With more mountains than Switzerland and more than 25 scenic ski areas, together with cheap lift prices, New Zealand is increasingly becoming a ski destination.

Day lift passes for adults range from about $40-$75, and most of the commercial fields have ski schools. All ski equipment can be rented at the ski areas, ski hire ranging from $29-$37 and snowboard hire from $35-$50. Besides commercial fields listed, there are a number of club ski areas around the country that are open to visitors.

Nordic skiing is popular in the South Island. One such area can be found near Wanaka. Growing numbers of mountains are being opened up for ski-planes and heliskiing. The Tasman Glacier, for instance, has 13km of deep powder, as well as stunning views.

North Island

Whakapapa (Mt Ruapehu)

• Location - 364km from Auckland, 341km from Wellington
• Stay - Whakapapa Village, National Park 26km, Horopito 33km, Ohakune 61km, Tokaanu 53km, Taupo 107km
• Season - mid-June to November
• Vertical descent - 675m
• Skiable area - 550ha
• Chairs, Tows - 1 quad express chair, 1 quad chair, 5 double chairs, 4 T bars, 4 platters, 6 rope tows
• Other - Hire, lessons, creche. The country's largest developed ski area. Adventurous skiing for all levels on a multitude of runs. Warm, very late season.

Turoa (Mt Ruapehu)

• Location - 366km from Auckland, 317km from Wellington
• Stay - Ohakune 17km, Horopito 33km, National Park 52km, Taupo 152km
• Season - early June to end October
• Vertical descent - 720m
• Skiable area - 400ha
• Chairs, Tows - 2 quad chairs, 2 triple chairs, 3 T bars, 4 platters
• Other - Hire, lessons, cafes. One of New Zealand's largest fields, with a lift capacity of over 12,500 skiers per hour. Ideal for families, with runs for skiers of all abilities.

South Island

Rainbow Valley (Marlborough)

• Location - 32km from St Arnaud, 91km from Blenheim, 131km from Nelson, 390km from Christchurch
• Stay - Blenheim 91km, St Arnaud 32km
• Season - June to October
• Vertical descent - 320m
• Skiable area - 350ha
• Chairs, Tows - 1 double chair, 1 T bar, 2 learner tows
• Other - Snow making top to bottom, ski packages, ski hire, cafeteria, groomer skiing, heliskiing (by arrangement), snowboarders' half-pipe. Caters specially for first-time, intermediate and family skiers. Excellent family terrain with some challenging advanced runs.

Mt Lyford (North Canterbury)

• Location - 143km from Christchurch
• Stay - Mt Lyford 4km, Waiau 23km
• Season - June to October
• Vertical descent - 420m
• Skiable area - 180ha
• Chairs, Tows - 4 pomas, 1 rope tow, 1 fixed grip, helicopter
• Other - Hire, Nordic skiing, ice skating, cafe, day shelter lodge, tubing/tobagganing areas. A field of great potential in its early stages, with good snow and a fun emphasis.

Porter Heights (Mid Canterbury)

• Location - 89km from Christchurch
• Stay - On-field lodge; Springfield 28km
• Season - late June to early October
• Vertical descent - 670m
• Skiable area - 230ha
• Chairs, Tows - 3 T bars, 1 platter
• Other - Privileged Skier Pass, Beginner Package, hire, lessons, snowboarding halfpipe, cafe, shuttle services. The closest field to Christchurch, good onfield facilities. Suitable for all levels.

Mt Hutt (Mid Canterbury)

• Location - 118km from Christchurch
• Stay - Methven 23km<
• Season - early June to October
• Vertical descent - 655m
• Skiable area - 365ha
• Chairs, Tows - Quad chair, triple chair, 3 T bars, 2 platters, 3 learner tows
• Other - Frequent Skier Card, Beginner Package, 42ha of snowmaking, hire, lessons, heliskiing, creche. Excellent skiing for all abilities, good on-field facilities, stunning views.

Mt Dobson (South Canterbury)

• Location - 174km from Christchurch
• Stay - Fairlie 36km
• Season - early June to October
• Vertical descent - 415m
• Skiable area - 400ha
• Chairs, Tows - Triple chairlift, 1 T bar, 2 platters, 1 learner tow
• Other - Beginner packages, hire, lessons. Varied terrain, suiting all levels. Views on a clear day are stunning.

Ohau (South Canterbury)

• Location - 330km from Christchurch
• Stay - Lake Ohau 8km
• Season - July to October
• Vertical descent - 400m
• Skiable area - 125ha
• Chairs, Tows - 1 T bar, 1 platter, 1 fixed-grip learner tow
• Other - Snowmaking, beginner packages, hire, lessons, heliskiing by arrangement.
  Good skiing, challenges for all; great powder. Memorable lodge.

Cardrona (Otago)

• Location - 25km from Wanaka, 57km from Queenstown
• Stay - Wanaka 25km, Queenstown 57km
• Season - June to October
• Vertical descent - 390m
• Skiable area - 320ha
• Chairs, Tows - 2 quad chairs, 1 double chair, 1 platter for learners, 3 magic carpets, lift, 2 learner tows
• Other - Hire, lessons, heliskiing, snowboarders' half-pipe, 3 cafeterias
  Well-developed field, excellent base facilities. Family-oriented.

Treble Cone (Otago)

• Location - 447km from Christchurch
• Stay - Wanaka 29km, Queenstown 90km
• Season - June to October
• Vertical descent - 660m
• Skiable area - 550ha
• Chairs, Tows - 1 double chair, 2 T bars, 1 platter, 6-seater chairlift
• Other - Snow making, hire, lessons, heliskiing. Breathtaking advanced slopes, good snowboarding, skiing for less experienced.

Coronet Peak (Otago)

• Location - 479km from Christchurch
• Stay - Queenstown 18km
• Season - June to October
• Vertical descent - 428m
• Skiable area - 280ha
• Chairs, Tows - 1 quad chair, 1 triple chair, 1 double chair, 1 T bar, 1 platter, 1 learner tow
• Other - Hire, lessons, heliskiing, packages.
  A top field - wide variety of runs.

Remarkables (Otago)

• Location - 486km from Christchurch
• Stay - Queenstown 28km
• Season - June to October
• Vertical descent - 325m
• Skiable area - 220ha
• Chairs, Tows - 2 quad and 1 double chair, 1 learner tow, 1 magic carpet
• Other - Hire, lessons, cross-country skiing trails, special packages, creche.
  Much higher than Coronet Peak, and with more consistent conditions. Challenges for skiers of all levels of ability.

Waiorau Nordic (Otago)

• Location - 460km from Christchurch
• Stay - Wanaka 36km
• Season - June to October
• Distance - 25km of cross-country trails
• Skiable area - 4500ha
• Other - Hire, lessons, restaurant/bar/lodge. Good skiing, challenges for all; great powder. Memorable lodge.