Depending
on the resort, you can ski and snow board from late May to mid-November on
runs that cater for all skill levels. South Island fields usually get going
in early June and close in early October. North Island slopes from late June
to November. Of the 25 ski and snow board areas in the country, 17 are commercially
operated. The rest are largely run by nonprofit ski clubs that welcome new
members or casual visitors.
All of New Zealand's ski areas are treeless with wide-open slopes and a good blend of marked trails and undefined terrain. There is plenty for those that crave endless fields of virgin powder in spectacular high country settings.
The country's biggest and busiest ski area is Whakapapa on the north western slopes of Mt Ruapehu, an active volcano. The Tasman glacier is New Zealand's longest glacier and skiers can take a helicopter to the top and ski down while taking in breathtaking scenery. Queenstown is an all year round resort town situated below the Remarkables Mountains and is an ideal town to access many ski fields including The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona, and Treble Cone.
Commercial ski fields are listed below, sorted by location, (North to South).
| Ski Field | Season | Lifts | Contact |
| Whakapapa | Mid June to mid October | 16 | (07) 892-3738 |
| Turoa | Mid June to mid October | 11 | (07) 892-3788 |
| Mt Lyford | Early June to mid October | 7 | (03) 315-6178 |
| Hanmer Springs | Early June to late October | 3 | (03) 315-7201 |
| Temple Basin | Late June to mid October | 4 | (03) 377-7788 |
| Craigeburn | Laste June to late October | 4 | (03) 365-2514 |
| Porter Heights | Early July to late September | 3 | (03) 318-4002 |
| Mt Olympus | Mid July to mid October | 4 | (03) 318-5840 |
| Mt Hutt | Early June to late October | 10 | (03) 302-8811 |
| Mt Dobson | Early July to mid October | 4 | (03) 685-8039 |
| Roundhill | Early June to early October | 3 | (03) 680-6977 |
| Ohau | Early July to mid October | 3 | (03) 438-9885 |
| Treble Cone | Late June to early October | 5 | (03) 443-7443 |
| Cardrona | Mid June to early October | 7 | (03) 443-7341 |
| Waiouru Snow Farm | Mid June to early October | 1 | (03) 443-7542 |
| Snowpark | Early June to early October | 1 | (03) 443-9991 |
| Coronet Peak | Early June to mid October | 6 | (03) 442-4620 |
| The Remarkables | Late June to early October | 5 | (03) 442-4615 |
Original versions of our photos can be purchased & web versions can be shared subject to conditions.