Rainbow Ski Area

Loading Advertisement...

Weather at Rainbow Ski Area

⛅cloudy

Low: 0.8°C / High: 0.8°C

Wind: SE 7 km/h

Recent Snowfall

24 hours: 0 cm

7 days: 0 cm

Snow Depth

Base: 0 cm

Season Total: 0 cm

Resort Status

Last Updated: Aug 4, 2025View Full Report →

Resort Overview

Rainbow Ski Area captures the essence of New Zealand club field skiing, perched high in the Saint Arnaud Range of the Southern Alps. This welcoming, community-focused mountain delivers an authentic Kiwi snow experience with stunning views across Nelson Lakes National Park. Rainbow's terrain caters to all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced riders, offering a refreshingly laid-back atmosphere away from the crowds.

Trails & Terrain

Trails

Total Runs

Total Area

124 ac

50.2 ha

Difficulty Distribution

Beginner

25%

Intermediate

55%

Advanced

20%

Expert

View Full Trail Map

Rainbow Ski Area Lift System

Rainbow's lift infrastructure features a T-bar, fixed grip double chairlift, and a beginner rope tow, accessing 25 hectares of groomed terrain. The lifts service a vertical drop of 218 meters, providing access to both gentle learning slopes and challenging advanced runs. This straightforward setup ensures easy navigation of the mountain, letting you focus on enjoying your time on the snow.

Lifts

Total Lifts

Lift Types

Lift Breakdown

T-Bar

View Complete Lift System

Loading Advertisement...

Location & Getting There

Rainbow Ski Area lies in the heart of the South Island, just 90 minutes from Nelson and two hours from Blenheim. The drive up the access road rewards visitors with breathtaking views of Nelson Lakes National Park and the surrounding peaks. Base yourself in the charming village of Saint Arnaud, where cozy accommodations and local hospitality create the perfect mountain retreat atmosphere.

Rainbow Ski Area

, south-island

Toggle layers using the controls in the top right. Ski runs and lifts are shown in the overlay.

Hotels & Accommodation near Rainbow Ski Area

⛷️ Season runs until Sep 20, 2025

Dates:

Interactive map showing hotels with live pricing and availability

Loading map...

Please select valid check-in and check-out dates

Season Info

Operating from late June to early October, Rainbow Ski Area benefits from consistent winter conditions at 1,768 meters above sea level. The mountain's southeastern aspect helps preserve snow quality, particularly on the upper slopes. While nature provides most of the white stuff, snowmaking equipment supplements coverage on main trails, helping maintain reliable skiing throughout the winter season.

Current Season

2025

Opening Day

7/11/2025

Closing Day

9/20/2025

Days Open

Loading Advertisement...