. Snow and weather permitting.
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Snow Fest
Queenstown is set to celebrate an early start to winter, with Snow Fest marking the occasion following the arrival of Coronet Peak’s new Snow…
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Whakapapa Opening Day 2026
Whakapapa Ski Artea, Mt Ruapehu
Whakapapa Ski Area is planning to kick off winter early from 30 May 2026 with the opening of “Snowland” - a family-friendly snow experience…
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Coronet Peak Opening Day 2026
Coronet Peak, Queenstown
The Coronet Peak 29 May opening is confirmed for the 2026 winter season, marking one of the earliest planned openings in New Zealand.
View event →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
When is the New Zealand ski season?
New Zealand’s ski season typically runs from June through to October, although snowfall and opening dates can vary depending on conditions and snowmaking.
What ski events happen in New Zealand?
Where are the biggest winter events in New Zealand?
Many of New Zealand’s largest winter events take place in Queenstown, Wānaka, Canterbury, and the Central North Island ski regions.