From the volcanic peaks and varied terrain of Whakapapa to the family-friendly amenities of Mt Hutt, you’ll find a variety of premier ski fields in New Zealand that offer something for every type of skier and snowboarder. You’ll find excellent amenities for families and novice skiers, as well as resorts that boast intermediate terrain and challenging off-piste areas. Freestylers will love the abundance of terrain parks offered at New Zealand’s top resorts. Whether you want a family ski trip with the kids or an adrenaline-fueled adventure on the mountain, you can find it at the best ski fields in NZ.
The Remarkables for freestyle riding
The Remarkables Ski Field is a spectacular Queenstown ski resort with 385 hectares of terrain, a 468-metre vertical drop and a good mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced/expert terrain. Though experienced snowboarders and skiers will find a lot of fun terrain, the resort’s beginner area is ideal for families and first-time skiers and boarders. One of the best features of the Remarkables Ski Field is the terrain parks, however, which offer progressive jibs to teach and advanced freestyling skills for kids and adults. The resort has many other amenities, including a family snow school, a retail show, ski and snowboard hire and indoor eateries with views of the beginner area.
Cardrona Alpine Resort for ski groups
The Cardrona Alpine Resort is a favourite of skiers and snowboarders in Wanaka and Queenstown. Much of the terrain is above the tree line and you’ll find beginner and intermediate areas spread over 400 hectares of skiable terrain. The novice amenities make Cardrona Alpine Resort popular for beginners and families, though you’ll have access to expert off-piste areas with difficult obstacles. One of the best features of the Cardrona Alpine Resort is its terrain parks, which offer progressive levels to advance your freestyling skills.
Mt Hutt Ski Area for family amenities
The Mt Hutt Ski Field is one of the premier resorts in New Zealand and a favourite of local skiers and boarders. The varied 365 hectares of terrain offers areas for beginners, intermediates and advanced and expert riders and skiers. The resort is popular with families for its excellent children’s facilities, including free skiing for kids under 10, ski or snowboard hire, child packages, childcare facilities and a snow school with kid-friendly classes.
Treble Cone Ski Resort for gnarly rides
Catering to intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders, the Treble Cone Ski Resort is one of the best in New Zealand for gnarly terrain. Perched on the edge of the steep mountain, Treble Cone Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in New Zealand at 550 hectares. Only a small portion of the terrain is for beginners and intermediates, while the rest is for confident advanced and expert skiers. You’ll find plenty of off-piste terrain with challenging obstacles.
Rainbow Ski Area for uncrowded slopes
The Rainbow Ski Area is a resort in the Marlborough Region of South Island that boasts an abundance of intermediate terrain for families with kids. Though the resort offers beginner and advanced areas, most of the terrain features groomed runs with challenging areas for intermediates. The resort is smaller and offers around 12 runs and several lifts, but you can find exciting off-piste terrain if you want more thrills. You’ll also find a terrain park with introductory jibs for novice freestyle snowboarders and skiers.
Whakapapa Ski Field for family fun
The Whakapapa Ski Field is a spectacular ski resort on Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. Boasting slopes on the active stratovolcano, Whakapapa Ski Field is one of the largest ski fields in New Zealand. In addition to 550 hectares of skiable terrain with 67 runs comprising beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert areas, the Whakapapa Ski Field offers a dedicated beginner’s area that makes it ideal for family trips with the kids. Separated from the resort by its own valley, Happy Valley offers beginner-friendly terrain with ski hire, magic carpet lifts and a snow-sledding area for families.