Industry News
Three weeks after the season’s first snow dusted the slopes of some ski areas in New Zealand, Mother Nature delivered again on May 1. While opening days are still weeks away, recent snowfalls at Treble Cone, Cardrona, Coronet Peak, and The Remarkables have reminded skiers that winter is coming.
At Cardrona, new snow arrived under freeze-thaw conditions, with temperatures dropping to -3°C at mid-mountain. While only a dusting, fresh flakes have stirred anticipation among skiers and snowboarders, who now look ahead to the official season opening with lifts set to start spinning on June 14.
Treble Cone, one of the country’s largest ski areas, also received another dusting and is scheduled to open on June 27. Cardrona plans to kick off its season in mid-June.
Coronet Peak, just outside Queenstown, also received a dusting of snow around its upper slopes near the Coronet Express chairlift. The resort has confirmed a June 14 opening date. The Remarkables, which opens June 14, also shared images on social media of snow dusting its upper peaks.
New Zealand’s ski season typically runs from mid-June to early October. The snowfall comes as New Zealand transitions into late autumn, with average daytime temperatures around 14°C in May. These early snowfalls are not unusual for the region but often serve as a barometer for the upcoming season’s potential. Last year, similar patterns led to strong early-season conditions, though meteorologists caution that variable weather remains the norm in the Southern Alps.
Elsewhere in the southern hemisphere, Chile, Argentina, and Australia ski areas have all received their first snow.
