Rainbow Ski Area

Rainbow Ski Area

Loading Advertisement...

Weather at Rainbow Ski Area

cloudy

Low: -1°C / High: -1°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

15

Total Area

124 ac

50.2 ha

Difficulty Distribution

Beginner
25%
Intermediate
55%
Advanced
20%
Expert
0%
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

5

Lift Types

1

Lift Breakdown

T-Bar
5
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.