Baby it’s cold outside, and for the carvers and shredders out there that can mean only one thing: ski season!

The crisp mornings kicked off in May, leaving fresh powder up the mountains and setting the snowy scene for a wicked winter of mountain sports. The ski fields are stoked at the prospect of international borders opening up, and it’ll be great for the après and mountain party scene to have the global ski bunnies back in town.

Mt Hutt is leading the charge – technically open since June 10, but a little delayed by a massive snowstorm. If you missed the chance last season to check out the new high-speed eight-seater chair lift, get in for even more access and snow time in 2022. Mt Hutt is also running a special full moon skiing event on June 11, where you can enjoy two hours of epic moonlight mountain runs.

Down in Queenstown’s snow country, Coronet Peak is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a special five-day programme of events including a Champagne long lunch, live music, night skiing with fireworks, the Dash for Cash, and the 48th Meadow Fresh Dog Derby. Cardrona has probably the country’s freshest trail, Willows, which opened only briefly in 2021 before lockdown. It’s 65 hectares’ worth of undulating intermediate terrain with an all-new outlook over Queenstown and Arrowtown.

Where to ski in Canterbury

We're spoiled here, with big boy Mt Hutt keeping us in snow even when mother nature doesn't play ball. The five ski fields on the Arthur's Pass road offer more adventurous terrain in a fun, welcoming environment, and the two fields near Hanmer Springs are some the country's most loveable clubbies.
Check the fields' websites and Facebook pages before you plan your trip - they'll have their latest snow conditions and opening details.

Broken River Ski Area has wide slopes, rolling bowls and steep chutes alongside a terrain park offer great skiing and riding. The backcountry run down Allan’s Basin ending in the car park is the ultimate finish to your day.

Craigieburn Valley. This off-piste alpine playground offers steep narrow chutes, wide open powder bowls and uncrowded runs for intermediate and advanced, plus a ‘suicidal’-rated triple black diamond descent!

Hanmer Springs Ski Area is a club ski area with learners’ slopes and off-piste challenges. Snowboarders find natural and groomed pipe riding and there is on-field backpacker accommodation as well as ski and snowboard hire.

Mt Cheeseman. The closest club ski area to Christchurch has great park features and extensive backcountry skiing. Mt Cockayne offers challenging off-piste and stunning views of the Craigieburn Range.

Mt Hutt. Long runs in a mix of terrain, a well-developed trail network, five terrain parks, a range of black runs, steep chutes and excellent facilities. Mt Lyford. The Wild Ride Terrain Park, suitable for all abilities, plus advanced skiing in the Terako Basin make for great snow days. Stay the night in a rustic log chalet with hot tubs at the bottom of the mountain. Mt Olympus has chutes, steeps and open faces plus a huge natural terrain park. The on-mountain lodge (with a chef, a hot tub overlooking the slopes, and a dress-up box) adds to the social atmosphere.

Porters has an excellent snow sports school and learners area. Advanced riders love the legendary Bluff Face and Big Mama runs.

Temple Basin, in the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park, is accessible by a 50-minute scenic walk. Floodlit night-skiing, a huge natural terrain park and modern lodges just metres from the lifts.

Short trips: Mackenzie District

Just a quick drive to the Mackenzie District opens up a whole new area for skiing, with a ton of highlights. Lake Ōhau Lodge is one of the best spots to stay in the country, and the mountains offer unparalleled views over Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook.

Fox Peak Ski Area has big, wide-open faces and fabulous hidden basins, plus a park for beginners. Over half of Fox Peak consists of long, adventurous blue runs and you’ll also find a cosy 40-bed backpacker lodge.

Mt Dobson Ski Area is famous for all-day sunshine, Mount Dobson also has a large learner and intermediate area, advanced runs with miles of untracked powder, and a natural half-pipe.

Ōhau Snow Fields are home to the famous Ōhau Snowball event in September, Ōhau features a snow mat for learners and exciting terrain in superb powder areas for intermediates and advanced skiers. Awesome off-piste bowls and chutes and incredible views.

Roundhill Ski Area has smooth, wide trails for beginners and intermediates, and advanced terrain for experts. The Central Park features rails, boxes and jumps. Park in the sun on the slopes and bring your BBQ.

Skiing further afield

New Zealand's most famous ski resorts line the hills around the Southern Lakes, Queenstown and Wānaka, and pumping Queenstown can add a party or luxury vibe to your ski holiday. Wānaka is a bit more toned down, and its natural beauty is sure to capture your heart.

Snow Farm Ski Area offers first-class cross-country skiing (day and night) on more than 50 kilometres of groomed trails. Also tubing, sledding, snowshoeing and two backcountry huts for overnight trips.

The Remarkables. Fun, families and freestyle. Catering for learners and intermediates, The Remarkables offers awesome backcountry trails and three terrain parks including The Stash Burton Park. Treble Cone Ski Area. The South Island’s largest ski area offers slopes for all abilities; from beginners’ slopes and wide groomed trails through to free-riding terrain.

Cardrona Alpine Resort is an incredible playground for freestylers. Slope facilities include terrain parks, a gravity-cross course, half-pipes and wide-open groomed trails. Coronet Peak's night skiing and First Tracks ensure the field has long daily operating hours. Snowboarders relish the natural features, while skiers love the rolling terrain and gullies.

Nelson's single ski field overlooks Nelson Lakes National Park - a true gem. Rainbow Ski Area has wide, uncrowded slopes, groomed trails, a terrain park and high-powder runs and chutes provide superb terrain for all levels. Spectacular views across Lake Rotoiti and Nelson Lakes National Park.

The North Island is as close as you'll get to an overseas ski holiday while staying in New Zealand. Whakapapa and Tūroa are now covered by one ski pass, so you can explore all of Ruapehu's extensive terrain.

Tūroa Ski Area is New Zealand’s highest ski area with three main off-piste areas and a four-kilometre run plus three all-level terrain parks. Skiers love Turoa’s snow-filled bowls and steep chutes.

Whakapapa Ski Area is New Zealand’s largest ski area with 35 groomed trails, off-piste terrain for intermediates and advanced, and tobogganing and tubing.

Tukino Ski Field is and uncrowded club ski field nestled on Mount Ruapehu and sheltered from wind. Snowboarders, alpine climbers and skiers all flock here. On-field accommodation available.

Manganui Ski Area. Taranaki’s only ski area has two natural half-pipes offering great snowboarding and awesome terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers. Head down after a day’s boarding and go surfing!