New Zealand ski fields have received a much-needed top-up of snow after a slow and mild start to the 2026 winter season
The last 48 hours have brought colder temperatures, snow and a more winter-like feel across parts of the country’s alpine areas. It is welcome news for ski areas that have been waiting for both natural snow and better snowmaking conditions.
Several New Zealand ski fields have had opening dates delayed this season due to limited snow cover and temperatures too mild for snowmaking. While this latest snowfall will not open entire mountains overnight, it does help ski areas get beginner terrain, learner areas and snow play options open.
Winter is starting to arrive
The Remarkables reported 10-15cm of wind-affected snow, with drifts of up to 60cm in places. Combined with recent snowmaking, The Remarkables is opening on the 27th June with a limited learner-area opening.
Coronet Peak is open, they have received 12cm of snow in the past 36hrs and their snow guns have been pumping out the goods since then as well.
Cardrona has opened today, the 26th June, with limited facilities; Learner Conveyors & Beginners’ Area and the Early-season terrain park.
Treble Cone is on hold, unfortunately it seems to have missed this snowfall.
Mt Hutt has plans to open this Saturday the 27th June with the Nor’west Express and Magic Carpet.
Please note that snow amounts have been taken from individual ski field websites.
For skiers and snowboarders, this is the update many have been waiting for. After weeks of watching webcams and hoping for colder weather, the mountains are finally starting to look more like they should in late June.
With colder temperatures back in the forecast, snowmaking crews should have more opportunities to keep adding to the base over the coming days.
For some New Zealand ski fields, winter finally feels like it is starting to arrive.