Skiing and Snowboarding in New Zealand Ski Resorts
New Zealand - Ski Resorts
New Zealand's skiing scene is characterized by its breathtaking landscapes and varied terrain, offering a unique blend of experiences for snow sports enthusiasts. The Southern Alps serve as the primary skiing destination, with notable resorts like Queenstown and Wanaka. From the adrenaline of Coronet Peak to the family-friendly slopes of Cardrona, New Zealand caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
The ski season runs from June to October, with quality snow conditions largely due to the country's diverse geography. The ski fields are complemented by vibrant après-ski activities, including local culinary delights and stunning mountain vistas.
Most Forecast Snow
There is no significant snow forecast for ski resorts in New Zealand today (Monday 17th November).
New Zealand Snow ForecastsPartner Offers
Ski resorts for Beginners in New Zealand
Beginners can enjoy the resorts like Cardrona and The Remarkables, which offer gentle slopes, expert instruction, and dedicated beginner areas to build confidence and skills.
Ski resorts for Families in New Zealand
Family-friendly resorts such as Cardrona and Mt. Hutt provide a range of activities beyond skiing, including snow parks and childcare facilities, making them ideal for families looking to enjoy winter sports together.
Ski resorts for Experienced Skiers in New Zealand
Experienced skiers will find challenging runs at resorts like Coronet Peak and Treble Cone, known for their advanced trails and off-piste options.
Ski areas with off-piste, freeride and out-of-bounds terrain in New Zealand
For off-piste enthusiasts, Mt. Hutt and Treble Cone are favored destinations, offering vast backcountry terrain and expert-level slopes that allow for exploration of untouched powder and extraordinary views.
Ski Areas for reliable snow in New Zealand
Those seeking reliable snow conditions will appreciate the high-altitude resorts like Whakapapa and Turoa, known for their snow-sure status and extensive terrain that usually remains accessible throughout the ski season.
Find out about the skiing in New Zealand, in our comparison of New Zealand Ski Resorts, below. Sort by suitability, altitude, piste length, etc.
New Zealand Snow Reports
November 17, 2025
There is no snow forecast for New Zealand. To view the latest weather predicted for New Zealand Ski Resorts, see below.
See all Snow Forecasts for New Zealand.
The Best Ski Resorts in New Zealand
| Ski Resort | Pistes | Top | Beginn. | Interm. | Experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broken River | - | 1,820m 5,971ft | - | - | - |
| Cardrona | - | 1,894m 6,214ft |  | |  |
| Coronet Peak | - | 1,649m 5,410ft | | | |
| Craigieburn | - | 1,811m 5,942ft | - | - | - |
| Fox Peak | - | 1,850m 6,070ft | - | - | - |
| Hanmer Springs | - | 1,850m 6,070ft | - | - | - |
| Manganui | - | 1,680m 5,512ft | - | - | - |
| Mount Cheeseman | - | 1,874m 6,148ft | - | - | - |
| Mount Dobson | - | 2,046m 6,713ft | | | |
| Mount Hutt | - | 2,080m 6,824ft |  | | |
| Mount Lyford | - | 1,750m 5,741ft | - | | - |
| Mount Olympus (NZ) | - | 1,880m 6,168ft | - | - | - |
| Mount Ruapehu | - | 2,300m 7,546ft | |  | |
| Ohau Snow Fields | 2km 1 miles | 1,825m 5,988ft | - | - | - |
| Porter Heights | - | 1,980m 6,496ft | | - | |
| Rainbow | - | 1,800m 5,906ft | | | |
| Roundhill | - | 2,133m 6,998ft | - | - | - |
| Snow Farm | - | 1,520m 4,987ft | - | - | - |
| Temple Basin | - | 1,753m 5,751ft |  | | |
| The Remarkables | - | 1,940m 6,365ft | - | | - |
| Treble Cone | - | 1,960m 6,430ft | | | |
| Tukino | - | 1,890m 6,201ft | - | - | - |
| Turoa | - | 2,320m 7,612ft | | | |
| Whakapapa | - | 2,300m 7,546ft | | | |
The Ski Resorts of New Zealand
Compare the top ski areas for ski area size, altitude, and suitability for beginner, intermediate and expert skiers.
Top 10 Highest altitude ski resorts in New Zealand
The highest altitude ski resorts in New Zealand, by base / resort altitude.
| Ski Resort | Resort |
|---|---|
| Cardrona | 1,504m 4,934ft |
| Hanmer Springs | 1,432m 4,698ft |
| Mount Cheeseman | 1,540m 5,052ft |
| Mount Dobson | 1,692m 5,551ft |
| Mount Ruapehu | 1,625m 5,331ft |
| Ohau Snow Fields | 1,425m 4,675ft |
| Rainbow | 1,437m 4,715ft |
| Temple Basin | 1,410m 4,626ft |
| The Remarkables | 1,620m 5,315ft |
| Tukino | 1,700m 5,577ft |
Top 10 Highest lift-served ski areas in New Zealand
The highest lift-served skiing in New Zealand, by the highest lift (top) altitude.
| Ski Resort | Top |
|---|---|
| Cardrona | 1,894m 6,214ft |
| Mount Dobson | 2,046m 6,713ft |
| Mount Hutt | 2,080m 6,824ft |
| Mount Ruapehu | 2,300m 7,546ft |
| Porter Heights | 1,980m 6,496ft |
| Roundhill | 2,133m 6,998ft |
| The Remarkables | 1,940m 6,365ft |
| Treble Cone | 1,960m 6,430ft |
| Turoa | 2,320m 7,612ft |
| Whakapapa | 2,300m 7,546ft |
Best ski areas for Beginners in New Zealand
The best beginner ski areas in New Zealand, rated according to the availability of easy slopes and ski schools.
| Ski Resort | Beginn. |
|---|---|
| Cardrona | |
| Coronet Peak | |
| Mount Dobson | |
| Mount Ruapehu | |
| Porter Heights | |
| Rainbow | |
| Treble Cone | |
| Turoa | |
| Whakapapa | |
Top 10 Best ski areas for Intermediate Skiers in New Zealand
The best intermediate ski resorts in New Zealand, rated by the length and number of easy to moderate ski runs.
| Ski Resort | Interm. |
|---|---|
| Cardrona | |
| Mount Dobson | |
| Mount Hutt | |
| Mount Lyford | |
| Mount Ruapehu | |
| Rainbow | |
| The Remarkables | |
| Treble Cone | |
| Turoa | |
| Whakapapa | |
Top 10 Best ski areas for Expert Skiers and Snowboarders in New Zealand
The best ski areas for Advanced and Expert skiers and boarders in New Zealand, rated by the availability of steep pistes and/or the accessibility of freeride and off-piste terrain.
| Ski Resort | Experts |
|---|---|
| Cardrona | |
| Coronet Peak | |
| Mount Dobson | |
| Mount Hutt | |
| Mount Ruapehu | |
| Porter Heights | |
| Temple Basin | |
| Treble Cone | |
| Turoa | |
| Whakapapa | |
New Zealand
Our New Zealand Ski Resort pages include Skiing Facts, Snow Reports and Forecasts (for most major ski resorts), local accommodation and online ski hire booking (where available) for 24 Ski Resorts in New Zealand.
You can find the major ski stations listed on the Top New Zealand Ski Resorts page, ranked according to various criteria.