NZ Ski Area To Open Unseasonably Early Following Snowfall

Originally posted on Powder | By Izzy Lidsky | Last updated Apr 24, 2026 6:39 AM ET

As the Northern Hemisphere welcomes warmer temperatures and longer days (kind of... in some places), the beginnings of winter are just starting to show in the Southern Hemisphere.

Winter weather has really started to move in, particularly on New Zealand's South Island, where significant snowfall at higher elevations has occurred over the last few days.

One South Island ski area has decided to take advantage of all that new snow and give folks a chance for some early-season turns. Hanmer Springs, which sits on the northern part of the South Island at 5,197 feet of elevation, reportedly got this 20-30cm (8-12 inches) of snow, and possibly more up high.

To take advantage of recent precipitation, Hanmer is opening its Shirt Front rope tow on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Families can ski for $30, and Hanmer is opening its on-site accommodations at Robison Lodge for the weekend. Weekend lodging is $130 per family.

Conditions could be a little 'agricultural' or 'sporty,' warns the ski area, but there's also enough snow for some good old-fashioned fun, according to their social media.

New Zealand, in particular, had a rough season last year, with many smaller ski areas opening for only a few days or not at all due to low snowfall.

Luckily, a couple of late-season storms helped some areas stay open or re-open and made for some memorable days at spots like Treble Cone. However, speaking from the Northern Hemisphere, which just experienced one of its worst winters ever, a good winter is a real moral boost after a bad one.

Most ski areas in New Zealand open for the season in mid- to late June, depending on conditions. Here's hoping that the cold temperatures and continued snowfall set things up nicely for a good season down south!

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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