BootsnAll Travel Community

We are considering going to NZ during the winter months. Can someone give me a better comparison of the level of skiing and snow to expect? We are 1 skier + 1 snowboarder. For points of comparison, we have been: Whistler Blackcomb (BC); Banff (AB); Vail / Breckenridge / Beaver Creek / Keystone (Colorado Rockies); Les Arcs (French Alps); Killington (Vermont, N. Appalachian Mtns); Western North Carolina (S. Appalachian Mtns). Thanks.

I haven't skied in the South Island yet, but the ski fields on Mt Ruapehu in the North Island are no where near as good as those found in the US. It can be fun, but it's can also be very icy. There aren't many trees up there, which is something that I miss.

Skiing in NZ has some drawbacks for skiers who are used to the good stuff (ie: Vail, Whistler, etc)

Mountains are low elevation = ice
Mountains are close to the ocean = wet, heavy powder dumps
Mountains are above tree level = wind can be brutal, no trees.

On the upside:
Lift tickets are reasonable (compared to US or Europe)
Gear rental rates are reasonable
Skiing on North and South island
LOTS of cheap lodging near ski areas (especially Queenstown & Wanaka)
Skiing in Summer!!!
Beautiful, amazing views
Even if it's heavy and wet, the pow does dump.