Fun in the snow is not exclusively a winter domain. As a new season draws near, there's some incredible value to be had on the mountains
For avid skiers and snowboarders, the start of the winter season is one to rejoice; time to pack the gear and head to one of New Zealand's incredible mountains for days of snowy adventure. What you may not have realised is that the fun doesn't stop come the end of August. September, for all its promise of warmer days ahead, can still carry peak conditions on the slopes.
In fact, ample amounts of sunshine and warmth make spring days on the mountain a pure pleasure. Those warm days, combined with overnight lows, mean top snow conditions.
In recent years, spring has offered up some incredible snow dumps, plus with the days stretching longer, you can spend even more time zipping down the slopes.
Even more enticingly, the spring passes on offer are epic value (more in the pocket for your apres-ski fun, perhaps?) When you've found your deal, here's a top tip to make the most of the spring sunshine: plan your day to follow it. Here in the Southern Hemisphere, as the sun rises in the east, start your morning on those east-facing slopes and then as the day progresses, head to the north facing areas before finishing with some west-side runs.
Wherever your favourite pistes are there are incredible savings to be had. So if you're interested in good value, sunny days, soft snow and fewer queues, as those in the know will tell you, spring is actually the ultimate time to don your skis or snowboard.
Click on the symbols to uncover winter deals
SPRING SKI DEALS
Mt Hutt & The Remarkables Ski Areas
At the wide open terrain of Mt Hutt's ski fields in Canterbury; Queenstown's scenic Coronet Peak and The Remarkables' amazing varied slopes for all skill levels, the powdery action can be yours for $65 a day, for any six days of the remaining season from September 1. newzealand.com/winter/
Cardrona Alpine Resort
At Cardrona Alpine Resort, you can grab a three, four or five+ day lift pass for as little as $75 per day. And when you're done Cardrona has eight café and restaurants for all your apres-ski hunger pangs – ranging from quick eats to something a little more luxurious and everything in between. cardrona.com/winter/passes-rentals/spring-ski-pass-deals/
Mt Ruapehu Ski Areas
Head to the North Island ski fields of Mt Ruapehu – Turoa or Whakapapa – for some mid-week magic (Monday to Friday) for only $74 pp per day. This includes unlimited weekday access to all operating ski and ride facilities on the mountain, all day. And passes are valid for any weekdays throughout the season, and do not need to be used on consecutive days so you can do some exploring of the region and then head back for more ski fun.
mtruapehu.com/Passes