The New Zealand 2026 ski season delivered some substantial July snowfalls, regular winter top-ups through August and fresh snow well into spring
While the opening weeks required patience, the months that followed gave skiers and snowboarders plenty of reasons to head for the mountains.
A slower start, with winter on its way
June was challenging for ski areas waiting for natural snow and temperatures cold enough for snowmaking. Several openings were delayed, while others began with limited terrain.By late June, however, colder weather was helping things move forward. Our 26 June report recorded fresh snow at Coronet Peak and
The Remarkables, Cardrona opening its beginner facilities and early-season park, and Mt Hutt preparing to welcome its first skiers. It was a gradual beginning, but the season was taking shape.
July brought the snow everyone had been waiting for
The early-July storm cycle gave the season a welcome boost just as the school holidays got underway.
Our report covering 5–8 July recorded 72cm at both Mt Hutt and Roundhill, 60cm at Porters and 37cm at Cardrona. Mt Dobson reported 35cm, while Ōhau, Treble Cone and The Remarkables each recorded 25cm.
These were reported storm-cycle totals from individual ski fields, rather than season totals, but they show how significant that early-July snowfall was across several parts of the South Island.
August kept winter coming
August became a particularly encouraging part of the season. A succession of weather systems brought fresh snow onto established bases, with clearer days between fronts providing opportunities to enjoy it.
By mid-August, Mt Hutt was reporting an upper base of approximately 1.8 metres following another snowfall of around 25cm. The Remarkables received around 20cm, while Tūroa reported approximately 15cm over the preceding seven days.
The snow continued later in the month. Our 28 August update listed seven-day totals of 82cm at Treble Cone, 57cm at The Remarkables, 53cm at Cardrona, 35cm at Mt Hutt and 25cm at Coronet Peak.
For the southern mountains, August provided plenty of evidence that winter still had more to give.
Spring brought another round of fresh snow
September kept the snow reports busy. Regular cold fronts continued to refresh the mountains, bringing more winter weather into the spring skiing calendar.
Our 28 September update recorded another 22cm at Mt Hutt, 25cm at Coronet Peak and 18cm at The Remarkables. Mt Ruapehu also received fresh snow, with 10cm reported at Tūroa and 5cm at Whakapapa.
Wind sometimes disrupted operations, but the fresh snow gave those still planning a late-season trip another reason to keep the skis and boards ready.
| Mountain | Reported snowfall | Reporting period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt Hutt | 72cm | 5–8 July storm cycle | July snowfall report |
| Roundhill | 72cm | 5–8 July storm cycle | July snowfall report |
| Roundhill | Another 13cm | 9 July update, since the previous day | Roundhill season updates |
| Porters | 60cm | 5–8 July storm cycle | July snowfall report |
| Whakapapa | 71cm at Knoll T-bar; 56cm at gondola top | Seven days to 29 July | Whakapapa season updates |
| Tūroa | 50cm | Week to 29 July | Tūroa season updates |
| The Remarkables | More than 20cm | Latest storm reported on 16 July | The Remarkables season updates |
| Tūroa | 15cm | Previous 24 hours, reported 19 August | Tūroa season updates |
| Treble Cone | 82cm | Seven days to 28 August | August conditions report |
| The Remarkables | 57cm | Seven days to 28 August | August conditions report |
| Cardrona | 53cm | Seven days to 28 August | August conditions report |
| Treble Cone | 25cm at Saddle Basin top; 7cm at base | Storm reported on 17 September | September conditions report |
| Coronet Peak | 25cm | Storm reported on 28 September | September conditions report |
| Mt Hutt | 22cm | Storm reported on 28 September | September conditions report |
| Mountain | Reported snow base | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mt Hutt | 189cm upper mountain | 7 September 2026 |
| Treble Cone | 140cm | 7 September 2026 |
| The Remarkables | 130cm | 7 September 2026 |
| Cardrona | 115cm | 7 September 2026 |
| Tūroa | 110cm | 7 September 2026 |
| Whakapapa | 80cm | 7 September 2026 |
| Coronet Peak | 80cm | 7 September 2026 |
The verdict: a very good ski season
Looking back across our reports, we’d call 2026 a very good ski season. It took time to get going, and conditions varied between mountains, but substantial July snowfalls, regular August top-ups and fresh snow through spring gave skiers and snowboarders plenty to enjoy.
The slow start is only part of the story. The snow that followed, the days on the mountain and the opportunities to keep skiing into October deserve just as much attention.
The stories behind the season
More time on the snow
The season began with a success story at Coronet Peak, where its brand-new Snow Factory, combined with good snowfall throughout the season, helped it achieve 129 days of operation — the most of any New Zealand ski field in 2026. Whakapapa also welcomed early-season visitors thanks to its Snow Factory and the launch of Snowplay in Happy Valley.
There were also welcome season extensions. Snow Farm announced an additional two weeks of winter operations, moving its closing date from 13 September to 27 September after fresh snowfall improved coverage across the Pisa Range.
Cardrona extended its season to 18 October, giving skiers and snowboarders more time to enjoy the spring conditions. On Mt Ruapehu, Tūroa announced plans to continue until 25 October, subject to conditions, with fresh snow reported again during its final weeks.
Every mountain had its own season
There were also welcome season extensions. Snow Farm announced an additional two weeks of winter operations, moving its closing date from 13 September to 27 September after fresh snowfall improved coverage across the Pisa Range.
Cardrona extended iaThe national picture does not tell every ski field’s story. Some smaller areas faced a shorter winter, including Mt Cheeseman, where mild weather depleted essential lower-mountain snow cover and brought its season to an end in early September.
Even there, the club described 2026 as more positive than the previous year, with good days on the mountain and strong visitor support under its new operating model. That deserves a place in the season’s story too.ts season to 18 October, giving skiers and snowboarders more time to enjoy the spring conditions. On Mt Ruapehu, Tūroa announced plans to continue until 25 October, subject to conditions, with fresh snow reported again during its final weeks.
Looking towards another winter
There is plenty happening beyond the final chairlift ride. Mt Hutt announced a $12 million base-area expansion for summer 2026/27, with a larger heated deck, additional toilets, improved access and more food and beverage facilities expected for winter 2027.
For us, 2026 will be remembered for the July snow that got things moving, the regular August refreshes and the spring days that kept the season going. It took a little patience at the beginning, but there was plenty worth celebrating along the way.
