The best ski resorts in New Zealand

New Zealand is replete with amazing ski resorts. But, like any country, there are standouts…and duds. So, with many resorts claiming to be the best of this and the epicenter of that, how do you sort the good from the bad and find the top ones? 

Well, you could consult some chicken bones or check whether Mercury is in retrograde. Or, you can read our guide to the best ski resorts below. Yes, we’ve rounded up the top 10 and packed them with our insider tips and knowledge for you to make the right choice this season.

And speaking of the right choice – is your look on-point, too? Check out MONTEC’s new range of ski pants for women and ski pants for men, so your style is as awesome as your riding.

New Zealand ski resorts - best ski areas

Treble Cone

Treble Cone should be everyone’s number-one choice when skiing in New Zealand. Located around 35 minutes from Wānaka and 1.5 hours from Queenstown, Treble Cone is highly accessible and offers epic freeriding and slope skiing. It's a goliath with 1,359 acres of skiable terrain! Plus, with only 24 marked trails, there's plenty of off-piste to explore.

Treble Cone is the largest ski area on the South Island, with advanced terrain and stunning views over Lake Wānaka. It’s the top destination for freeriders and those wanting touring opportunities – further enhanced by the 18 feet of annual snowfall. After longer, more technical runs? Head to Saddle Basin. Looking for heart-pumping excitement? Aim for the Motatapu Chutes.

You’ll find a solid infrastructure at Treble Cone. It has a high-speed six-seater chairlift to whisk riders to the top of the mountain, along with a decent ski school and rental services. However, this isn't a built-up, purpose-built ski resort, so there are limited après-ski options and no on-mountain accommodation. We recommend staying in Wānaka (the local town) or Queenstown instead and driving each morning or taking a transfer. Staying in Wānaka and scouting the best après spots? Set your sights on Kai Whakapai and Water Bar.

Cardrona

The legendary Cardrona is roughly equidistant from Queenstown and Wānaka (around an hour from each). This makes it as accessible as Treble Cone and offers a similarly epic skiing experience. Although the snowfall is lower – and the skiable area is slightly smaller – Cardrona stands out as the freestyle riding hub of New Zealand. It might seem modest, with only 23 trails and seven lifts, but the terrain and vibe are exceptional.

Despite its smaller size, Cardrona boasts a modern lift system, on-mountain ski schools, and rental services. Beginners should head to McDougall's for the gentlest slopes, while experts will find a challenge in the Arcadia Chutes. However, park enthusiasts will thrive at Cardrona, thanks to the many innovative features spread across its multiple terrain parks. 

On-mountain accommodation is limited, so most visitors stay in Wānaka or Queenstown, with daily transfers between locations. Of the two, we recommend Queenstown, which is slightly larger with an array of accommodation, dining options, and lively après spots. Cowboys Queenstown and The World Bar are well-known for their vibrant scenes, making them ideal places to unwind after a day on the slopes and in the park.

Tūroa

Tūroa is another big one, with 1,236 acres of skiable terrain. There are 35 trails serviced by nine lifts, making it a bit larger than the first two ski resorts on our list. And, with over 2,300 feet of vertical and 22 feet of annual snowfall, there's more than enough to sink your teeth into – especially if you're hunting for deep powder days.

Despite its somewhat remote location on the southwest slopes of Mount Ruapehu (about 4.5 hours from Auckland), Tūroa isn’t just for experts. There are lots of wide-open groomed slopes targeted at all skill levels. Plus, the resort tends to be quieter, which is a bonus for soaking up a more peaceful riding experience. Eager for a challenge? You’ll discover gnarly black runs and plenty of sidecountry hits. 

Tūroa’s infrastructure might not be as developed as other places. However, you’ll find a high-speed six-seater chairlift, as well as ski schools and rental services. Just remember there's no on-mountain accommodation, so you'll need to stay in the nearby town of Ohakune. After a long day on the slopes, head to Powderkeg Restaurant and Bar, known for its rowdy atmosphere and parties. It’s particularly buzzing after a fresh dump of snow – everyone’s pumped for an epic day on the mountain.

Broken River

Next is Broken River in the Craigieburn Range – about an hour and a half from Christchurch. Broken River maintains a club field atmosphere: stripped back and unpolished. Yep, if you enjoy a laid-back vibe, you'll love Broken River.

Despite its small scale, this ski resort covers 741 acres. But with only 12 groomed trails, the focus is very much off-piste terrain. Yes, what makes Broken River stand out are its numerous ungroomed trails and slackcountry. And, with 13.5 feet of snowfall each year, copious powder lines await. Areas like Allan's Basin and Craig's Ridge are must-visit zones for adventure seekers. 

Hoping for high-speed gondolas? You might be out of luck. Broken River is famous for its rope tows and nutcracker lifts, adding to its charm. Facilities are also basic, including a small rental shop and ski school, making it less suited for beginners or those without their own equipment. You will find some on-mountain lodges providing basic accommodation. These are akin to hostels, with communal meals, a friendly atmosphere, and plenty of laughs shared among like-minded individuals. Don’t expect DJ decks here – Broken River’s camaraderie and unique experience make it unlike any other resort – in the best possible way.

The Remarkables resort

The Remarkables is one of the most accessible ski resorts on our list, located only 40 minutes from Queenstown. With a skiable area just shy of 1,000 acres, it offers extensive groomers with 47 marked trails serviced by six lifts. This varied terrain is ideal for both beginners and experts. However, The Remarkables focuses on being a beginner-friendly resort, which is a nice change of pace from the more expert-oriented ski resorts in this guide.

The Remarkables is renowned for its wide-open groomers, terrain parks, and challenging back bowls where the deepest snow collects. Crowd-favorite runs include Homeward Bound and Shadow Basin Circuit. Can't find your way? Follow the sounds of ‘yips’ and ‘yews’, and you’ll discover hidden stashes. Want to score first tracks? Make sure you get up early – especially on Saturdays and Sundays.

The resort boasts a modern lift system, ski schools, rentals, and a well-developed terrain park that attracts riders from all over – mainly locals on the weekends. However, The Remarkables has no on-mountain lodging, so you'll need to stay in Queenstown. The transfer system is one of the best in the country, though, with buses running to and from the ski resort all day. While you can grab a drink and food at The Remarkables Restaurant or the Ice Bar, head back to Queenstown for a more vibrant après scene. Popular spots like Rhino's Ski Shack and 1876 are perfect for capping off the night in style.

Mt Olympus resort

Mt Olympus may be home to the gods in Greece, but in New Zealand, it's home to fresh lines and epic terrain. With only 148 acres, you might wonder why this ski resort makes the list, but a visit will quickly clear things up. Mt Olympus is known for its deep chutes and open powder fields, making it a paradise for cruising through untouched pow. Notable areas include The Playground and Little Alaska, which hint at the type of adventures to expect. 

Around two hours from Christchurch, this under-the-radar resort receives fewer visitors than bigger ski resorts, meaning the snow can remain untouched for days after a dumping. Just don’t expect any chairlifts – you'll use rope tows and nutcracker lifts to get to the top, adding to the experience. There is a small rental shop and ski school, but like Broken River, Mt Olympus is better suited to those with their own gear – and a few winters under their belt.

With its friendly and relaxed atmosphere, Mt Olympus is the perfect resort to pair with Broken River. The on-mountain lodge has communal meals and basic amenities. Its communal living setup fosters a social environment with like-minded skiers and snowboarders, making your stay fun and memorable. That’s the ultimate combination, right? 

Mt Hutt

Mt Hutt boasts 902 acres and is renowned for its snow reliability and extensive terrain, including both groomed and ungroomed trails. It’s about an hour and a half from Christchurch and accessible via private transfer or bus. Staying in Methven? Catch the regular bus from there. 

For those with experience, head to the Southeast and Rakaia Saddle areas, where the snow piles up the most. However, don’t mistake Mt Hutt for an expert-only ski resort. There’s more than enough for beginners and intermediate skiers, too. Into freestyle skiing and snowboarding? You’ll discover a pretty awesome terrain park. 

Mt Hutt’s modern lift system makes it more developed than others. Plus, it offers ski schools and rental services. Unfortunately, there’s no on-mountain lodging, so you'll need to stay in Methven. But that’s not a problem, as Methven is a fantastic town. After a bite? We recommend Blue Pub or The Brown Pub — flip a coin if you can't decide. For a beer afterward, follow the sound of music. Many spots in Methven have a rad atmosphere alongside that classic friendly and relaxed Kiwi vibe. You can't go wrong!

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is possibly one of the most accessible resorts on this list (along with The Remarkables). A quick 20-minute transfer from Queenstown lands you at the base. Once there, you’ll find a great family-friendly atmosphere, along with 692 acres of skiable terrain, including a mix of wide-open groomers and challenging runs. This makes Coronet ideal for families or groups with mixed abilities. Plus, it’s unique among other ski resorts in this guide because it has night skiing – a pretty rare thing in New Zealand. 

If you like to ski after dark, make sure you're at Coronet on Fridays and Saturdays to shred under the floodlit trails with breathtaking views of Queenstown at night. During the day, notable areas include the M1 and Exchange Drop, which are always crowd favorites. Coronet Peak also features a modern lift system, ski schools, rentals, and a well-developed terrain park – perfect for those honing their freestyle skills.

Because of Coronet’s proximity to the city, it doesn’t provide any on-mountain lodging options. But that’s not a problem, given the abundance of choices in Queenstown. And for refueling? Our favorite dining spots include Heidi’s Hut and Peaks Restaurant & Bar. Keen to indulge in cocktails or beers afterward? Aim for The Bunker or Winnies.

Craigieburn Valley

Next on our list is Craigieburn Valley, around an hour and a half from Christchurch. This no-frills resort is ideal for a true New Zealand backcountry experience, with steep chutes and powder bowls aplenty. Notable areas include Middle Basin and Hamilton Peak. 

Like other club fields, Craigieburn Valley provides a stripped-back, authentic time on and off the mountain. You’ll find basic facilities, including a small rental shop and a ski school. However, if you’re learning or need to rent equipment, Craigieburn Valley might not be your best ski resort. It’s far more suited to ski touring and dropping into big lines. In fact, Craigieburn is a dream for that type of riding. Plus, the challenging runs and lift system scare off a lot of riders, so you're likely to have fresh tracks all day without waiting for one of the rope tows or nutcracker lifts.

Keen to stay on the mountain? You'll find basic lodges with communal meals and a simple, fuss-free stay. This means no loud partying or lavish feasts. However, instead, you’ll have tons of good times with like-minded people wanting an early night for first tracks at dawn. There’s no doubt Craigieburn Valley is a unique ski resort with unparalleled backcountry riding.

Whakapapa

Capping off our list is Whakapapa on the northwestern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, about 4.5 hours from Auckland. This resort is the largest in New Zealand, with 1,361 acres, 65 marked trails, and eight lifts. Known for its diverse terrain, Whakapapa is the perfect destination for skiing New Zealand. Plus, it receives a steady and respectable 15 feet of snow annually, providing plenty of opportunities for beginners and advanced skiers.

Whakapapa has ski schools, rentals, and a large terrain park for all abilities. Beginners will love the gentle gradients and wide groomers. And those with more experience will enjoy chute riding in areas such as the Rockgarden and the Pinnacles. Whakapapa is also the only among New Zealand ski resorts with a gondola, complemented by a modern lift system. 

Despite its size, on-mountain accommodation options are limited. So, to get the most out of your trip, we recommend staying in either National Park Village or Ohakune. If you’re hungry, grab a bite on the mountain at The Pinnacles Restaurant or Lorenz’s Bar and Café. Once you're done for the day, head down to spots like Schnapps Bar and Powderkeg Restaurant and Bar – and cheers to an epic day of riding.

Wrapping up

Well, that's it — our list of the 10 best ski resorts in New Zealand! Of course, we had to draw the line somewhere – and we may have missed some gems – but we think we've included a nice mix of developed and authentic resorts to keep you busy. However, remember – if you visit any of the ski resorts in the Craigieburn Range, make sure you’re confident on rope tows and nutcrackers. Otherwise, it's a long way to drive to eat snow!

Love this article about skiing in New Zealand? Think we missed something obvious? Get in touch with us at crew@montecwear.com and let us know. And hit us up on Instagram if you're ripping New Zealand while repping MONTEC. Tag us in your photos via @montecwear — we love to see your adventures!

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