Where to go skiing in New Zealand
Make like a Kiwi and grab winter by the horns with a trip to NZ. But knowing which epic ski area to shred first can be a bit of a mission. Until now, that is. So check out Dope Mag’s guide to the best ski resorts in New Zealand – and thank us later.
Why limit riding to the Northern Hemisphere? Instead, head to Middle Earth, and you’ll quickly get why so many riders place New Zealand at the top of their bucket lists. After all, what’s not to love? We’re talking about insane terrain, out-of-this-world freeriding, and knock-you-sideways scenery. In short, NZ serves up pure epicness (that’s totally a word!). And it’s yours for the taking.
Okay, the size of New Zealand’s ski areas might not blow you away compared to North American ski resorts. However, there aren’t many other places you can ride down active volcanoes or lay freshies in Gandalf’s footsteps. You also can’t beat that Skiwi culture (yep, that’s actually a thing). Believe us: we’ve tried.
But where do you hit first for breaking out your new women's ski jackets or men's ski jackets? Should you go to the North or South Island? Don’t worry – we’ve rounded up the best ski resorts in New Zealand for you to ride your legs off, dose up on adrenaline, and shred all the way down. Oh, and FYI, we also mention ski fields throughout this article. It’s the down-under lingo for ski slopes. So, now that you know, let’s dive into our guide.
Top 25 ski resorts in New Zealand
When’s the best time to ski and snowboard in New Zealand?
It all depends on which island you’re heading to. You see, the South Island ski resorts typically open in late June and finish in mid-October. However, the season on the North Island starts around the same time but ends a touch later in late October/early November.
Whichever island you visit, waiting for peak snowpack is best. You can typically bet that this will be around mid-August to mid-September. You’ll also probably want to swerve the crowds during the school holidays, right? If that’s the case, stay clear of the slopes in late July and the end of September.
Oh, and you don’t need to swap your lift ticket when visiting New Zealand ski resorts! That’s because resorts like Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Mt Hutt are on the Ikon Pass, while Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are also on the Mountain Collective Pass. So, you can ride straight from Copper Mountain, Colorado to Coronet Peak, NZ without removing your ticket from your jacket sleeve. Nice! And let’s not forget, Tūroa and Whakapapa are part of the Powder Alliance.
Plus, if you’re planning to road-trip around New Zealand, you’ll definitely want a Chill Pass. This is available as a five, seven, ten, or 30-day pass, and gives you the flexibility to ride The Clubbies (club ski fields) in one hit, such as Broken River, Rainbow, Mt Dobson, Craigieburn Valley, Temple Basin, and more. You can also get your hands on the 3 Peak Pass to ride Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Mt Hutt.
Dope Mag’s best ski resorts and ski fields in New Zealand
You might want to make a coffee for this one because we’ve rounded up 25 of the best ski resorts in New Zealand. Yep, these cover our favorite club ski fields, commercial ski resorts, and family-run ski areas from across the North and South Island. And, above every resort, you’ll notice a list of awards. These highlight each destination’s top traits, ranging from ‘family-friendly’ to ‘advanced terrain’, ‘snow quality’ and ‘nightlife’ (because you have to try those NZ beers and wines).
FYI, we haven’t ranked these ski resorts in any specific order. This is an ultimate list rather than a ranking from top to bottom. Instead, we’ve used award badges under each resort’s name to highlight each ski resort’s best aspects, helping you find a destination that meets your needs.
Tūroa
- Location: Mount Ruapehu, North Island
- 1,235 acres of rideable terrain
- 42 trails
- 5 lifts
- 2,369 feet of vertical drop
- 13 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Flexi Pass, Powder Alliance
Ride on New Zealand’s largest active volcano in Tūroa (Mt Ruapehu) – and don’t forget to upload it to your feed! This commercial ski resort is in a pretty sick location and is a rad place to learn to shred, lay freshies, and dive head-first into après.
Those after a challenge will love Tūroa. That’s all thanks to its high elevation, offering shed loads of snow, tricky terrain, and tons of bowls and chutes. Just jump on the High Noon Express (NZ’s highest chairlift) and drop into Tūroa’s 2,369-foot descent. In fact, this is the longest vertical drop in New Zealand and Australasia! So ‘yews’ on the way down are pretty much guaranteed. Intermediates won’t complain, either, with 1,235 acres to rip. Plus, park pros will find some of the North Island’s best features in Tūroa. And beginners have a fat slice of the pie, too, with Alpine Meadow, a dedicated learning area at the base, and three beginners’ trails further up the hill (when you’re ready).
In short, it’s hard to find a rider who doesn’t sing Tūroa’s praises. That means things can get snug during the weekends, though, when crowds descend from Auckland and Wellington. But you know what that equals? Party central! Tūroa delivers the après goods with places like Matterhorn, Tūroa Lodge, and Altitude 585. There are also restaurants throughout the mountain, serving knock-you-sideways mountain views with your L&P (Lemon & Paeroa). Okay, so inding lodging here is challenging. However, venture to the town of Ohakune, 30 minutes away, and fill your boots.
Top tip: Pray for a storm. No, seriously. After a good one, Tūroa’s upper mountain transforms into a pow playground with almost unlimited lines to choose from!
Tukino Skifield
- Location: Mount Ruapehu, North Island
- 420 acres of rideable terrain
- 20 trails
- 3 lifts
- 1,115 feet of vertical drop
- 10 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass
Picture this: it’s a bluebird day, there are freshies underfoot – but not a soul around. Oh, and you’re also on Mt Ruapehu, an active volcano. Yep, we can only be talking about Tukino, a club-operated ski field and one hell of a hidden gem – with no crowds!
Okay, Tukino is for the more adventurous souls. That’s because only three gnarly rope tows take you up the mountain. But being adventurous doesn’t mean you have to have advanced skills. In fact, 35% of Tukino’s terrain is marked as beginner, 30% intermediate, and 35% advanced. There are also ski lessons available to sharpen your skills. And if your skills are top-notch, why not cat ski? It’ll give you access to around an extra 600 incacres of playground to play with, and Tukino Ski Patrollers are on hand to show you the best spots! Plus, you pay per cat ride, making the total trip incredible bang for your buck (well, unless you go mental!).
If you’re addicted to your phone and doom scrolling, you might struggle in Tukino. That’s because the whole area is off-grid with pretty much zero signal. However, why scroll TikTok when you can shred those trails? Tukino is definitely the best place for a social media detox and riding binge rolled into one.
Top tip: Stay on the mountain for the true Kiwi experience (and insane value for money)! Tukino has three awesome ski-in, ski-out lodges, each housing up to 32 guests in bunk rooms. Your meals are included, too, but be prepared to help with cooking and cleaning.
Whakapapa
- Location: Mount Ruapehu, North Island
- 1,360 acres of rideable terrain
- 67 trails
- 16 lifts
- 2,215 feet of vertical drop
- 11 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Powder Alliance
Fan of Tolkien? How about Orlando Bloom? Either way, you’ll be stoked to hit Whakapapa — pronounced ‘fukka puppa’ — in Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the filming location for Mordor in The Lord of the Rings, and, well, it makes sense to set a fictional ring-destroying volcano on an actual volcano (Mt Ruapehu) …
Set on the highest mountain in the North Island (at 9,176 feet), Whakapapa is incredible for all levels of rider. So, if your crew is a mish-mash of abilities, they’re sorted here. Beginners will be especially stoked with Happy Valley, New Zealand’s biggest dedicated beginner area, set away from any advanced riders. Intermediates also have more than enough to play with. How do nearly 1,400 acres sound? Well, Whakapapa is the biggest ski field in New Zealand! And that’s not all – there’s a vertical descent of 2,215 feet alongside 24 thigh-burning black and diamond trails for the pros. But prepare for those T-bars – the upper mountain is full of them!
For catching ZZZs when the lifts stop spinning, Whakapapa has an awesome selection of club lodges at the base. Aim for Whakapapa Village (10 minutes away) or National Park if you fancy branching out. Our top tip is definitely the Chateau Tongariro in Whakapapa Village. It’s one of NZ’s most historic hotels with insane views of volcanic peaks (Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe). And don’t worry about driving to the slopes the next day – a shuttle takes you from the surrounding areas right to the base.
Top tip: Head into the backcountry and hike to the volcano’s Crater Lake. It’s epic. Oh, and check out the view of Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom). You’ll rub your eyes to check you’re not seeing things …
Manganui Ski Area
- Location: Taranaki, North Island
- 146 acres of rideable terrain
- 17 trails
- 5 lifts
- 1,378 feet of vertical drop
- 8 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass
Just because somewhere states itself as ‘no frills’ doesn’t mean there are zero thrills. In fact, boat-loads of thrills are exactly what you can expect at Manganui, a self-proclaimed ‘no-frills ski area’ with immense backcountry terrain. When it speaks about ‘frills’, it’s talking about the fact you have to hike uphill from the car park to the base while your gear hitches a ride on the equipment-only lift from the halfway point. Once at the base, two rope tows and a T-bar take you to the top.
And from the top, things get fun. That’s because Manganui delivers stellar off-piste adventures alongside intermediate to advanced terrain. Prepare for fun half-mile-long runs, two natural halfpipes, and around 1,378 feet of fall line from a ‘nutcracker’ rope tow (so, it delivers on steepness, then). With newbies? A small beginner area offers a solid place to learn – and get used to riding a T-bar!
Once you’ve ridden your legs off, Manganui’s on-mountain accommodation will take care of you. It’s self-catered, so don’t forget to BYOS (bring your own snacks). And if you get hungry on the hill, head for Manganui’s tuck shop – the pies are out of this world and provide epic carbs for refueling.
Top tip: Take your time with the top tow! If it’s your first go, sit on the get-on ramp and watch how other riders handle it. Then, let someone know you’re new so they can slow the lift down. As Manganui says, ‘practice makes perfect’. And don’t worry about stage fright – every skier and snowboarder there will be happy to help you out so you can enjoy the ride.
Coronet Peak Ski Area
- Location: Queenstown, Otago, South Island
- 692 acres of rideable terrain
- 46 trails
- 8 lifts
- 1,515 feet of vertical drop
- 6,5 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Ikon Pass, Mountain Collective Pass, 3 Peak Pass
Popularity meets panoramic views at Coronet Peak, just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, and slap-bang in the middle of the action. It might not be the biggest resort, but man, are the trails fun here. In fact, we challenge you to find a better playground for intermediates (50% of Coronet’s slopes are marked as intermediate). Coronet’s trails are some of the best in the world if you’re into cruising blues and straight-lining groomers.
If you’re starting out, try the Big Easy. More pro? It’s got to be Exchange Drop. And don’t stress about the elevation (or lack of). Coronet Peak is suited up with snow cannons and ready for any type of winter. And how could we talk about Coronet Peak without mentioning the stunning scenery? Your pupils will dilate to the max with sights of The Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and Lake Hayes.
At the base, facilities and services are a little thin on the ground. However, there’s pretty much everything you need, including restaurants, rentals, shopping, ski school, and childcare. And – believe it or not – there’s on-mountain accommodation – something that’s super rare in NZ! You can stay at Joel Lodge, a small lodge offering dorm-style accommodation. Planning to go big at après? Set your sights on Queenstown. Our favorite drinking holes are Rhino’s Ski Shack (an après-ski-themed bar) and The Bunker (awesome for cocktails!).
Top tip: If you’re staying in QT, stop by Little Blackwood on the waterfront of Lake Wakatipu. It’s our top pick for indulging in NZ wines (when in Rome, right?), mulled wine, and espresso martinis.
The Remarkables Ski Area
- Location: Queenstown, Otago, South Island
- 951 acres of rideable terrain
- 47 trails
- 7 lifts
- 1,535 feet of vertical drop
- 12 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Ikon Pass, Mountain Collective Pass, 3 Peak Pass
Chances are you’ve seen The Remarkables before – especially if you’ve ever seen a pic of Queenstown. That’s because this ski area and QT are surrounded by the Remarkables Mountain Range, some of NZ’s most photographed and majestic mountains. Honestly, they’re take-your-breath-away beautiful. But insane views aren’t all Remarks has to offer. In fact, we’re confident in saying it’s got something for everyone in your crew: from total newbies to pros and park rats.
The Remarkables isn’t the biggest ski area you’ll ever come across. However, this playground covers all bases. For beginners, kids, and families, there are more than enough trails for first-timers (30% are marked as beginner). Once they progress, it’s time to hit the wide-open runs up top and explore the 40% of the mountain aimed at intermediates. Itchy for a challenge? The Remarkables has you covered with tons of black runs (30%) and hikable backcountry areas that will make you feel like Travis Rice in The Art of Flight (well, kind of).
The Remarks Parks are where the magic really happens, though. Freestylers flock here to hit unique features and over 20 rails and jumps in one lap. Plus, there’s the advanced Big Line (with a 45-foot step-up jump), Medium Park, Beginner Park, and more. And when you need to rest (believe us, you will!), Remarks is ridiculously close to Queenstown – 35 minutes by car, to be exact. This is where you’ll have to lay your head and rehydrate with Jägerbombs, as there’s no on-mountain lodging at Remarkables.
Top tip: Ride the Burton Stash park! Jake Burton (RIP) and Craig Kelly personally designed this slice of legendary park heaven, one of only six in the world and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s made from organic, recycled materials featuring cliff drops, roof jibs, and concrete butter pads.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
- Location: Wanaka, Otago, South Island
- 853 acres of rideable terrain
- 101 trails
- 8 lifts
- 1,968 feet of vertical drop
- 9 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass
It’s rare to find a ski resort that has everything: jaw-dropping views, awesome terrain variety, and solid infrastructure. Oh, and let’s not forget a beautiful location. Enter Cardrona Alpine Resort. Honestly, this ski resort is a rad all-rounder, loved by families (kids under 10 ride for free!) through to your mate who’s done seven seasons of freeriding in Canada (although expert terrain is limited here).
And the height isn’t bad at Cards. In fact, it’s pretty respectable, clocking in at 6,102 feet. Well, it is the highest-altitude New Zealand ski resort, after all. And talking about elevation, how does catching air off mega kickers sound? Yep, Cardrona is home to Big Bucks Park, rated XL. This is one of New Zealand’s biggest terrain parks, with more boxes, rails, kickers, and halfpipes than you can hit in a week. So, park rats and freestyle-aficianados are sorted. See, we told you all riders love it here!
This ski resort offers sick facilities – including rare on-mountain accommodation – and is conveniently positioned halfway between Wanaka and Queenstown, two crazily epic towns. Don’t fancy the drive? No sweat – shuttles are available to take you from QT and Wanaka, both less than an hour away.
Top tip: When the snow gods deliver, aim for some more challenging terrain. Our faves are definitely the Arcadia, Powder Keg, and Secret Chute. Access them via Whitestar and Captain’s Express Quad, respectively, and prepare for a lil’ hike (about five minutes or so) before hitting the jackpot – AKA freshies galore!
Treble Cone Ski Area
- Location: Wanaka, Otago, South Island
- 1,359 acres of rideable terrain
- 45 trails
- 6 lifts
- 2,296 feet of vertical drop
- 18 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Chill Pass
Next, we’re heading to Treble Cone, the South Island’s largest ski area. This ski resort is home to some rad intermediate and expert terrain and has insane views of Mt Aspiring and Lake Wanaka. So, prepare to fill your camera roll and burn those thighs at the same time!
This isn’t the place for riders looking to take things easy. That’s because 45% of Treble Cone’s trails are marked as intermediate, while another 45% are rated advanced. And that’s over a whopping 1,359 acres, by the way, and plenty of vertical! However, Treble Cone does offer free access to the Magic Carpet and discounted tickets to the Platter Lift, so total novices have plenty to play with for a reduced price. Intermediates can also fill their boots with the long cruisey runs dotted around the mountain. Just watch out, as there is a big difference between the newbie and upper intermediate terrain.
Powder hunters will lap up Treble Cone with its shed loads of gullies, chutes, and grin-worthy descents. You won’t be dodging rocks, either. That’s all thanks to Treble Cone being home to New Zealand’s highest annual snowfall. Okay, so Treble Cone doesn’t have the cute, chocolate-box alpine village you might expect somewhere like Europe, however, the laid-back Wanaka and lively Queenstown are only a short drive away, with lots of restaurants, lodging, shops, and services between them.
Top tip: If scenery gets you stoked, ride the Raffles Run. It serves up epic views of Lake Wanka and across to Mt Aspiring. You’ll feel you’re standing on the edge of the world.
Awakino Ski Field
- Location: Canterbury, South Island
- 1,359 acres of rideable terrain
- 19 trails
- 3 lifts
- 902 feet of vertical drop
- 11 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Chill Pass
Wake up to Awakino! Yep, this awesome under-the-radar spot is well and truly off the tourist trail. That means pretty much zero crowds and acres of untouched pow (our favorite combo!). This petite club field is tucked away in St Marys Range and often bypassed by riders heading to Otago’s more famous ski fields. They’re 100% missing out, though. Well, not that we want it to become too popular – we love having the fields to ourselves!
If high-altitude black runs are your favorite riding niche, you’ll love Awakino. Don’t worry if that seems super advanced, as intermediate runs are dotted around lower down the mountain. However, off-piste is where Awakino really excels. There are seemingly endless ski touring trails and untracked snow to be had. And nothing comes close to that feeling of charging waist-deep pow down the gullies and rock towers of Glacier Basin.
It’s worth remembering that Awakino is only open on weekends. However, if it dumps and the conditions aren’t too sketchy, Awakino opens up for long weekend freshies. Yew! And you can rest those pow-ripped legs at The Lodge, Awakino’s 40 bunk, ski-in, ski-out accommodation. You’ll need to hurl down Arthur’s Run and the old access Tow Gulley to get to it. Then, after a day of insane riding, relax in the outdoor heated spa. Bliss.
Top tip: Don’t spill too much about this place. Seriously, a ‘busy’ day here is only around 10 people. So, keeping it on the DL means you’ll have those untouched powder fields to yourself for longer.
Broken River Ski Area
- Location: Craigieburn Range, Canterbury, South Island
- 2,224 acres of rideable terrain
- 25 trails
- 5 lifts
- 1,312 feet of vertical drop
- 15 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Chill Pass
Friendly locals, powder stashes all to yourself, and incredible bang for your buck. Nope, we’re not describing our dream ski resort. It turns out it already exists in the shape of Broken River.
Yep, this club ski field provides powder for days with zero crowds. That might be because people aren’t crazy about Broken River’s five rope tow lifts, so make sure your crew’s happy to tackle them (two are suitable for learners, though). And lil’ rippers will be a welcome addition to the trip, too – especially if they’re under 11, as they can ride for free. However, remember, Broken River’s terrain is best suited to expert and advanced skills with hella-steep drop-offs, basins, and chutes, so total newbies might want to stay clear.
Broken River is made for those who like an adventure and getting off the beaten track. That means not relying on fancy facilities. After all, Broken River’s day lodge is super basic with pretty stripped back food service. There’s on-mountain accommodation, though, ranging from backpacker-style to clean and basic. But when you’re surrounded by unbelievable terrain, high-quality snow, and the most laid-back, welcoming vibe ever, what more could you need?
Top tip: Only get stoked from gnarly lines? Then head to Allen’s Basin for some hair-raising backcountry runs. If that’s not crazy enough for ya, Craigieburn Valley is just a 15-minute hike away …
Craigieburn Valley Ski Area
- Location: Craigieburn Range, Canterbury, South Island
- 400 acres of rideable terrain
- 22 trails
- 4 lifts
- 1,958 feet of vertical drop
- 11 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Chill Pass
How does a 100% off-piste experience sound (i.e., zero grooming)? Pretty rad, right? Then head to Craigieburn Valley, a nirvana for expert riders and pumped-up powder hounds. And our favorite part? You won’t find huge crowds! Oh, and even better than that? It offers fantastic bang for your buck! There’s a reason riders refer to CV as deep, steep, and cheap.
Okay, if we had to critique Craigieburn Valley, we might say the only downside is that it only has three rope tows. However, this keeps the crowds away – and just wait until you reach the top. The tows are steep, taking you high enough to serve up 1,958 feet of vertical! After that, it’s pow-radise with long, dreamy runs of untracked pow, hella-fun chutes, and wide, open bowls. Honestly, you’ll feel like you’ve dropped out of a heli and are in your own ski film segment. And by that, we mean insane scenery but scare-yourself-stupid terrain. You’ll quickly understand why Craigieburn is called ‘The Big One’.
Remember, this is proper experts-only terrain – even intermediates will struggle here. But it’s the perfect place to pitch up and hike up. And it’s also a mecca for riders who like things laid-back and rustic. That’s because there’s only a basic lodge at the base with limited accommodation. That’s all part of its charm, though. Plus, it’s nestled in the trees, so perfect for yews through the glades on the way down. Just the way we like it.
Top tip: We know we’ve mentioned accommodation, but you really have to stay the night here! The vibes are epic with staff and guests dining together. You’ll meet new people and swap endless CV stories.
Mt Cheeseman
- Location: Craigieburn Range, Canterbury, South Island
- 400 acres of rideable terrain
- 10 trails
- 2 lifts
- 1,050 feet of vertical drop
- 13 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Chill Pass
Practice your carving skills at Mt Cheeseman, one of our fave places to perfect your technique. That’s all thanks to its groomed beginner and intermediate runs, making Mt Cheeseman a beautiful spot for families. There’s only a learners’ tow, two T-bar lifts, and 1,050 feet of vertical drop, however, this place is great for finding your groove – and taking things up a notch.
Yep, if off-piste is your jam, jump on the Ridge T-bar and shred the terrain up top. This is the place to head if you’re a powder hound in the know. While most pow addicts flock to Craigieburn Valley and Broken River, you can lap up as many freshies as you like at Mount Cheeseman. This terrain is strictly for intermediates and advanced riders, so make sure you’re okay with being off the beaten track and away from groomers and civilization.
When your legs have had enough, unwind in one of Mt Cheeseman’s three mountain lodges. If you choose Snowline Lodge, you’ll need your own sleeping bag and pillowcase and have to be okay with getting stuck in with the cooking and cleaning. Forest Lodge is more backpacker style (with an outdoor skating rink!), and Castle Hill Village is made up of holiday homes. On the mountain, you’ll have everything you need, including a day lodge with Cokayne Cafe, ski and snowboard lessons, gear hire, and more.
Top tip: Itching for backcountry? Drop over into Tarn Basin after a small hike. There, you’ll find more freshies than your legs can handle!
Mt Olympus
- Location: Craigieburn Range, Canterbury, South Island
- 140 acres of rideable terrain
- 6 trails
- 3 lifts
- 1,476 feet of vertical drop
- 15 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Chill Pass
Zero crowds and shed loads of pow. No, you’re not dreaming – you’ve just arrived at Mt Olympus. Yep, this laid-back mountain offers a huge slice of peace n’ powder. That’s all thanks to its south-facing basin, where snow builds up and the crowds stay away.
Mt Olympus is often called the ‘playground of the gods’. And it’s easy to see why, with its epic terrain and peaks. And it's the perfect intro to ski touring and days in the backcountry. Just hike a little (or tramp, as the Kiwis say) from one of the rope tows, and you’re met with an average snow depth of 15 feet. Strangely, it seems to be the rope tows that keep the crowds away, but it’s their loss as you huck mega lines and chutes off The Sphinx and Little Alaska.
There are only 140 acres to play with at Mt Olympus. But man, is it fun. And technically, all abilities can dive in here. After all, there is a beginners’ area, and 55% of the marked terrain is rated intermediate. However, you might want to take this with a pinch of salt (or snow). What Mt. Olympus classes as ‘beginner’ and ‘intermediate’ is pretty gnarly and definitely requires some skill to navigate efficiently.
Top tip: Hire a guide! You’ll probably arrive at Mt Olympus and wonder what all the fuss is about over a small ski field. However, these guys can show you the ropes (especially how to use the rope tows!) and where to hike for the best lines only locals know about. They can also drive you up the sketchy access road.
Fox Peak Ski Area
- Location: Canterbury, South Island
- 1,236 acres of rideable terrain
- 7 trails
- 5 lifts
- 1,903 feet of vertical drop
- 13 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Chill Pass
It’s definitely two thumbs up for Fox Peak on the Two Thumb Range between Queenstown and Christchurch. This ski field is an epic mix of groomed and ungroomed terrain over the ski area’s main face and its two secret gems: the North and South basins.
If you want to let loose on groomers, head for the North Basin. A Poma tow and four rope tows will take you to open-wide, hella-fun slopes. Looking for ungroomed terrain over a massive 1,236 acres? Aim for the South Basin for all the pow you could ever need. This is earmarked for advanced and expert riders, though. If you want one hell of a challenge, hike to the top of Fox Peak. Just beware, it takes about three to four hours to reach! However, the sense of achievement is worth it – as are the views on the ride down.
Oh, and we can’t believe we haven’t mentioned the best part yet – Fox Peak is pretty much deserted! So, when you’ve shredded as much pow as possible, lay your head at the Fox Lodge on Friday and Saturday nights for some serious peace and quiet. It’s not ski-in, ski-out, but it is fantastic bang for your buck with bunk rooms and a classic, friendly Kiwi vibe.
Top tip: Have energy left in the tank after hiking to the top? Traverse to Roundhill! You’ll need a car, though, to help you a bit of the way.
Hanmer Springs Ski Area
- Location: Canterbury, South Island
- 128 acres of rideable terrain
- 22 trails
- 3 lifts
- 1,017 feet of vertical drop
- 7 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass
Looking for some sweet, untouched pow without having to race for it? Aim for Hanmer Springs on Mt Saint Patrick. This private ski field near the thermal pool resort town keeps the crowds away – and the fresh tracks abundant.
In terms of riding, intermediates to advanced riders will excel at Hanmer Springs. It’s basically one wide, open bowl with a groomer to keep its dozen runs super high quality. But there’s also epic off-piste and backcountry opportunities throughout Hanmer Springs’ 128-acre area. Plus, there’s no better way to recharge after ripping than in Hanmer Springs’ thermal pools, only 11 miles away.
Hanmer Springs is super kind on the wallet with on-site accommodation (backpacker-style lodging) and tons of budget-friendly passes and promotions. Facilities are basic, with a small cafe, limited lessons and gear hire. But that’s all part of its charm and old-school skiing vibes.
Top tip: Brag you’ve ridden the Southern Hemisphere’s longest drag lift by jumping on the Poma Lift. It’ll transport you from the intermediate runs to the advanced ones in the Bordeaux Basin, taking you to the next level (literally).
Mt Dobson Ski Area
- Location: Canterbury, South Island
- 990 acres of rideable terrain
- 14 trails
- 3 lifts
- 1,361 feet of vertical drop
- 10 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Chill Pass
Mt Dobson is just below Roundhill Ski Area – an awesome place to ignite that shred spark and learn the slopes. There’s tons of room to link your turns and quickly progress along the wide trails, and you don’t have to worry about crowds or expensive ski lessons here.
Plus, Mt Dobson has a chairlift – unlike most ski fields around NZ! That’s music to newbies’ ears. And they’ll also appreciate Mt Dobson’s setup: a treeless basin that soaks up the sunshine. That doesn’t necessarily mean slush, though. Mt Dobson’s high elevation (well, compared to the rest of NZ) and cool temperatures ensure there’s no sweat over soft snow.
If you’re after something more advanced, traverse from the top of the chair or T-bar. There, you can drop into some gnarly terrain. There’s also a super fun natural halfpipe under the chair. And when the snow gods deliver? Zero crowds mean pow days are 100% deserted and 10,000% epic.
Top tip: Looking for the opposite of Queenstown vibes? Stay in Fairlie or Tekapo. These cute, charming towns are the closest to Mt Dobson and provide a quiet, laid-back atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
Mt Hutt Ski Area
- Location: Canterbury, South Island
- 902 acres of rideable terrain
- 40 trails
- 5 lifts
- 2,240 feet of vertical drop
- 13 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Ikon Pass, 3 Peak Pass
Mt Hutt stands head and shoulders above other NZ resorts. Literally. It’s the highest mountain on the South Island, rising to 7,185 feet. And being the highest mountain guarantees one thing: rad snow! Yep, head to Mt Hutt, and you can rely on freshies for days – even in spring!
Mt Hutt is also an awesome choice for families. Of course, that’s all thanks to the fact that kids under 5 can ride for free! Plus, there’s tons of room for beginners, and smooth, wide groomers for those intermediates across its 902 acres. If you’re into pushing yourself, though, Mt Hutt has a nice choice of off-piste blacks and more than enough terrain to entertain all day logn. In fact, with its vertical drop and steep pitch, you’ll soon understand why many call Mt Hutt the ‘capital of speed’. But if you want to catch some air instead, don’t worry – Mt Hutt has four terrain parks to play in!
Unfortunately, Mt Hutt has no on-mountain accommodation options. However, just stay in Methven, about 30 minutes away. You’ll find lots of lodging and restaurants there, all amazing bang for your buck. Also, don’t forget to swing by The Dubliner for a pizza and a pint of Guinness.
Top tip: Soak up those views from the summit! Amazing views of the ocean and the Canterbury Plains will greet you up top. It’s 100% one of our favorite places for a time-out.
Mt Lyford Ski Area
- Location: Canterbury, South Island
- 445 acres of rideable terrain
- 20 trails
- 6 lifts
- 1,644 feet of vertical drop
- 5 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Chill Pass
How about mixing some awesome descents with views of the ocean? That’s exactly what you get at Mt Terako’s summit, Mt Lyford’s highest point. Yep, Mt Lyford is an absolute beauty, offering 445 acres and hella-fun terrain for beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders (so, everyone, then!). Plus, there’s a terrain park to scratch that freestyle itch.
Mt Lyford is an awesome family-owned and operated ski field with incredible laid-back, super-friendly vibes. Surprisingly, though, it’s still quite an under-the-radar spot. And you know what that means? No crowds, baby! And, we can go one better than that – because of Mt Lyford’s location, it gets the goods (AKA pow) after a south-easterly storm while other ski fields lie bare. Beaut!
In classic NZ style, lifts are limited to a T-bar, a fixed-grip and rope tow, and two Poma tows. But you can totally deal with that once you fall for Mt Lyford’s big mountain vibes (especially when charging Mt Terako’s face). Admittedly, there are only 20 trails, however, some of them are groomed — and that’s not often guaranteed in Kiwi land — and there’s plenty of off-piste, too! When it comes to refueling, the basic mountain facilities have everything you could need, such as a cafe, gear hire, ski school, and a couple of canines for your doggo fix.
Top tip: After a pow session? Head up the Terako Rope Tow and make freshies over 1,476 feet of vertical drop. The definition of happiness, right?
Ōhau Snow Fields
- Location: Canterbury, South Island
- 250 acres of rideable terrain (from the top of Mt Sutton)
- 19 trails
- 3 lifts
- 1,312 feet of vertical drop
- 10 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass
Head for the border of Otago and Canterbury, and you’ll come across Ohau, a rad little snow field. It’s family-run and a respectable 250 acres (from the top of Mt Sutton), holding enough varied terrain to keep all riders stoked. But, weirdly, it’s still an undiscovered gem. So freshies are yours for the taking, then!
Beginners and intermediates will love it here – as will families. That’s because 20% of the trails are marked as beginner (with two dedicated beginner areas) and 50% as intermediate. However, most of the terrain is ungroomed, with a few hair-raising traverses and stomach-churning drops to keep advanced riders on their toes. Plus, if you want to earn your turns, there’s some awesome side and backcountry to explore. And for park rats? Two terrain parks. Don’t worry about variety equaling a hefty price tag, though! Ōhau offers excellent value, including things such as lift tickets, equipment hire, and ski and snowboarding lessons available to buy in different packages.
Ōhau overlooks Lake Ōhau for some pretty epic views. And that’s not all. There’s also a cafe, gear hire, lessons, and snowmaking facilities. And, you’re pretty much guaranteed to make friends at Lake Ōhau Lodge, thanks to its laid-back, friendly atmosphere. This place is incredible, with restaurant dining, a bar, hot tubs, and other rad facilities. You can stay here, too, in accommodation ranging from hotel-type rooms through to family suites.
Top tip: Tramp (the Kiwi word for ‘hike’) to the top of the Ridge Run. The views at the summit are insane – and offer an awesome place to catch your breath before scoring sidecountry pow.
Porters Alpine Resort
- Location: Canterbury, South Island
- 618 acres of rideable terrain
- 21 trails
- 6 lifts
- 2,224 feet of vertical drop
- 4 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Chill Pass
It’s rare to find a ski field loved by beginners and pros in equal measure. But that’s what Porters Alpine Resort is all about. Oh, and there’s a chairlift here, too.
Porters is pretty decent in size, with 618 acres to rip. You’ll find fab terrain for finding your feet alongside awesome beginners’ and progression packages that are as cheap as chips! And, if you’re looking for something that’ll make you question your sanity, Porters can deliver – take a T-bar to the top and traverse to some gnarlier trails below. Yep, Porters’ black runs are all off-piste, serving chutes and rocks alongside your goosebumps.
After one of those runs, you’ll probably want something to steady the nerves. Good thing Porters can deliver on the front, too, with Porters Cafe serving beers and wine. And, as it’s the nearest ski field to Christchurch, you can expect some fellow drinking buddies. Along with the main watering hole, Porters has a shop, lessons, gear hire, and grooming. Plus, there’s a community terrain park if you’re looking for air.
Top tip: It’s gotta be Big Mama! This run is famous in NZ thanks to its vertical drop of 2,034 feet – one of the largest and gnarliest in NZ.
Roundhill Ski Area
- Location: Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, South Island
- 1,400 acres of rideable terrain
- 32 trails
- 4 lifts
- 2,569 feet of vertical drop
- 7 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass
Feast your eyes on Roundhill in Lake Tekapo, a family-owned ski field that’s both scenic and epic (scepic?). Not only will the views of the super blue lake blow your mind, but you’ll ride against an incredible backdrop of the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook. Nice.
And there’s something for every type of rider over Roundhill’s massive 1,400 acres. Beginners and little ones can spark their shred addiction at Roundhill’s massive beginners’ area. Intermediates can rip around the mountain. While pros and powder hounds can take on an adventure with the Heritage Express Rope Tow, the world’s longest, steepest, and fastest rope tow. It takes you up ‘The Wall’. Yep, it’s as tough as it sounds. However, ‘The Wall’ lets you access New Zealand’s biggest vertical drop at a nerve-testing 2,569 feet (well, Turoa claims that title, too). But tackling that terrain is 100% something to upload to the Insta stories.
You won’t find any accommodation at the base. However, Tekapo is nearby, with a whole host of hotels, motels, B&Bs, backpacker-style accommodation, and more. Back on Roundhill’s hill is a cafe and the von Brown Hut, an epic spot for après thanks to the insane views!
Top tip: Bring your Eskie (chilly bin/cool bag)! That way, you can chill with chilled drinks at The Beach, Roundhill’s car park, which runs alongside the beginner slope. It’s the perfect place to pitch a deckchair and soak up those rays while your little ones soak up those skills.
Temple Basin Ski Area
- Location: Canterbury, South Island
- 640 acres of rideable terrain
- 22 trails
- 3 lifts
- 1,400 feet of vertical drop
- 10 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Chill Pass
Looking to raise the stakes in the South Island? Aim for Temple Basin, a remote mecca for advanced and expert riders. Yep, many claim this is an off-piste paradise. And by that, they mean charging steep faces and ski-movie-worthy big mountain terrain – especially if you hike up Mt Temple.
Don’t worry if you’re not Shane McConkey level. Temple Basin has plenty of beginner and intermediate trails. Remember, they’re not groomed, so you’ll be faced with off-piste runs from the first lap of the day. And prepare to up your step count as all riders have a 50-minute hike from the car park to the Temple Basin Ski Area (savage if you had to do it in ski boots!). No stress about carrying your gear or wearing your ski boots – just chuck them onto the equipment lift.
It’s only a one-way trek, though. And once you’re done riding for the day, crash in Temple Basin’s on-mountain backpacker-style lodging, with hot showers, a drying room, and a full-time chef. Oh, there’s also a bar – perfect for a craft beer and swapping stories with fellow adventurers about those limitless big mountain lines.
Top tip: Tie in your trip to Temple Basin with one of their exclusive events! Our favourite is definitely SplitFest, where splitboarders from all over the world travel to Temple Basin to ride together, improve their techniques, join workshops – and try to win the award for best line!
Rainbow Ski Area
- Location: Nelson Lakes, South Island
- 598 acres of rideable terrain
- 25 trails
- 4 lifts
- 715 feet of vertical drop
- 10 feet of snow per year
- Resort Pass, Chill Pass
Rainbow might seem remote, but this small commercial ski field has everything you could want: groomers, a ski school, snowmaking facilities, rentals, and a cafe with barista coffee. And, if park rats think their needs won’t be met, think again. Yep, Rainbow has a dedicated Rainbow Community Park with boat-loads of kickers and rails. Oh, and a tractor tire for jibbing, of course.
On the mountain, wide runs mean intermediates can really crank the gas. Just make sure you’re okay with tows and T-bars, as they’re the only lift options here (like most NZ ski fields). If you’re after some solitary pow laps, head for the West Bowl and Rainbow’s lift-accessible backcountry for high altitude runs and chutes.
And beginners and families will also love Rainbow. That’s all thanks to its mellow groomed trails providing plenty of space to progress from snowplough to parallel turns – and all without the crowds! And you don’t have to stress about snow conditions either. That’s all down to Rainbow’s height of over 5,774 feet. Plus, Rainbow’s extensive snowmaking tops up any coverage when needed.
Top tip: Looking to boss it in the backcountry? Make sure you let the Ski Patrol know! At Rainbow, every backcountry rider fills in a Backcountry Intentions Form (BIF) detailing their party and planned route. Then, at the end of the ride, call the patrol team to let them know you’re all safe and sound – otherwise, they’ll start a search and rescue!
Aoraki/Mount Cook
- Location: Canterbury, South Island
- N/A
- 1 rideable off-piste line
- 0 lifts
- 3,937 feet of vertical drop
- 32 feet of snow per year
- No lift ticket needed
Okay, how cool would it be to brag at après that you just ripped the face off New Zealand’s highest mountain? Set your sights on Aoraki/Mount Cook in the Aoraki/Mt Cook national park. This massive mountain has lured pro riders, thrill seekers, and climbers to its oxygen-sucking faces for years. And if you need an idea of how hardcore Mt Cook is, Sir Edmund Hillary, New Zealand’s mountaineering god, ascended Aoraki as a warmup to conquering Everest. Oh, and it’s also known as New Zealand’s deadliest peak. But we don’t want to put a downer on the whole thing…
Obviously, this mountain isn’t for the faint-hearted or Average Joes. It’s a big face for those with big ambitions. The heli drops you at Plateau Hut under Tasman and Aoraki’s towering faces. From there, you’ll skin for an hour (sometimes super early in the morning) before reaching the foot of Mount Cook’s East Face. Once you’ve reached the top with crampons and axes (we told you this was no easy task), you’ll take a deep breath and charge Mount Cook with its constant angle of 40-50 degrees, a vertical drop of 3,937 feet (*gulp*), and near bottomless powder. Leaving wide and deep turns on the face is a real pinch-me moment.
At the mountain’s base, you’ll find Mt Cook Village – an awesome place to recover from your hair-raising descent and the adrenaline comedown. Here, you can stay in the stellar Hermitage Hotel or go more low-key with the Aoraki Court Motel, Aroaki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge, or the YHA Mount Cook hostel. Don’t forget to check out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center, too, for a rundown on the area’s history. After conquering Mt Cook, you’ll want to add your name to the history books.
Top tip: Have patience! That’s because you’ll have to wait out NZ’s fickle, changing weather conditions before attempting Aoraki/Mount Cook. However, once there’s a clear window, you can’t beat the feeling of plunging into its pristine powder.
Soho Basin
- Location: Wanaka, Otago, South Island
- 1,000 acres of rideable terrain
- 0 trails (it’s all off-piste)
- 0 lifts (snowcat-only)
- 1,640 feet of vertical drop
- 9 feet of snow per year
- Prebook your space on the mountain via Soho Basin’s website
Experience riding like never before at Soho Basin. This private ski area (set up by passionate locals) is NZ’s best-kept secret, providing pristine and varied terrain for all levels. There’s one awesome catch, too. Bright red, state-of-the-art snowcats replace traditional lifts! And Soho Basin doesn’t have any old snowcats. Instead, it’s got super comfortable snowcats with heated seats that take you to the summit at 6,351 feet!
Yep, think of this as an off-piste experience – but with mega-chilled vibes and a go-at-your-own-pace attitude, even for backcountry beginners. We’re totally here for it. Plus, Soho Basin is right behind Cardrona Alpine Resort. In fact, you can see it as you tear down Cardrona’s Queenstown Return. So, why not combine a trip to Cardrona with a visit to Soho Basin and pair your groomers with wilderness?
And, speaking of wilderness, you’ll feel you’re on your own mountain here as you take on its wide-open pow fields and hair-raising chutes. That’s because there are zero crowds at Soho Basin – the max number of riders the resort takes is 24. However, there's loads of amazing scenery. On a clear day, you’ll take in insane vistas from Fiordland to the West Coast and Wanaka to Queenstown. Plus, unlike other ski fields on our list, Soho Basin places luxury over basics. This is especially true with its Alpine Hut. Here, you can expect a gourmet three-course lunch with Central Otago Amisfield Brut in crystal glasses while soaking up sunshine on the deck. You can also indulge in coffee and croissants in the morning and après-ski to round off a sick day. Trust us: things are pure bliss at Soho Basin.
Top tip: Gorge on Soho S’mores! They’re unbelievable! Roast them over Soho Basin’s open fire before dipping them in hot chocolate and smooshing (totally a word!) them between two crackers. Anyone else just as hungry for those as they are for some turns at Soho Basin?
Wrapping up
Woah, what a list! NZ is definitely the place if your focus is on fresh pow, good times, and friendly vibes … and if you love a T-bar or rope tow! This place is truly epic and undoubtedly one of the planet’s peak powder playgrounds (some alliteration for you there!).
In fact, is anyone else already on Skyscanner looking at flights? If you are, we might see you there – genuinely! Yep, why not join us at one of our Dope meetups? You can keep updated on where we’re hitting next via the Dope Snow Community on Facebook. Just request to join if you haven’t already. Kia ora!
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