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    Rainbow Ski Area
    Home→New Zealand→South Island

    Rainbow Ski Area

    Ski ResortSnow ReportSnow CamsLift TicketsTrail MapLift SystemTrails

    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.

    Live Rainbow Ski Area Webcams

    Rainbow Ski Area Rainbow Shirt Front T-Bar live webcam

    Rainbow Shirt Front T-Bar

    1540m elevation

    4 webcams availableView all webcams →

    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

    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.

    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

    2026

    Opening Day

    8/2/2026

    Closing Day

    9/20/2026

    Days Open

    50

    Annual Snowfall

    Metric

    2m

    200cm

    Imperial

    6.6ft

    79in

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