Winter has been slow to arrive in New Zealand, forcing several South Island ski resorts to delay their planned opening dates as unusually warm temperatures and limited snowfall continue to plague the start of the 2026 season. The delays come after one of the driest Mays on record across parts of the South Island and a warm start to winter that severely limited snowmaking opportunities. While colder temperatures are finally arriving, many resorts have opted to push back opening day to build a more reliable base.
On June 9, two of New Zealand’s largest ski areas — Cardrona Alpine Resort and Mt Hutt Ski Area — confirmed they would be delaying their scheduled openings. A third major resort, The Remarkables, followed today, June 11, pushing its opening date back as well.
Cardrona Delays Opening to June 20
Cardrona confirmed on June 9 that its opening day has been moved from June 13 to June 20. “Winter slept in by a couple of weeks this year, which meant we didn’t get snowmaking underway as early as we’d have liked,” the resort wrote on social media. “So we’re taking an extra week to make sure the maunga is ready to welcome you all for another great season.”
The resort said temperatures have finally dropped enough for snowmaking operations to begin in earnest, adding that “the guns are firing” and that staff are eager to get the season underway.
Mt Hutt Waiting for Winter
Mt Hutt also announced on June 9 that it would postpone its scheduled June 12 opening. “We will be delaying our opening from this Friday 12th June to a later date,” the resort said.
The mountain remains optimistic that colder weather forecast for next week will bring both natural snowfall and improved snowmaking conditions. “We should see some natural snowfall & lower temperatures to get our Snowmaking cranking!!”
Unlike Cardrona, Mt Hutt has not yet announced a revised opening date.
The Remarkables Follows Suit
Today, The Remarkables announced it would also postpone its opening until June 20. “We’re giving winter a few more days to do its thing, with our opening day now planned for 20th June,” the resort said. “While we’re not quite ready to drop in yet, every extra day gives our crew and the maunga more time to deliver the best possible start to the season.”
The Queenstown resort thanked guests for their patience, adding that when the lifts finally begin spinning, “it’ll be worth the wait.”
Coronet Peak Already Open
Not every New Zealand ski area is waiting on Mother Nature. Earlier this month, Coronet Peak became the first major South Island resort to open for the season, relying heavily on its new snow factory and extensive snowmaking system.
Thanks to its new snow facility, the resort opened an early-season “ribbon of death” — a narrow strip of machine-made snow surrounded by brown terrain — on May 29. While conditions remain limited, Coronet Peak currently offers New Zealand skiers the first turns of winter.
Colder Weather on the Way
The delays are frustrating for skiers and snowboarders eager for the season to begin, but the outlook appears to be improving. Resorts across the South Island report that temperatures have finally dropped low enough for large-scale snowmaking, while forecasts suggest colder weather and potential snowfall are on the horizon.
If those forecasts materialize, New Zealand’s major ski fields could still be fully operational within the coming weeks. For now, however, winter remains fashionably late.