5 Best New Zealand Ski Fields in 2025
Mt Hutt
Mt Hutt has been the most consistent skifield in New Zealand for snowfall in recent years with it’s total snowfall hitting 300cm in 2022, 307cm in 2023 and 321cm in 2024! If powder is what you seek, it would be hard to look past Mt Hutt. Having said that, it also has beautifully groomed trails, world class instructors and awesome views. In fact, it is the only ski field in the South Island where you can see views of the ocean from the skifield car park (or the summit hot tub if you prefer)!
Treble Cone
Treble Cone is known for it’s off piste riding, attracting free riders and skiers from around the world every year. Two main chair lifts give access to two different areas with a multitude runs, both on and off trail. Another feature of the ski field is the long, leg burning runs, especially if you take the long way down! Don’t let the lack of chair lifts trick you, they are still one of the largest fields, with 550 hectares to explore. Treble Cone overlooks the magnificant Lake Wanaka and, if you’re lucky, you may even see some cheeky Kea (alpine parrot) up close.
Remakables
Driving up to Remarkables Ski Area, it is hard to imagine a more beautiful location. On arrival, you will find the very modern base building with all the usual facilities. The cool thing about Remarks is all the chair lifts start at the base building which (usually) helps ease congestion and lift lines. You can also do short hikes to the lookout and/or to advanced off piste terrain to chase the fresh pow when it’s on. It also has the highest base building altitude in the South Island, meaning it is more likely to be above freezing level than other ski areas when the snow does come.
Cardrona
Cardrona is now the biggest ski area in New Zealand with a whopping 615 hectares of ridable terrain! With world class park runs, 8 ski lifts and mutliple cafes, bars and restaurants, Cardrona is probably the most comprehensive ski area in the South Island. For many people, the variaty of runs and different options makes it an awesome choice for a full day. For those keen for some après-ski, the historic Cardrona Hotel sits on the main road, near the start of the ski area road and is always a great way to end the day.
Ohau
It wouldn’t be a top five without an underdog ski area! Seemingly all alone in the interior sits Ohau. Though its isolation and humble infratructure means many people don’t go, for the people that actually appreciate true ski culture, it remains a gem. The folks at Ohau really do care about customer experience and it shows, with their home cooked food, friendly service and personalised lessons. I have been here many times and it is always a breath of fresh air, even when the snow isn’t on. With only one main chair, for advanced skiers and riders it is easy to hit all the main runs in a day.