Rainbow Ski Area
Saint Arnaud, New Zealand
Rainbow Ski Area has no new snow today; the snow surface is slush. Today's forecast is mainly clear, with a high near 7°C and a low around -1°C. The resort is currently open for the season. It sits in the Southern Alps, with 228 m · 750 ft of vertical drop. Rainbow Ski Area typically opens around July 15 and closes around September 15.
Snow forecast
Today · SunMainly Clear
7° / -1° °CSlush
Through the day
Morning1°Ice
1°IceMidday6°Slush
6°SlushAfternoon
6°Slush
6°Slush
See the full 10-day snow forecast for Rainbow Ski Area — powder days, hourly surface conditions, and more.
Unlock in Snow DaysElevation
- Base elevation
- 1,540 m · 5,050 ft
- Summit · Rainbow
- 1,768 m · 5,800 ft
- Vertical drop
- 228 m · 750 ft
- Mountain range
- Southern Alps
Lifts & season
- Typical season
- July 15 – September 15
Parking
Free parking
Official Getting Here: bottom-of-mountain car park at Six Mile Creek; upper mountain carpark above treeline. Chains mandatory past bottom carpark (carry or fit). Independent 4WD Bus shuttle from bottom (paid separately—not Rainbow). No day-parking rate published—omit rates[].
Frequently asked
- When does Rainbow Ski Area open for the season?
- Rainbow Ski Area typically opens around July 15 and closes around September 15. Exact dates shift each year with the snowpack.
- Is Rainbow Ski Area open right now?
- Yes — Rainbow Ski Area is currently open for the season. Check the live snow forecast above before you head out.
- Is there parking at Rainbow Ski Area?
- Yes — Rainbow Ski Area has parking. Parking is free. No reservation is required.
- Where is Rainbow Ski Area and how high is it?
- Rainbow Ski Area is a ski resort in Saint Arnaud, New Zealand, in the Southern Alps. Its base sits at 1,540 m · 5,050 ft, rising to a summit of 1,768 m · 5,800 ft at Rainbow, giving a vertical drop of 228 m · 750 ft.