What is the Best Time to Ski in NZ?

Just can’t wait to go skiing or riding? Then early season is for you! With major investments into state of the art snowmaking, from both alpine resorts, there’s something to slide on – even if Mother Nature doesn’t deliver.

Average Temperatures:

• Town: 3 to 12 °C
• Mountain: -3 to -10°C
• Events: Opening Day Celebrations, Matariki

There’s nothing better than a family ski holiday, whether it’s seeing the kids take their first turns, spending some quality mountain time all together, or swapping ‘brag’ stories at the end of the day.

Average temperatures:

• Town: 2 to 10°C
• Mountain: -3 to minus -5°C
• Events: NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival

Locals tip: Pop the kids into a ski programme – they’ll meet new friends and learn to ski/snowboard, or develop their skills in a fun & safe environment!

August is traditionally the month with deep snow bases and regular snowfalls –  providing excellent powder conditions.

Average temperatures:

• Town: 2 to 10°C
• Mountain: -5 to 0°C
• Events: Winter Games NZ

Locals tip:  Book a heli-ski trip –  the Wanaka region is renowned for having the largest heli ski terrain in the Southern Hemisphere!

Who doesn’t love spring skiing? Longer days, warmer temperatures and forgiving corn snow. Spring is just fun!

Average Temperatures:

• Town: 2 to 10°C
• Mountain: 0 to 4°C
• Events: Jossi Wells Invitational

Locals tip: Sunscreen. Multiple times a day.