Queenstown Skiing Season

2025 Queenstown Ski Season Dates

The Queenstown skiing season runs from mid-June to mid-October each year. Each of the four Queenstown ski fields announces its projected opening and closing dates in advance. However, these may vary based on snow conditions.

These are the projected New Zealand Ski Season Dates for 2025:

For all North Island, South Island and Club Ski Field Dates read our full list here>>

As you plan your Queenstown ski holiday, choose travel dates based on what you want from your experience and which dates your preferred ski field will be open.

In general, Cardrona Alpine Resort is the most reliable ski field in terms of honouring its opening and closing dates. This is because the ski field has sheltered slopes, a high elevation, and extensive snowmaking capabilities.

However, flexible lift passes mean you can ski at a different resort if one of the ski fields isn’t open when you visit.

Read on for a breakdown of the Queenstown skiing season month by month.

The Queenstown Skiing Season: Month By Month

June Skiing in Queenstown

Some skiers avoid June ski holidays because the ski fields don’t always open on schedule. However, skiing in June is rewarding for two reasons.

Firstly, June is the tail end of New Zealand’s only off season, which means rock-bottom accommodation prices.

And secondly, crowds don’t descend onto the ski fields until the start of the school holidays (either very end of June or early July). This means you can enjoy a few weeks of wide-open runs and short lines at check-in.

July Skiing in Queenstown

July is by far the most popular month of the Queenstown skiing season, because this is when both New Zealand and Australia’s school holidays fall. Snow conditions improve as the month goes on.

If you decide to travel in July, be sure to book your ski holiday far in advance. Family accommodation in Queenstown often fills up as early as January. If you wait until the last minute, you will end up paying inflated prices–if you can find somewhere to stay at all. Get in touch with our team now to book your July Queenstown Ski Package

August Skiing in Queenstown

If you can travel outside the school holidays, August is the obvious choice for your Queenstown ski holiday. With the most reliable snow cover of the season, August brings warmer, sunnier days and lessening crowds.

August is your best chance of scoring a few powder days. However, conditions vary from year to year, so there’s no reason to postpone your ski holiday if you can’t travel in August.

September Skiing in Queenstown

September brings warmer weather, spring snow conditions, and deep discounts. September ski deals typically offer free days of skiing with multi-day passes, so this is the perfect time to visit if you want to save big.

In addition, most of the ski crowds have cleared away by September, which means you can enjoy uncrowded runs.

Keep in mind that warmer weather means snow tends to melt during the day and re-freeze at night. In other words, a later start (after enjoying Queenstown’s nightlife) could help you avoid the worst of the ice.

October Skiing in Queenstown

One or two Queenstown ski fields generally remain open in October. The Remarkables typically closes in mid-October, while the other Queenstown ski fields vary their closing dates each year.

Some Kiwi families take advantage of the October ski holidays to fit in a few days of skiing, but the ski fields rarely see families from overseas this late in the season. The snow is soft, the weather is warm, and some of the lower runs might be closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to ski in New Zealand?

Typically the snow is best in August. However, the best time to ski in New Zealand depends on what you want from your ski holiday. September brings deep discounts, while June is when Queenstown’s Winterfest happens each year.

Does Queenstown have snow?

Typically snow does not fall as low as the town centre in Queenstown. However, the town may receive a small dusting of snow once or twice per winter.

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Next, read about Queenstown ski pass options >>