Rainbow Valley Ski Fields

Accommodation and Facilities

One of the most beautiful ski areas in the Southern Alps of New Zealand is Rainbow Ski Area near St Arnaud, high in the north of this great mountain chain within the world famous Nelson / Marlborough lifestyle region.

Reaching a height of over 1760 metres, Rainbow Ski Area captures regular winter snow, which is enhanced by its snowmaking and grooming throughout the night so you can have the best day's skiing and boarding. The wide, uncrowded slopes provide plenty of room for skiers and boarders whatever your level. With a north easterly aspect it is regularly sunny and warm.The slopes and well groomed trails provide superb terrain for beginner and intermediates while advanced skiers can challenge themselves in the high powder runs and chutes. Boarders love the varied terrain, jumps, bumps and drops.

Overlooking Nelson Lakes National Park with its extensive beech forest and beautiful Lake Rotoiti, the views from the top of the T-bar are spectacular.

The field is open from June to October and captures regular snowfalls in its spacious, uncrowded bowls. The snow ratings are 25% beginner, 55% intermediate and 20% advanced, and the skiable area is 350 hectares. Lifts comprise a double chair, 1 T-Bar, 2 learner tows and a ski mat. There is ski and board hire on the mountain.

Rainbow has a full calendar of events throughout the season, and regular race coaching camps and children's programmes. Accommodation is available at a luxury resort or lodges, chalets, bed & breakfast and backpackers in St Arnaud.

Transport is easy on the Rainbow Snow Bus, which operates on weekends and selected holidays during the season. You can board the bus in Nelson, Richmond or St Arnaud. Transport can also be arranged from Picton at pick-up times coinciding with the Interislander ferry sailings. The access road is 22 km long, of which 14 km is unsealed. The actual distance from St Arnaud is 32 km and from Nelson 100 km (allow around 90 minutes).

Rainbow ski field can really turn it on - a wonderfully scenic location, special events and activities, easy groomed trails for novices, challenging off-piste territory and exciting bumps, jumps and drop-offs for snowboarders. It?s a real roller coaster ride on the Rainbow.

Rainbow Valley Ski Fields