New Zealand — It may not be much, but there is technically lift-served skiing available in the Shire.
The lift-served ski season in New Zealand technically started in April, thanks to snow at higher elevations. Hanmer Springs opened up for a few days of snow with a side of core shots. Since then, typical fall weather returned.
Last Friday, Coronet Peak began its 2026 ski season. This is thanks to the country’s first Snow Factory, which can make snow at above-freezing temperatures. These can make snow, albeit in a generally small area. Coronet Peak has opened its Learning Slope and Snow Play area. It reminds me of what Ski Ward in Massachusetts has been doing over the past few years.
However, it wasn’t a perfect weekend, as rain led to closures on Sunday and Monday. Calling the offering Winter Made Early, Coronet Peak plans to operate with this setup until June 12th from 9 a.m. After that, their ski season officially begins with more terrain.
Up on the North Island, there’s a ski resort that does have snow, albeit for a different purpose. Whakapapa opened on May 30th and 31st for snow play activities like sledding and snow tubing. However, lift-served skiing operations aren’t planned until July.
Image/Video Credits: Coronet Peak, Whakapapa
