The New Zealand ski season has arrived, with fresh snow, improving conditions and more terrain now open across the country
After a slow start to the ski season, ski fields are reporting good on-trail skiing, with early-season coverage available off-trail. Further snowfall is still needed for a top up, but the skiing is looking good for the weeks ahead.
Several storm systems have now delivered useful snow across New Zealand, including the North Island, improving coverage and allowing ski fields to open more lifts and trails – just in time for the school holidays.
Fresh snow reached the Southern Lakes, with Cardrona, Treble Cone, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak all receiving welcome top-ups. Further snow has continued to fall in places, refreshing open trails and improving the overall skiing and snowboarding experience.
Canterbury received some staggering totals during the last storm cycle in early July, with Mt Hutt and Roundhill both reporting significant snowfall. Porters, Mt Dobson and Ōhau also benefited, while Tekapo is looking like a winter wonderland. To quote our own social media, conditions are “primo” across the South Island.
Mt Ruapehu ski season open
Snow conditions for New Zealand ski fields
| Ski field | Overnight | Last 24 hrs | 7 days | Snow base |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coronet Peak | 30cm | 30cm - Upper Base | ||
| The Remarkables | 20cm | 15-60cm | ||
| Treble Cone | 4cm | 10cm | 10cm | 54cm |
| Cardrona | 8cm | 8cm | 37cm - 1800m | |
| Mt Hutt | 97cm | 133cm - Upper Base | ||
| Whakapapa | 3cm | 25cm - Top of Knoll T-bar | ||
| Tūroa | 5cm | 15cm | 50cm - Upper Base |
The difference from the opening weeks of winter is clear
More ski fields, including club fields such as Roundhill, Hanmer Springs and Broken River, are now operating. Additional terrain is opening on most ski areas, and the mountains are beginning to look and feel properly wintry.
Conditions will continue to vary between ski fields and across different parts of each mountain. Some off-trail terrain remains limited, while wind, visibility and changing weather can affect lift operations at short notice. Skiers and snowboarders should continue to check individual mountain reports before travelling, particularly during unsettled weather.
However, there is now good skiing available across much of the country, so it is time to dust off the skis and get amongst it. The school holidays finish this week, which may also mean quieter mountains in the days ahead.
After the patience required through May and June, the 2026 New Zealand ski season is now properly underway.
