‘Big smiles on their dials’: Rare April snow draws skiers to Hanmer Springs Ski Area for surprise early opening

Friday, 24 April 2026

About 30 skiers took advantage of a rare April opening at Hanmer Springs Ski Area on Friday, following a surprise snowfall earlier in the week.

“Everyone’s extremely happy, big smiles on their dials,” club member Sarah Sleight said on Friday afternoon.

The volunteer-run club opened for the day after a mid-week surprise dump, running the rope tow and charging just $50 for lift passes - nearly half the usual $90 price.

“We’re happy with how many people turned up. It’s reasonably good for the middle of the season - well, not even the season yet,” Sleight said.

The catch? The snow is disappearing fast. With temperatures hitting 8C on Friday at the field, Sleight said the club would definitely open Saturday but she was not sure the snow would last through Sunday.

“There’s not a huge amount - just 20 to 30cm - but enough to ski. The ones doing it are having fun.”

Five club members rallied on Thursday evening to clear the road and check safety systems, with one member ski-touring the area to assess conditions before giving the all-clear.

Sleight, based in Kaikōura, spent Friday working remotely while selling lift tickets and answering emails between runs.

“I just need cellphone coverage and I’m good to go,” she laughed.

Sleight said Friday brought “sunny” conditions and “autumn skiing at its best - thin in some places, deeper in others”.

Families could pay just $30 for snow play, with a 15-minute hike to the top offering access to even deeper coverage.

Those in two-wheel-drive vehicles were asked to fit chains at Branch Creek, while four-wheel-drivers were told to carry them.

About 90% of Friday’s visitors had never been to Hanmer Springs Ski Area before, but were already planning to return, Sleight said.

“I just overheard someone say ‘you don’t get much better than that - spring snow in April’.

“What a novelty to say you skied in April. It’s what it’s all about, seeing how much fun people are having.”

The club’s flexible approach - opening whenever conditions allow rather than sticking to set dates - continues to pay off.

“If we can get the help and there’s snow on the ground, we get open. It seems to work.”

Backpacker-style accommodation remains available on the hill, with guests bringing their own food and bedding.

“There’s been so much interest,” Sleight said. “We just don't know how long it’ll last.”