Mt. Hutt, one of New Zealand’s premier ski destinations, is set to open early for the 2025 season following an extraordinary 1.2-meter (4-foot) snowfall during the first week of May. This marks the resort’s earliest opening in 16 years, with weekend operations commencing on May 31, including the King’s Birthday public holiday on June 2. Full seven-day operations will begin on June 14, contingent on weather conditions.
Despite recent north-westerly winds melting some new snow, the resort reports a solid base on its main trails. Mt. Hutt credits its seasonal staff for moving the season opening up by several weeks, stating, “Thanks to the flexibility of our amazing seasonal crew, we can safely move our scheduled start date forward a couple of weeks.” The resort is also happy to share that season passes will work for these two extra weekends, and no additional passes will be required for season pass holders.
Mt. Hutt 2025 Season Dates
Early Weekend Opening: May 31, June 1 & 2 and June 7 & 8
Full Season Opening: June 14
Closing Day: October 12
Located approximately 90 minutes from Christchurch and 35 minutes from Methven on New Zealand’s South Island, Mt. Hutt boasts 40 kilometers (25 miles) of skiable terrain across 25 trails, catering to all skill levels. The resort features a vertical drop of 648 meters, with elevations ranging from 1,438 to 2,086 meters (4,718 to 6,844 feet). Its lift system includes five lifts, notably New Zealand’s first eight-person chairlift, ensuring efficient access across the mountain. Known for its reliable snowfall and diverse terrain, Mt Hutt has been voted New Zealand’s Best Ski Resort multiple times between 2015 and 2022.
The early May snowfall is particularly noteworthy, as the average snowfall for this period is typicall just a couple of inches. This unexpected weather event has not only delighted snow enthusiasts but also provided a substantial boost to the local economy, with businesses in Methven and surrounding areas anticipating increased activity. Following the 1.2-meter (47 inches) snowfall, the resort saw a top up of 3 centimeters (1 inch) on Thursday, May 8, and now has a snow base of between 20-75 centimeters (8-30 inches). The current weather forecast for Mt. Hutt calls for below-freezing temperatures during the next few nights, perfect for snowmaking, and some possible snow later in the week from Thursday.
As the Southern Hemisphere’s ski season approaches, Mt. Hutt’s early opening sets an optimistic tone for winter sports enthusiasts in New Zealand and the regional tourism industry alike.
