Skiing and snowboarding generally stir ideas of Swiss mountains, but the impressive rugged, high-elevation landscapes of New Zealand make the state a great destination for reaching the slopes. Running from June to October, New Zealand’s ski season finds mountains come alive with skiers and snowboarders heading to the hills. So once you’ve done your bungee jump and sky dive, head to the snow capped summits to attempt something different.

For Beginners

Snowboarding down an active volcano may not seem like something for beginners, but Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National park offers perfect slopes for skiers and snowboarders lacking in confidence.Every beginner will be leveled to the ‘Happy Valley’ at Whakapap. Here, hobbyists can practice their equilibrium and enhance their techniques down broad inclines.

Tekapo is another great place for boarders and skiers who are attempting to locate their feet without getting in the way of the fast regulars. This resort in the South Island is more silent, which offers a pressure-free introduction into this legendary winter sport, letting you take your time and face plant the snow just as much as you like without feeling overly embarrassed.

There’s also the Roundhill place which offers broad, easy going inclines together with magnificent views over Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo. Mount Dobson is home to the greatest student place in New Zealand, so with all this on offer you’re promised to come home with an additional ability ticked off your bucket list.

For Intermediates

Cardrona Alpine Resort is a simple drive from Queenstown, and is the perfect resort for the great-but-not-quite-there skiers or snowboarders. Only at that resort there are a variety of different terrains spread across three primary valleys, with its longest run stretching across 4km. The Cardrona Park is home to two half pipes and four terrain parks, and if you’d like to learn the best way to master some white challenges you’ll have training at the High Performance Centre.

Women, if you’re feeling extremely brave, a day snowboarding or skiing here wouldn’t complete without leading to the Cardrona Bra Fence. Yep, at the base of the the mountain there’s a fence covered in girls’s bras, which any girl of any…erm, size, can give their boulder holders.

For Specialists

House to the longest vertical rise in the Southern Lakes, Treble Cone is an ideal location for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The height of the Treble Cone offers breathtaking views over Lake Wanaka, although snowboarders may fight to see it when they’re whizzing past at 50 miles per hour.

For the most daring backpackers, heliskiing in New Zealand must not be missed. This amazing turn entails being taken to the tallest summits by chopper, before being dropped off to ski down steep inclines, where your chopper will be waiting at the base to take you back up again.