Industry News
New Zealand ski season is set to kick off this Saturday, June 14, with four major resorts—Mt. Hutt, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Cardrona—welcoming skiers and snowboarders after a series of storms blanketed the region in fresh snow.
Mt. Hutt had initially planned to open on Friday, June 13, but was postponed by a day due to unsafe conditions following rapid weather changes. After a historic early May storm brought four feet (1.2 meters) of snow—the largest in 16 years—the resort planned its earliest opening since 2009, with limited operations in late May and a full launch on June 14. Warm winds and rain then eroded the base, forcing Mt. Hutt to delay its King’s Birthday opening and revert to its original June 13 date. With another three feet (one meter) of snow in the forecast and improved conditions, the resort is now set to open 25 miles (40 kilometers) of terrain and five lifts, including New Zealand’s first eight-person chairlift, for what is expected to be a strong start to the season.
Queenstown’s trio of ski fields—The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Cardrona—will also open their lifts on June 14, as scheduled. The Remarkables and Coronet Peak both offer extensive terrain for all abilities, with The Remarkables boasting 951 acres (385 hectares) and a vertical drop of 1,535 feet (468 meters), and Coronet Peak providing reliable early-season coverage due to its snowmaking infrastructure. Cardrona, now the largest ski resort in New Zealand following the addition of the new Soho Basin and a six-seater high-speed chairlift, will debut 370 acres (150 hectares) of new terrain for intermediates and advanced riders this season.
All three Queenstown resorts anticipate opening a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, though actual lift and terrain offerings will depend on final snow safety assessments. Cardrona’s new lift is expected to be operational, unlocking additional terrain for the opening weekend.
The past week has delivered over two feet of snow to Mt. Hutt, with upper mountain depths reaching 48 inches (121 centimeters) and more snow forecasted through the weekend. Queenstown’s fields have also reported solid early-season coverage, aided by both natural snowfall and robust snowmaking. With cold temperatures persisting, resorts are optimistic about expanding terrain as winter ramps up.
What to Expect Opening Weekend
- Mt. Hutt: Daily lift operations from June 14, with terrain expanding as conditions allow; check for updates on open lifts and trails.
- The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona: Scheduled to open June 14 with a range of terrain for all abilities; Cardrona debuts new Soho Basin and lift.
- All resorts: Guests should monitor official channels for real-time updates on lift status, terrain openings, and road conditions.
Australia and Tasmania launched their ski seasons last weekend, thanks to early storms. Ben Lomond in Tasmania was the first to open on June 6, operating a single T-bar. Major Australian resorts—including Thredbo, Perisher, Hotham, Falls Creek, and Mt. Buller—followed on June 7, offering limited terrain after receiving up to 26 inches (65 centimeters of fresh snow. Hotham rapidly expanded operations as over two feet of snow allowed more lifts and trails to open, while Mount Baw Baw is set to open this Saturday, June 14, with full guest services and family-friendly activities.
