NZ Ski Season is here!

Expectations for conditions this season: Coronet Peak opened to the public with its new Snow Factory two weeks earlier than last year on 29 May.  We haven’t yet opened the Remarkables or Mt Hutt, or the upper mountain at Coronet Peak, as we wait for colder snowmaking temperatures and natural snow, which is all starting this week with 10-20 cm of natural snow expected combined with excellent low (-6C) snowmaking temperatures. 

We expect to start to open our mountains fully for the season before the end of June, in time for our busy July school holiday period.  For the remainder of the season, we’re expecting the El Nino weather system that’s just formed to bring consistent south-westerly weather pattern, which brings excellent snow in both Queenstown and Canterbury.

 
Australians can expect great snow, clear blue skies, crisp temperatures, and mountain vistas to dream about. Also, our resort towns of Queenstown and Methven offer an amazing variety of off-mountain activities; everything from soaking in hot pools to visiting vineyards to adventure activities. NZSki’s Superpass can be used at more than 60 off-mountain activities as well as 12 mountains throughout New Zealand.

 
What makes this season especially compelling for Aussie skiers: This is without doubt the best value year to come to New Zealand for some time.  A trip to Queenstown or Christchurch/Methven is already good value, but right now the Australian dollar is at a 13 year high against the Kiwi dollar.  That means that your trip to New Zealand will cost you about 10% less than a year ago if you’re paying in Australian dollars!

 
NZSki has more than 450 snow guns deployed on Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt. Coronet Peak has the largest snowmaking installation in the Southern Hemisphere.  In addition, in 2026 we have added a Snow Factory at Coronet Peak, which allowed us to open two weeks earlier on 29 May with guaranteed snow on our learner areas.

AND to help you get excited for the season ahead, we’ve pulled together the top four headlines to know for the 2026 season:

• Snow-making that defies the weather: Coronet Peak has introduced ‘Snow Factory’ technology, a first in the South Island, allowing them to produce snow no matter the temperature. The new system guarantees snow coverage on the mountains’ learner slopes and Snow Play zone throughout the season.
  
• Heliskiing with a pro: The Remarkables is launching a brand-new Snowsports Heli Premium Private experience where guests can enjoy a day of heliskiing alongside expert snowsports coaches.
  
• Cardrona’s Soho Basin expansion: Fresh off being named New Zealand’s Best Ski Resort at the 2025 World Ski Awards, Cardrona Alpine Resort has expanded its Soho terrain with major earthworks and a new 35-million-litre reservoir to improve snow coverage.
  
• New family snow zones: On the North Island, Whakapapa is debuting Snowland in Happy Valley – a new all-in-one zone for tubing, sledding, and snow play. One ticket gives you access to the full zone, making it the ultimate early-season mountain day for families, groups and first-timers.