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Spring into New Zealand Ski

Record winter snow falls across New Zealand ski fields has created a luscious snow laden playground, the perfect setting for a Spring Ski experience.

Turoa ski resort has the biggest snow base ever recorded at a NZ ski area of 4.5 metres. As a result, Turoa has announced it plans to remain open until the 16 November. Sister ski area Whakapapa will close briefly on 27 October, but re-open for a week over the Christmas holidays - giving customers the opportunity to experience a white Christmas in the middle of a New Zealand summer.

Mt Hutt ski area, located near Christchurch is boasting the best snow in at least 10 years with over three metres.

The spring ski season is a great opportunity for late season skiers to take a final run down the slopes, and provides the perfect conditions for first timers and families.

There is always a buzz in New Zealand throughout spring, and the snow fields are no exception, with a variety of festivals and events held throughout the season.

So, with the sun setting later, the weather getting warmer, and the snow still a plenty, there is no better time to experience the pleasures of a New Zealand ski adventure.

There are still some great ski package deals available on www.newzealand.com. Many offer exchangeable lift passes which make it possible to swap snow activities for non-snow options. So the snow enthusiast can ski and ride all day, while those wanting to experience New Zealand's other fantastic activities and attractions, can take a break from the slopes.

Major Ski Fields Planned Closing Dates 2008

Coronet Peak - Closed 21 September
Ohau (Mackenzie Ski Area) - 4 October
Treble Cone - 5 October
Mt Dobson (Mackenzie Area) - 5 October
Ohau (Mackenzie Area) - 5 October
The Remarkables and Cardrona - 12 October
Mt Hutt - 19 October
Roundhill (Mackenzie Area) - 28 October
Whakapapa - 27 October (reopening 26 Dec - 3 Jan)
Turoa - 16 November

Major New Zealand Ski Areas

New Zealand is the home of great snow sport experiences. Its geographic features, and plentiful snow falls make it a favourite destination for ski enthusiasts from around the world.

The countries five major ski areas are diverse and each offers a unique ski experience. The Southern Alps, in the South Island, are a range of mountains 550 kilometres long, which were created by tectonic forces that continue to force the Alps skyward. Already more than 3,700 metres tall in places, these mountains are still growing at a rate of seven millimetres a year. In the North Island, volcanism can take credit for some massive snow sport opportunities. Mount Ruapehu, the largest of three huge volcanoes that form Tongariro National Park, reaches to nearly 2,800 metres above sea level.

All fields boast modern facilities, and terrain that range from easy-going beginners slopes and learners areas, or for the more experienced ski junkies, heli - skiing will take you to remote slopes and glaciers far from reach of road transport.

Beyond the slopes, the local towns offer a variety of out of snow activities including jet boating, bungy and some sensational shopping opportunities. At night, enjoy a gourmet delight in one of many restaurants or take in the après ski energy that keeps bars and clubs going until wee hours.

Mount Ruapehu


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Ruapehu boasts New Zealand's biggest, longest and highest ski areas and gets the most snow. There are two ski areas that can be accessed with one lift pass. Whakapapa on the north-western flanks of the mountain has New Zealand's premiere dedicated beginners' facility as well as a huge variety of groomed intermediate and advanced trails and two excellent lift-accessed back-country areas. Turoa on the south-western side has an abundance of wide groomed trails, New Zealand's only lift-accessed glacial skiing and three terrain parks. On the back of successful upgrades in the 2007 season which saw an increase in capacity and snow, Turoa's developments for this year include a new childcare centre and improvements to its beginners' area.

Christchurch and Canterbury

Christchurch is the perfect starting point for your New Zealand ski holiday. From many places you can fly direct to Christchurch International Airport, the Gateway for the Best of the South Island, and then enjoy the scenic drive south to the resort towns of Methven, Tekapo, Queenstown and Wanaka.

Methven

Mt Hutt August 2008 Record Snow Levels - click for more.

Top to bottom, wall to wall skiing under the sparkling sun at Mt Hutt.

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In Canterbury, just 60 minutes drive from Christchurch, is Methven - an amazing space for a perfect winter holiday. There’s plenty too for an off-mountain day or two. Snowy mountains and green valleys - Methven itself is seldom under snow for more than a few days each winter - which means walking, golf, horse riding, fishing and hunting (in season) are on offer in winter. Methven represents heartland New Zealand - an amazing space to just be and marvellous air to breath. After the day’s exertions, each evening you can return to Methven where the après ski is relaxed and fun with plenty of excellent restaurants, bars and entertainment.

Mount Hutt rules supreme in the Methven area with more than 365 skiable hectares. It’s a big mountain with all kinds of terrain and every facility a snow sports enthusiast could want. Mt Hutt has recently enhanced its Mini Terrain Park which is designed to make progression from novice level through to intermediate terrain riding as easy and as much fun as possible.

Mackenzie Country

On the eastern side of the Southern Alps are the friendly boutique fields of the Mackenzie Country - Roundhill, Ohau and Mount Dobson. Turquoise glacier-fed lakes, magnificent alpine scenery and reliable snow cover make these mountains particularly popular with families.

Queenstown

Originally a goldminers’ settlement, this stylish resort town is framed on all sides by breathtaking mountain ranges. Come winter these same mountains call skiers and boarders to their peaks.

Ski The Remarkables’ three sunny bowls, marvel at the big mountain alpine vista and take on the finger chutes for lunchtime sundeck bragging. This season a new magic carpet makes it easy for beginners to tackle the challenge of the slopes, and with three in total, there is plenty of room to spread out. For riders there is nowhere else in the Southern Hemisphere where they can do ‘The Stash’ - a new terrain park located at The Remarkables.

Snow blankets the Wakatipu Basin in Queenstown.

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Think Coronet Peak and think wide ego skiing, think steeps and deeps and think back bowls for the truly serious. Coronet Peak is the local’s choice, where the early birds schuss before work and visitors wonder how they can leave the mountain’s diverse terrain at all. This season the introduction of over 140 snow making guns means there will be expanded coverage. But the really big news at Coronet Peak is the new base facility which was completely rebuilt over the summer to practically double its previous size. Coronet Peak is the only ski area in New Zealand to offer night skiing.

Itching for more? Two words - heli ski. Choppers access Southern Alps terrain you’ve previously only met in your sleep. The ultimate adventure for advanced skiers and boarders, heli-skiing provides an opportunity to access some of the most pristine steeps available.

Wanaka

Over the Crown Range from Queenstown is Wanaka, a lakeside town that serves several ski areas. Cardrona, located between Queenstown and Wanaka, is loved for its wide open spaces, terrain park and family atmosphere. The newly installed highspeed chairlift will mean less time in queues and more time on the slopes.

Treble Cone has some of the longest runs in New Zealand and is a great field for intermediate/advanced skiers and riders. Wanaka also has Snow Park, the Southern Hemisphere’s first mountain resort for freestyle boarders and skiers.

Visit New Zealand now for skiing and riding.

New Zealand ski resorts are in full spring swing with record snow levels, plus warmer sunnier days await.

So don't hesitate. Now is the time to book your New Zealand skiing experience and make the most of deeper, closer snow and a fantastic après ski atmosphere.

Ski Area Map

WHAT'S WHERE?

Use this map to find out where all of the mentioned ski areas are. You'll also find information on where the main ski related towns and cities are and where you can fly directly into. Plus there are links to all of the ski area's websites so you can find out more detailed information.