Rainbow Ski Area
At a height of over 1760 meters (5774 feet) Rainbow gets regular snow, complemented by extensive snow making machines that is carefully groomed to make a stunning winter playground, and with a north easterly aspect it is regularly sunny and warm.
The Field: This family friendly field is rated at beginners 25%, intermediates 55% and advanced 20%. The wide, un-crowded slopes provide superb terrain, there is an especially good beginner's area and some great advanced runs, but the field really comes into its own with the intermediate terrain, you can choose from groomed or un-groomed and Boarders will love the varied terrain of jumps, bumps and drops. Advanced skiers can tackle the high powder runs and chutes in the aptly named Powder Valley, the ‘off piste’ surrounding the field is as challenging as you want to make it. There is also a new terrain park that has been designed with all levels of expertise in mind - the views from the top of the T-bar are spectacular.
Location: The ski area is serviced by St Arnaud Village, which is on the edge of the Nelson Lakes National Park and only one & a half hours drive from Nelson Airport 85 kilometres (52 miles), one & a quarter hours from Blenheim 100 kilometres (62 miles) and 35 minutes 40 kilometres (24 miles) from Murchison.
Facilities: The field’s facilities include a cafe, ski and board school catering for the advancement of all levels, equipment and clothing rental with Ski repair and maintenance.
