
Rainbow Ski Area
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.
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.
Rainbow Ski Area Resort Elevation
Trails
Total Runs
15
Total Area
124 ac
50.2 ha
Location
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
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
72
Annual Snowfall
Metric
2m
200cm
Imperial
6.6ft
79in
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