New Zealand is an attractive solution for skiers who are already waiting for winter in spring to carve down the slopes with gusto and have a healthy dose of wanderlust. After all, the island nation is located in the southern hemisphere and therefore has plenty of snow in the mountains during the European summer months, just waiting to be explored by winter sports enthusiasts. Reason enough for SnowTrex to put together five good reasons why ski holidays to New Zealand are literally always worth a trip.
1. Winter fun on an active volcano
The largest and also one of the best ski resorts in New Zealand is called Whakapapa. Unlike almost all other ski resorts in New Zealand, it is located on the North Island at an altitude of up to 2,300 metres. Another special feature is its location on Mt Ruapehu, a volcano and, at 2,797 metres, the highest mountain on the North Island in the Tongariro National Park. On a clear day, skiers in Whakapapa also have a fantastic view over the hilly forest landscape of Whanganui National Park to the west coast with the volcano Mt Egmont. A total of 44 kilometres of pistes and 8 lifts are available to guests, making Whakapapa one of New Zealand’s best ski resorts for advanced skiers with many unprepared freeride slopes.
For beginners, however, there are some skiable slopes in the area of the valley station, and winter sports enthusiasts should have been on skis for a few days for the descents in the upper part of the volcano. Overall, the ski season in New Zealand lasts from mid-June to the end of October.
2. Fun on the slopes while following in the footsteps of ski pros
The Coronet Peak Ski Area has been in existence since 1947 and today offers 40 kilometres of pistes, just like one of New Zealand’s best-known ski resorts – Cardrona, of all levels of difficulty, which are accessible via 8 lifts and cable cars. As the only night skiing area in the island nation, 10 kilometres of slopes are floodlit every Wednesday and Friday between 4 and 9 pm during the season. DJs also play on the edge of the piste, creating even more atmosphere.
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Otherwise, Coronet offers everything a skier’s heart desires when skiing on the South Island in New Zealand, from well-kept accommodation to well-groomed pistes. The challenging ski resort is also the venue for numerous FIS races and a training centre for World Cup teams. There is also a perfectly developed fun park with two FIS halfpipes.
3. Family and beginner-friendly pistes
Not far from Coronet Peak is the sister ski area, The Remarkables. Here, the name says it all: this ski area is very high by New Zealand standards at 1,622 m to 1,943 m and is characterised by some of the most beautiful views in the Southern Alps. It is made up of three valleys surrounded by mountain peaks, known as “bowls”, which provide pistes for all levels of ability. But above all for beginners, who will find some very easy runs and four comfortable chairlifts in the ski area with its 20 kilometres of pistes. The Remarkables is therefore an extremely family- and beginner-friendly ski area. However, in addition to the beginner slopes around the “Base” valley station, there are also difficult off-piste slopes in the “Shadow Basin”. Otherwise, The Remarkables with its two fun parks is also very popular with snowboarders and freeskiers.
4. Sunshine skiing included
One of New Zealand’s most popular and best-rated ski resorts is located on Mt. Hutt at an altitude of up to 2,086 metres, where a total of 40 kilometres of pistes await, most of which are classified as intermediate. The ski area is served by 5 comfortable lifts, which winter sports enthusiasts can use to commute safely to the slopes. One of the highlights of Mt. Hutt is by far the fact that it has a particularly high number of sunny days thanks to its location, making the ski area one of the sunniest of its kind in New Zealand! What’s more, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the slopes for longer than average, as the ski season lasts from June to October.
5. Heliskiing on Aoraki
A special treat for extremely advanced skiers should not be missing from the presentation of New Zealand’s ski areas: Heliskiing on Mt. Cook, or “Aoraki” in the Maori language, which is New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3,754 metres. The mountain is located in the Mt. Cook National Park, 40% of which is covered by glaciers. At 27 kilometres long, the Tasman Glacier is the best-known glacier and the closest to the summit. It is also one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. When heliskiing, the weather is first checked early in the morning and, if conditions are favourable, participants are flown to the starting point. There they are equipped with avalanche beepers and receive a safety briefing. They then head down into the valley in unspoilt nature.
FAQ about skiing in New Zealand
When is the best time to ski in New Zealand?
The ski season in New Zealand in the southern hemisphere lasts from mid-June to the end of October in the European summer. During this time, New Zealand’s ski resorts offer excellent snow conditions, especially in the months of July and August, which are considered peak season.
What are the best ski resorts for beginners in New Zealand?
The Remarkables and Cardrona are ideal for beginners. The Remarkables offers easy runs and four comfortable chairlifts, while Cardrona has wide and long pistes that are perfect for beginners.
Are there ski resorts in New Zealand that also offer night skiing?
Yes, Coronet Peak is the only ski resort in New Zealand that offers night skiing. Every Wednesday and Friday during the ski season, 10 kilometres of slopes are floodlit from 4pm to 9pm, making for a unique skiing experience.
Where can winter sports enthusiasts go heliskiing in New Zealand?
Heliskiing in New Zealand is possible on Mt. Cook (Aoraki), the country’s highest mountain at 3,754 metres. Mt Cook National Park offers unspoilt nature and breathtaking deep snow runs for advanced skiers.
What special landscapes and views does skiing in New Zealand offer?
New Zealand offers unique landscapes, including skiing on the active volcano Mt Ruapehu in the Whakapapa ski area and the breathtaking views of the Southern Alps from The Remarkables. These scenic highlights make skiing in New Zealand a real tip and an unforgettable experience.
