Snow Conditions September 2026
28 September update - late September storm delivers another big snow top-up
Another cold snap has swept across New Zealand, delivering a solid late-season top-up of fresh snow. You have to love this spring weather!
Sunday’s storm brought around 15-25cm or more across many South Island ski fields, Mt Hutt 22cm, Coronet peak 25cm and The Remarkables 18cm. Snow also fell on Mt Ruapehu, Tūroa 10cm and Whakapapa 5cm.
The storm continues what has been a very active spring, with regular cold fronts helping maintain some impressive late-season snow bases across the country.
Monday remains cold and windy, with lift disruptions still possible, while Mt Ruapehu could pick up another 5–10cm.
Conditions then improve from Tuesday, with lighter winds and plenty of sunshine expected across the South Island. Wednesday is also looking good, especially for anyone hoping to make the most of the fresh snow before another front arrives later in the week.
21 September update - Spring keeps delivering fresh snow
Spring is continuing its active run, with more fresh snow delivered over the weekend and more expected across New Zealand this week.
OpenSnow is forecasting 1-8cm for the South Island Monday night, followed by another 2-6cm across the Southern Lakes and Canterbury on Tuesday. Mt Ruapehu could then pick up 5–10cm on Wednesday.
More snow showers are possible later in the week, with Canterbury potentially seeing another 2-6cm on Friday.
Looking further ahead, OpenSnow is also watching a stronger system between 26 and 30 September, with Canterbury currently looking best placed for the larger totals.
The 2026 ski season certainly isn’t finished yet.
17 September update - Spring storm hits the South Island
Well, just when you thought the temperatures would start rising, the sun would come out and spring skiing would be everything you imagined, Mother Nature throws another storm at us – and of course, we welcome it with open arms.
South Island ski fields have picked up another good top-up of snow, adding to some already impressive bases. Cardrona recorded around 14cm, while the latest mountain reports show 25cm at the top of Saddle Basin and 7cm at the base at Treble Cone. Mt Hutt picked up 8cm, with The Remarkables recording 15cm and Coronet Peak 18cm through the system.
And this is falling onto some solid spring bases. Mt Hutt is currently sitting on around 189cm on the upper mountain, Cardrona on 112cm and Treble Cone on 150cm, while Tūroa is holding around 110cm up top.
So rather than spring slowly winding things down, the 2026 season seems determined to keep delivering fresh snow.
Unfortunately, we have also seen Porters Alpine Resort close for the season today.
September means spring skiing has arrived in New Zealand, however with the current weather you could thinking it's still winter!
September means spring skiing has arrived in New Zealand, however with the weather at present you could be confused in thinking it’s still winter!
After a strong August with plenty of snowfalls, many ski areas are heading into spring with deep snow bases and good snow coverage, although we have also seen some big rain events that have destroyed some lower trails and has unfortunately seen two club fields close last weekend.
Spring skiing is different from the middle of winter. Cold mornings can produce firm snow to start the day before sunshine and warmer temperatures gradually soften the surface. We love it!
With longer days, milder temperatures, September can be one of the most enjoyable times of the ski season.
Snow Conditions September 2026
7 September update - Spring skiing is here!
Spring might officially be here, but winter certainly hasn’t disappeared yet.
Fresh snow has continued to fall across several New Zealand ski areas during the first week of September. Importantly, that new snow is falling onto some substantial bases left behind by August.
Snow Conditions September 2026 - base and snowfall totals, 7 September
| Ski field | Snow base | Last Snowfall - 7 days |
|---|---|---|
| Whakapapa | 80cm | 15cm |
| Tūroa | 110cm | 10cm |
| Coronet Peak | 80cm | 2cm |
| The Remarkables | 130cm | 35cm |
| Cardrona | 115cm | 22cm |
| Treble Cone | 140cm | 7cm |
| Mt Hutt | 189cm upper | 15cm |
