5 Reasons Why Spring Skiing in New Zealand is a Must-Do

If you’ve never taken a spring skiing holiday, it’s about time to seriously consider it. September is arguably one of the best times to ski in New Zealand. With the longer days, milder temperatures, and the pre-summer excitement in the air, spring skiing offers a unique and enjoyable experience that you won’t find during the peak winter months. The blend of fantastic weather, quieter slopes, and great deals make spring the perfect time to hit the mountains. If you need a little extra convincing, here are our top 5 reasons why spring skiing is the best!

The Mountains Are Quieter

One of the biggest draws of spring skiing in New Zealand is that since it's not considered the 'peak' of the season, the slopes are way quieter! The bustling crowds of July and August are gone, and many families have already had their winter break. This means you can expect much quieter ski fields in September. Picture this: no more battling for a spot on the chairlift, fewer people on the trails, easier car parking opportunities, and wide-open spaces where you can carve out your own path.

With fewer skiers and snowboarders on the mountain, you’ll also find that lift lines are significantly shorter. Gone are the days of standing in line, watching the minutes tick by as you wait for your turn to head back up the mountain. In spring, you can spend more time doing what you love – skiing! You might even have entire runs to yourself, especially if you’re an early riser or prefer skiing during off-peak hours.

Another perk of quieter slopes is the availability of fresh groomers well into the afternoon. During the busy winter months, groomed runs can quickly become tracked out and icy by midday. However, in spring, you’ll often find that the grooming holds up much longer, allowing you to enjoy smooth, buttery snow throughout the day. This is especially true if you’re skiing at one of New Zealand’s higher-altitude resorts, such as Treble Cone or The Remarkables, where the snow quality tends to remain more consistent as the day progresses.

The Sun Is Here To Stay

Spring skiing in New Zealand comes with the added bonus of fantastic weather. As the days grow longer and the sun becomes more intense, you’ll be treated to bluebird days and milder temperatures that make for a much more comfortable experience on the mountain. Gone are the bone-chilling winds and freezing temperatures of mid-winter – instead, you can expect plenty of sunshine and pleasant conditions that make skiing a joy.

One of the best parts about spring skiing is the ability to shed some of your heavy winter gear. Say goodbye to bulky jackets, thick gloves, and layers upon layers of thermals. Instead, you can hit the slopes in a light jacket, a hoodie, or even just a t-shirt on some days! The warmer temperatures mean you won’t have to bundle up as much, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable day on the mountain. Some adventurous skiers and snowboarders even take it a step further, embracing the spring vibes by hitting the slopes in board shorts or other fun, summer-inspired attire. There’s something undeniably refreshing about feeling the warm sun on your skin as you carve through the snow – it’s a unique experience that you can only get during the spring months.

You Can Ski The Slush!

For some, the idea of skiing slush might not sound all that appealing – especially if you’re a die-hard powder hound who lives for those deep, fluffy days. But for anyone looking for a good time on the slopes, skiing slush can be some of the most fun you’ll have all season. In fact, some skiers and snowboarders even argue that slush is more enjoyable than powder! Spring snow is often described as "hero snow" because of its forgiving nature. It’s soft, smooth, and slow, making it ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced rider looking to hone your skills, you’ll find that spring slush is easy to navigate and incredibly fun to ride. Plus, the slower pace means you can really focus on perfecting your turns and trying out new tricks without the fear of wiping out on icy, hard-packed snow.

Another great thing about spring skiing is that the end of winter doesn’t necessarily mean the end of powder days. In fact, spring can bring some of the best powder days of the season, especially if you’re skiing at a resort with higher elevations. Late-season storms can dump fresh snow on the mountains, giving you the opportunity to enjoy deep powder runs well into September. So, while you’ll likely spend most of your time skiing slush, don’t be surprised if you find yourself hitting the deep stuff on one of those elusive spring powder days.

Skiing slush is also a great way to work on your technique. The softer snow allows you to make smoother, more controlled turns, which can help you build confidence and improve your overall skiing or snowboarding skills. Plus, because slush is more forgiving than harder, icier snow, it’s easier to recover from mistakes – making it a great environment for learning and progression.

Learning is easier

If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, or if you’re looking to improve your skills, spring is the perfect time to hit the slopes. As we’ve already mentioned, the slushy spring snow is ideal for learning. Its soft, slow, and forgiving nature makes it much easier to get the hang of skiing or snowboarding without the fear of falling on hard, icy snow. For beginners, this means that you can take your time learning the basics, building up your confidence as you go. The slower pace of spring skiing allows you to focus on mastering your technique, whether that’s learning how to make your first turns, stopping confidently, or getting comfortable with different types of terrain. Spring is also a great time to take lessons or join a ski school. With fewer people on the mountain, you’ll have more one-on-one time with instructors, allowing for more personalized attention and faster progress. Many ski schools also offer discounted rates in the spring, making it an affordable time to learn or refine your skills.

If you're new to skiing and snowboarding and are looking for the best packages for beginners, check out our Learn to Ski New Zealand packages. These packages are often recommended to be taken in the spring season, so it's the perfect time to book in!

Intermediate and advanced skiers can also benefit from the unique conditions that spring skiing offers. The slushy snow can help you work on your carving technique, as it’s easier to dig your edges into the soft snow and make clean, controlled turns. Additionally, because the snow is slower, it’s a great time to practice more technical skills, such as mogul skiing, jumping, or tackling steeper terrain. Spring skiing provides a low-pressure environment where you can push your limits and take your abilities to the next level.

Everything is cheaper

If the thought of a more relaxed and enjoyable skiing experience hasn’t convinced you, then the savings might just do the trick. One of the best things about spring skiing in New Zealand is that it’s significantly cheaper than skiing during the peak winter months. As the season winds down, resorts, hotels, and airlines all offer discounts and deals to attract the last wave of skiers and snowboarders – and this means you can score some serious bargains. For starters, lift tickets are often discounted in spring, allowing you to spend more time on the mountain without breaking the bank. Some resorts even offer special spring passes or multi-day deals that make it even more affordable to ski during this time of year. In addition to lift tickets, you’ll also find discounts on rental equipment, lessons, and even food and drinks at the mountain’s cafes and restaurants.

Accommodation is another area where you can save big during a spring ski holiday. With fewer tourists flocking to the ski towns, hotels and lodges often lower their rates to attract guests. This means you can stay in some of New Zealand’s most popular ski destinations – such as Queenstown, Wanaka, or Methven – for a fraction of the price you’d pay during the peak season. Plus, with the quieter atmosphere, you’ll have a better chance of scoring a room with a stunning view or staying in a more luxurious hotel that might have been out of your budget during the winter months.

Finally, spring is also a great time to take advantage of end-of-season sales on ski gear. Whether you’re in the market for a new pair of skis, a snowboard, or some stylish winter clothing, you’ll find that many retailers offer significant discounts as they clear out their winter stock to make room for summer gear. This is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your equipment or snag some new gear at a fraction of the price.

If you're looking at skiing on a budget, check out our Ski Package deals here!

Wrap Up

Spring skiing in New Zealand is an experience like no other. With quieter slopes, fantastic weather, fun and forgiving snow conditions, and incredible deals, it’s the perfect time to plan your ski holiday. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or snowboarder or just starting out, you’ll find that spring offers a unique and enjoyable experience that’s hard to beat.

So why wait? Speak with our Travel Specialists today and book your spring ski holiday now, and discover for yourself why September is the best time to hit the mountains in New Zealand.