[PHOTOS] Coronet Peak Opens Early as New Zealand Ski Season Kicks Off

Coronet Peak in Queenstown will begin the 2026 ski season unusually early, starting May 29 under an Early Winter: WINTER MADE EARLY rollout powered by Snow Factory technology. Coronet Peak will be the first Southern Hemisphere resort to start the season in 2026. Hanmer Springs previously offered a brief April skiing window after an early snow storm, but it closed again, so the April opening did not begin a sustained season. From May 29 to June 12, Coronet Peak will run a limited early-season format with selected terrain and conveyor lifts daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. From June 13, it will move to full operations with normal lift hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The early setup focuses on beginner-friendly terrain, including a dedicated snow zone with Magic Carpet lifts and a sledding lane, plus lessons, gondola sightseeing rides, sled hire, equipment rental, and cafe service.

"Coronet Peak leading the charge as New Zealand's winter operations kick off from May 29 under a new Early Winter: WINTER MADE EARLY rollout powered by the resort's Snow Factory technology. This makes Coronet Peak the first resort to start the 2026 season in the Southern Hemisphere although Hanmer Springs offered a couple of days of April skiing after an early-season snow storm brought early snowfalls. However, Hanmer Springs then closed again, meaning the April opening did not mark the start of the season for the small club ski field."

"From May 29 to June 12, the mountain will operate in a limited early-season format, running selected terrain and conveyor lifts daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. From June 13, Coronet Peak is scheduled to transition into full mountain operations with normal lift hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Early Winter setup focuses on beginner-friendly terrain designed for first-timers, families, and skiers and snowboarders returning for the season."

"A dedicated snow zone will operate on lower slopes, supported by Magic Carpet conveyor lifts and a sledding lane. Visitors during this early period will be able to access a range of on-mountain experiences, including sightseeing rides on the Peak Gondola, ski and snowboard lessons for beginners and private students, sled hire, and full equipment rental. The resort cafe will also operate, catering to early-season visitors making the trip up from Queenstown via ski bus or private transport."

Read at snowbrains.com