Rainbow Ski Area

Rainbow Ski Area

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Weather at Rainbow Ski Area

partly-cloudy

Low: -2.5°C / High: -2.5°C

Wind: SE 5 km/h

Recent Snowfall

24 hours: 0 cm

7 days: 0 cm

Snow Depth

Base: 0 cm

Season Total: 0 cm

Resort Status

Lifts: --/--

Trails: --/--

Last Updated: Jul 14, 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
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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

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Hotels & Accommodation near Rainbow Ski Area

⛷️ Season runs until Sep 20, 2025

Dates:
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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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