Snow Skiing Channel: Ski, Snow, Resorts Guide, Area Guides, Weather Reports, Photos, Blogs, Reviews, and Videos » New Zealand

Rainbow Ski Area Brightens Winter in the South

Editor — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:02:46 +0000

Situated in the beautiful Tasman District of New Zealand‘s South Island, the Rainbow Ski Area is a key snow sport destination for snow skiing enthusiasts in the Nelson and Marlborough regions.

The Rainbow Ski Area has a well-earned reputation for offering incredible skiing conditions. Additionally, it is one of New Zealand’s best value-for-money snow sport destinations, catering for skiers and boarders from young to old and from beginners through to professionals. Rainbow is also well known for its laid-back, relaxed atmosphere while not compromising on the quality and safety of its many slopes and courses.

A number of upgrades and additions were made in preparation for the 2008 snow sport season. These included a revamped and lengthened Beginner’s Slope, which is sure to satisfy first-time skiers no matter what their age. To keep up with demand, Rainbow Ski Area is offering a larger range of top quality rental gear at reasonable prices. Kids and teens will find that the new range of quality carvers will give them an advantage when learning to conquer the slopes. In fact, Rainbow is the perfect setting for school groups, youth and sports clubs to discover the thrill of skiing and snowboarding, under the guidance of qualified instructors.

The terrain at the main T-Bar will challenge advanced skiers, while long, slower routes will help intermediate level skiers to work on their skiing skills. Cheapskates Terrain Park offers daring skiers and boarders the opportunity to test their skills to the limit, while the Rainbow Ski Area cafÃ© offers the perfect viewing deck of the terrain park for spectators.

Other facilities at the Rainbow Ski Area include lift access to a vertical of 218 meters, rope tow, handle tow and T-bar, first aid and emergency services, snow making equipment and a snow groomer. Although there are no accommodation facilities at the Rainbow Ski Area, it is only a 40 minute drive from St. Arnaud Village.

Rainbow Ski Area has a variety of special offers, such as “Half-Price Mondays” to beat the Monday-blues, and season passes, all aimed at ensuring that skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts can make the most of the 2008 snow sport season.

New Zealand’s Snow-skiing Temple

Editor — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:18:44 +0000

Temple Basin is one of the greatest places to go skiing in New Zealand. The ski area is situated at the Main Divide of the Southern Alps, which is at the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. It boasts a truly alpine environment with plenty of snow and great facilities – the perfect vacation destination for the outdoors enthusiast!

If you enjoy a bit of variety, Temple Basin in New Zealand has a lot to offer you. The ski area is spread out over four separate basins, which means that there are suitable skiing areas for skiers and snowboarders of every level of expertise. While beginners navigate the more gentle slopes, experts can hurtle down the most challenging runs at breakneck speed. Of course there is plenty on offer for those who are in-between the two extremes.

One of the great things about the Temple Basin Ski Area is that you do not have to belong to the area’s official ski or snowboard club in order to use the facilities or stay in the lodge. However, being a member does give you added advantages, so if you plan to frequent this great resort, it is worthwhile becoming a member. As far as accommodation goes, there are two lodges which provide bunk-room accommodation for 120 people. The lodges are modern and very close to the actual skiing facilities. However, they are communal lodges so you will need to do your part to ensure that the running of the lodges continues smoothly. Those that are short of a board or who need some instruction will find that they can easily hire gear or a qualified instructor.

It is also advisable that you pack light when setting off for the Temple Basin Ski Area. The parking for this wonderful facility is about a 45 minute walk from the lodges so you don’t want to have too much luggage to weigh you down as you enjoy the spectacular views along the way. You’ll find the car park just 4 kilometers west of the Arthur’s Pass Village on State Highway 73 and there is almost always someone around to help you carry your luggage. So book your stay at this great, low-cost family destination and make the most of your winter in New Zealand this year!

Upcoming Ski Events in New Zealand – 2007

Editor — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:50:33 +0000

Snow skiing is a popular sport in New Zealand and can be enjoyed all year round. The weather conditions in New Zealand encourage all types of snow sport and snow skiing is especially popular. There are a number of snow skiing areas where the sport can be enjoyed, including Mount Ruapehu and Queenstown.

If you are a keen skier then take advantage of the many skiing events in New Zealand that will be held every month of the ski season. Coming up soon is the Mount Hutt Mapei Kids Alpine Race, which is taking place on the 5th of July 2007. Boys and girls between the ages of six and twelve are welcome to join in this junior ski race event. The Mount Hutt Mapei snow skiing race is the first of three race day events that will be taking place during this snow skiing season. The event entails all the children participating to ski down the slope twice and then, at the end of the day, a prize pack will be handed over to all the children who participated in the race.

From the 8th of July 2007 to the 30 September 2007 the â€˜Parklife Youth Mini Shred Series’ takes place in three different ski locations in New Zealand. The first snow skiing event will take place at Mount Hutt on the 15th of July and then later on the 23rd of September. The second location is Coronet Peak and there will be a snow skiing event on the 12th of August. The Remarks is the third location and the skiing races will take place there on the 8th of July and the 30th of September. The Parklife Series has been designed specifically for children and teenagers up until the age of sixteen. All participants will have free entry into the different Parklife Youth Mini Shred locations and can stand to win big prizes and medals at the end of the snow skiing series.

There is another series of snow skiing races taking place from the 15th of July 2007 at Coronet Peak called ‘The Grand Prix Sunday Racing’. The race takes place over five Sundays starting on the 15th of July at 12 pm in the afternoon. The other dates for the following four races will be confirmed nearer to the time. Although the snow skiing event has been categorized as a series, participants who would like to enter into just one of the races can do so. The course has been designed specifically for handicapped participants who are eighteen years and over and its main aim is to encourage participants racing for the first time or for those who want to improve on their skiing abilities. All monies collected at the race will go to the Queenstown Alpine Ski Team.

These are just a few of the ski events in New Zealand that will be taking place over the year so look for the one that best suits you and enjoy.

Snowskiing: Latest Vacation Attraction at Cardrona Opens

Editor — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:16:00 +0000

Visitors on vacation at the popular South Island resort of Cardrona in New Zealand have a new feature to experience. Cardrona has recently added an exciting terrain park to increase its attraction with skiers of all ages. Cardrona ski resort is one of the most popular ski vacation resorts in the country located between Wanaka and Queenstown on South Island. The new terrain park at Cardrona Alpine Resort is now complete and the major features are all in position. This has made Cardrona into a world-class facility and it is more than equipped to be able to meet the demands of the growing professional ski and snowboard industry of New Zealand.

This park is the longest terrain park in Australasia at over one km. It includes 21 rails, six jumps and two half pipes, which cater to skiers of all standards from beginners to the most advanced riders. A staircase feature with different rails and stairs completes the facilities at the park. The terrain park was designed by Park and Pipe Manager, John Melville who is also credited with the development of the Cardrona Cutter. The authorities are pleased that the riders can now enjoy a facility that is a stand-alone training ground for high-level international skiers and snowboarders.

The resort usually has a good snow record though this year the entire region has not received snow in abundance. The facilities are comparable with the best of rest of the skiing world. It is equipped with seven lifts that lead to over 320 hectares of skiing terrain. The rugged terrain has several natural features that make it interesting. Cardrona is kid friendly resort with excellent nursery slopes for learners. The resort also offers organized kids activities for children from 3 months to 12 years. There are several other ski areas near by and a central place to stay near Cardrona and other ski vacation places is the Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand’s oldest hotels. It is located in the rolling hills of the Cardrona Valley and just a forty minute drive from Queenstown and only twenty minutes from Wanaka. The charming old style ambience of this unique hotel combines quality accommodation with traditional hospitality.

Snowskiing: A Winter Vacation in New Zealand During Summer!

Editor — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:22:30 +0000

Imagine taking a skiing vacation at the height of summer! The seasonal differences between the two hemispheres of our earth, offer this striking contrast for those who relish a vacation with a twist.

The New Zealand Free Ski Open Volkl Big Mountain is scheduled to take place in August at the extreme terrain of Treble Cone’s Motatapu Chutes. It is a great occasion for a vacation with a difference for those of us who live in the Northern hemisphere. Some of the world’s best free ride skiers are expected to participate and put their skills to the test. This is the Southern hemisphere’s largest ski event of its kind and the top free ride skiers of the host country are expected to do very well. One disappointment for American enthusiasts is that Ted Davenport of the USA who is the European Free Ski Champion of 2005 has pulled out of the competition as he has not fully recovered from an ankle injury.

This competition depends heavily on weather conditions because of the extreme nature of the sport. This adds to the vacation pleasure and excitement of tourists and local spectators as well. Usually the organizers keep a six-day weather window to ensure the big mountain event is held in optimum conditions. It has already been postponed once this year due to poor visibility and control work. After the preliminary rounds, the finals are usually held at the chutes on the first fine weather day that follows.

Treble Cone, Wanaka is South Island New Zealand‘s largest and most popular skiing and snowboarding vacation resort. Spread over three basins there is skiing for all levels here. There are designated lifts and areas for kids and beginners. Keen skiers can attend their Alpine Skill Achievement Program to hone their skills at the five day ski clinic. Treble Cone offers excellent snowboarding free skiing terrains and there are natural half pipes in the upper regions. A new permanent terrain park is added this year.

Treble Cone’s Motatapu Chutes have now been demystified a little. Formerly this 300 meter long extremely complex terrain was open only to experts. Now anyone who has the courage to try it and the will to hike up can ski here under the eagle eyed supervision of Snow Patrols. Motatapu terrain rivals the best of Europe and comprises of chutes, towers and ridges. Increasing numbers of skiing enthusiasts plan top quality vacations in this area.

The Open will have competitors pick lines and commit to them as they drop off cliffs varying in size and difficulty. Spectators are able to watch the skiers from the adjacent face as they use their skills, creativity and strength and take on gut-wrenching drops. Now that is a vacation to remember!

Snow Skiing in New Zealand

Editor — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 10:55:56 +0000

New Zealand is a perfect spot for skiing in August. While the Northern Hemisphere bakes in summer heat, New Zealand is at the peak of their ski season.

New Zealand is famous for its adventure-sport options, from paragliding to mountain climbing. It also has downhill ski resorts, on both the North and South Islands. Europe and North America may boast larger ski resorts. But recreational skiers (as well as professional skiers in training) migrate to New Zealand to enjoy the spectacular scenery, laid-back atmosphere, and August snow.

If you’re ready to chase the ski season around the globe, here are a few New Zealand resorts to try. Teir season runs roughly from May or June to early October.

Mt. Hutt

Mt. Hutt boasts light, dry powder snow, and an early opening date. This laid-back resort is just outside the town of Christchurch.

Remarkables

Near New Zealand’s adventure-capital, Queenstown. Four chairs, rope tows for learners, and lots of sunny winter weather keep everyone happy. There are opportunities to spot New Zealand’s mischievous native parrot, the Kea, right alongside the ski slopes.

Coronet Peak

Another popular Queenstown destination. Its four chairlifts access stunning views of New Zealand’s Alps. Snowmaking keeps the slopes fresh between snow storms.

Tasman Glacier

Heli-skiing enthusiasts hire rides to the top of Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. The helicopters access the 27-kilometer-long Tasman Glacier, for a truly exotic skiing experience.