After one area opened for a weekend following heavy snowfall earlier this month, New Zealand's (and the southern hemisphere's) 2026 ski season proper is due to get underway this weekend at two ski areas.
Whakapapa and Coronet Peak ski centres will launch their seasons on the country's North and South Islands thanks to their all-weather snowmaking machines, Coronet Peak's is new this year.
Coronet Peak plans to open from tomorrow, Friday 29th May, earlier than ever before, thanks to their brand new TechnoAlpin Snow Factory. Their 'Early Winter Opening' with conveyor lifts (10am–3pm) will run until 12 June when the mountain will begin full winter operations.
Over the first fortnight the resort promises, beginner terrain will be open and that there'll also be "snow play magic".
To mark the occasion the resort has announced a number of fun events including staging a Suitcase Race this Saturday, which they describe as, "…a winter throwback where contestants race down a marked course in or on a suitcase."
"Contestants will race down a marked course in or on a suitcase, it's all about speed, balance, and a touch of winter magic as participants glide, slide, and send it to the finish line as fast as they can," a spokesperson explained.