New Zealand is a country on the Pacific Ocean which gets a lot of freezing polar wind from the Antarctic region. And these winds bless New Zealand with a lot of ice and snow giving way to an adventurous time for skiers and snowboarders. This country also has Olympic and world champion ski squads coming for off season training.
When is the Best Time?
Ski in New Zealand begins in June till late October. June and July offer powder skiing and August is the peak time for ski. Two months following offer a range of ski activities from spring skiing to powder skiing depending on the weather. In New Zealand skiing is a big favorite, so while planning your holidays try and avoid holiday periods.
Best Locations for Ski in New Zealand
New Zealand offers a wide range of activities for you from runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. There are a variety of ski fields ranging from New Zealand Club fields to big commercial fields with resorts or accommodation in the nearby towns.
North Island has two commercial ski fields Whakapapa and Turoa. Both of these are on the Mt. Ruapehu. Whakapapa offers a variety of runs from beginners to expert slopes. Turoa is on the southern part of the mountain and has a vertical lift of 722m. This place also offers the longest season for skiing in the country.
Queenstown and Wanaka are the two places very close to each other, offering a number of resorts and adventures. In Queenstown, the sunny bowls of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak stand out catering skier of all abilities. For advanced expert skier and snowboarders they have heli skiing New Zealand. Heli-ski gives you access to the most pristine steeps.
Wanaka has the largest skiable terrain in the whole of Australasia. Cardrona Ski Resort has groomed slopes and parks and is nice for a family holiday. Treble Cone has the largest Ski area in the South Island and this place has some of the most exhilarating runs. Snow Park NZ is a place for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Then there is Snow Farm which offers trails for beginners and experts alike. Other places known for skiing are Christchurch and Mackenzie.
Accommodation and Facilities
Most of the resorts provide on-mountain accommodation like Snow Park NZ and Snow Farm in the South Island. You will require to book in advance making sure there are rooms available. In case of non-availability, the nearby towns provide a variety of accommodations from services apartments to farm stays to lodges. You also have retail shops renting you gears required for enjoying different sports.