UPDATE TO ARTICLE
Epic snow has arrived in New Zealand
Since writing this article, the heavens have opened and several snowstorms have hit New Zealand over the past few weeks, which has slightly altered its tone. A few club fields have struggled with snow and have either closed or are waiting for more – including Rainbow Ski Area and Hanmer Springs. However, some mentioned in this article have received good snow and managed to open for pop-up weekends and even midweek sessions. Fantastic news for all, and a reminder of the fickle nature of the weather. We’re especially pleased to be writing this update, because club ski fields are such an important part of New Zealand skiing.
In 2025, it’s been a starkly different winter depending on where you skied
In 2025 the bigger commercial fields, backed by snowmaking, have managed to open and even enjoy solid snowfalls. But for New Zealand’s smaller club fields — where operations rely on natural snow cover – 2025 has been a challenging season. Despite the efforts of staff and volunteers, some club fields simply haven’t had the snow base needed to safely operate, bringing early closures and tough calls.
Mt Cheeseman: closing the 2025 season early
Mt Cheeseman’s call to close for the rest of the winter was not made lightly. After nearly two months of waiting and hoping for more snow, the field simply couldn’t get the cover needed to run safely. The decision gives staff clarity, ensures the club can protect its resources, and allows a focus on preparing for next season and the big milestone of their 100th birthday in 2029. While lifts won’t be spinning, Snowline Lodge and the Daylodge remain open for events, backcountry users, and summer groups – keeping the Cheeseman community connected until the snow returns.
SINCE THIS ARTICLE
The ski season is dynamic, the weather patterns can change dramatically. Here’s whats happened since the writing of this article.
September 17: Craigieburn Valley is on hold for the season after warm winds and rain hit the snowpack
September 9: Hanmer Ski Area - Great coverage up high, but a little thin lower down, and on the learners and beginners area
September 9: Temple Basin - Wow what a weekend! Thank you to everyone who came up and skied the pow
September 8: Ohau Snow - what a weekend! Thanks to everyone who made it up!
September 17: Mt Cheeseman long weekend cancelled after mild temps and rain
September 9: Broken River - THANKS EVERYONE for an epic weekend. It feels like winter arrived
September 8: Craigieburn Valley - A great club champs Saturday night celebrating a 50cm powder day with races on Sunday
September 6-7: Tukino - Opening - upcoming weekend 6-7 Sept and midweek 8-12 Sept (subject to weather)
September 7: Mt Olympus - Fresh POW dumped right on cue and our playground was ON
September 9: Broken River - THANKS EVERYONE for an epic weekend. It feels like winter arrived
September 8: Craigieburn Valley - A great club champs Saturday night celebrating a 50cm powder day with races on Sunday
September 6-7: Tukino - Opening - upcoming weekend 6-7 Sept and midweek 8-12 Sept (subject to weather)
Unfortunately, we have had to make the hard decision to close our ski field operations for the 2025 winter
August 27 Operations Update: Rainbow is now closed for the season
Temple Basin has also had to accept the reality of a snow-starved season
The lodge has been open since July, there’s simply not been enough snow to safely run the rope tows. The team has shifted focus to what’s still possible – hiking, ski touring, and keeping the lodge alive as a meeting place. If the snow gods do deliver a late storm, a pop-up weekend remains on the cards, but for now the emphasis is on holding the community together and making the best of a lean winter.
Cheeseman and Temple Basin are not alone
Across the South Island, several other club fields have had a challenging winter, with limited snowfall and thin cover keeping lifts idle. Rainbow Ski Area is not opening due to lack of snow. Craigieburn has seen mixed snowfalls and is waiting on the next storm to determine what’s possible, while Hanmer Springs has been able to operate, but only with limited runs due to snow sitting higher on the mountain.
Unlike the larger commercial ski areas with snowmaking support, these smaller fields depend entirely on natural conditions. While it has been a season to forget in terms of skiing, the clubs remain important community hubs – places where volunteers, families, and mountain lovers continue to come together. Their lodges, events, and sense of camaraderie ensure the spirit of New Zealand’s club fields remains strong, even when the snow doesn’t arrive.
Despite the disappointment, Cheeseman, Temple Basin, and their fellow club fields remain committed to their futures
Volunteers and staff have poured their energy into making the best of the season, and their communities remain loyal. The hope now is for a stronger 2026, with the knowledge that while commercial fields can push through light seasons, club fields continue to remind us of the heart and history of New Zealand skiing.