Cold snap finally delivers for South Island skifields after rocky start to season

Thursday, 25 June 2026

Snow cams at Mt Hutt on Thursday, which is among many South Island ski fields planning to open this weekend.

After a winter that has been “all over the place” — including a record-breaking 25.1C day in Christchurch last weekend — South Island skifields are finally getting the snow they’ve been waiting for, with several confirming opening dates this weekend.

The cold change that trapped Lindis Pass motorists for more than three hours on Thursday and forced the closure of two Otago schools has also brought welcome relief to skifields battling one of the slowest starts to the season in recent memory.

Mt Hutt, which delayed its opening twice after gale-force nor’westers stripped its thin snow base bare last weekend, is now targeting an opening this Saturday with its Nor’west Express and Magic Carpet running.

“Temps plummeted just before midnight and our snowmakers have been making the most of the best conditions of the season so far,” they wrote on their website.

Snow at Hanmer Springs Ski Area on Thursday.

Hanmer Springs Ski Area, which claimed the country’s earliest opening in April, said on Thursday afternoon it was still snowing at the field, with “fingers crossed” for a weekend opening.

Coronet Peak has had its beginners slope open since May 29 thanks to its $2 million snow factory, with plans to open its Mighty Meadows Express chair on Saturday.

Cardrona also reported 4cm of fresh snow overnight, with temperatures dropping to -6C. It is preparing to open its carpets and McDougall’s Chondola on Friday.

An NZTA contractor with a snow plough at the ready for snowfalls in Canterbury.

The Remarkables in Queenstown had a stormy day on Thursday with 10-15cm of wind-affected snow, and great snow making conditions which has locked them in for a limited Saturday opening - learners area and conveyor belts only.

Others remain in limbo. Treble Cone, which has had “next to no natural snow” through a disappointingly warm June, is holding off on announcing an opening date, instead cranking its snow guns through the colder week ahead.

“Our staff are training, the resort is prepped, and we are ready for you,” their snow report said. “Opening day — as soon as we can, but not this weekend, sorry team.”

The view from Mother and daughter Kerryn and Pippa Riley who got stuck in Lindis Pass for 3 hours and counting on Thursday due to the snow.

Porters Alpine Resort, which had been targeting a Friday opening, said an overnight 5cm top-up wouldn’t be enough, but remained “cautiously optimistic” lifts could be spinning by the middle of next week. Roundhill Ski Area, in the Mackenzie region, has postponed its planned June 27 opening, with an update expected Monday.

MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said the wintry blast — a result of a strong southerly pushing up the South Island against rain moving down from the north — was now turning its attention to Canterbury.

Snowfall warnings are in place overnight Thursday for Lewis Pass, Arthur’s Pass and Porters Pass, with snow possible as low as 400m.