New Zealand’s southern hemisphere ski fields – renowned for spectacular mountain terrain, postcard scenery, varied snow trails, and popular resorts – are gearing up for the winter 2011 season.

With the first snows expected during May, the ski season kicks off early June and runs until late October.

Off-piste, the resort towns are planning a full schedule of events and activities for families, serious sports and the après-ski set including the major Queenstown Winter Festival.

New Zealand is the top southern hemisphere destination for northern hemisphere pro skiers training during their off-season, and ski crazy holidaymakers will rub shoulders with Olympic-class athletes during the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games.

And, international rugby visitors will have an opportunity enjoy the slopes between Rugby World Cup games (9 September – 23 October).

South Island ski fields

The Southern Alps, in New Zealand’s South Island, offer New Zealand’s most extensive and varied ski areas in a pristine landscape of deep alpine lakes and soaring mountains.

While skiers and snowboarders flock to the major ski resorts of the Canterbury, Queenstown and Wanaka regions, there are a whole series of other lesser known boutique ski areas offering great mountain runs and skiing without crowds.

Christchurch International Airport is the main tourism gateway to the South Island, with 27 international flights arriving weekly from Australia – New Zealand’s largest source of ski tourists.

Meanwhile, Queenstown has 30 direct flights from Australia a week and this will be increased for the forthcoming winter season.

North Island ski fields

Mt Ruapehu – on the central North Island volcanic plateau – offers some of New Zealand’s most natural skiing and snowboarding terrain, along with fantastic learners’ facilities. The two main ski fields are Whakapapa and Turoa.

Whakapapa’s volcanic landscape offers a huge variety of trails, with bumps, chutes, drops, bowls or wide runs. It’s also home to Happy Valley – New Zealand’s premier beginners’ area – in a dedicated valley away from other skiers / boarders, and complete with café, rentals and ski school.

Turoa’s terrain is mostly wide and smooth, though skiers / boarders can easily find chutes and bowls to keep it interesting. Hamilton’s Face provides the more experienced big mountain skier with an ever-changing range of natural terrain features.

2011 NZ ski season opening dates:

•Coronet Peak: 4 June – 10 October
•Mount Hutt: 11 June – 24 October
•The Remarkables: 18 June – 16 October
•Cardrona: 24 June
•Treble Cone: 24 June – 2 October
•Ohau: 26 June – 3 October
•Roundhill: 9 July – September
•Mt Dobson: 15 July