Rainbow Resort Guide

The Rainbow resort summary is: Rainbow has 5 lifts within its 242 Hectares of terrain that is suitable for all levels, including terrain park enthusiasts. Find location, trail maps and piste maps covering the mountains 220m of vertical range and surrounding area. There are 9 trail at Rainbow.


Photo Credit: Snow Forecast AdminRainbow  Resort Guide

Rainbow Resort Guide

The Rainbow resort summary is: Rainbow has 5 lifts within its 242 Hectares of terrain that is suitable for all levels, including terrain park enthusiasts. Find location, trail maps and piste maps covering the mountains 220m of vertical range and surrounding area. There are 9 trail at Rainbow.

Vertical:

Top: 1760m
Arrow
220m
Bot: 1540m

Best for:

Beginners level skier
Beginners/
Intermediates

Trails:

9
25%
55%
20%

Hectares of Ski:

242
Snowmaking: Yes

Rainbow Lifts:

  • drag lift icon5
  • ski lift icon
  • cablecar icon
Total lifts = 5
Live in resort, and can update this information? Become a resort manager
Photo credit: Daniel

Visiting Rainbow

Helpful resort information to assist planning your trip to Rainbow.

  • Season opens
  • Season closes
  • Accommodation
  • Restaurants | Bars
    2 | 1
  • Nearest Airport
    Nelson
  • Nearest Train Station
    Blenheim
  • Tourist Office Website
  • Tourist Office Phone
    +6435211861

Rainbow Features

The terrain at Rainbow includes::

  • Halfpipes
  • Terrain Parks
    1
  • X-Country
  • Ski Hire

What's it like at Rainbow resort?

Rainbow is located close to the Nelson Lakes National Park, just 2 hours drive from Nelson or Blenheim. Overlooking Nelson Lakes National Park with its extensive beech forest and beautiful Lake Rotoiti, the views from the top of the chairlift at Rainbow are spectacular. The wide, uncrowded slopes and well groomed trails provide superb terrain for beginners and intermediates while advanced skiers can challenge themselves in the high powder runs and chutes. Rainbow's season usually extends from the start of July to mid October and the south to south easterly aspect ensures excellent snow quality throughout the season. Rainbow is accessed from State Highway 63, between Blenheim and St Arnaud (40 min drive), where a range of accommodation can be found.


Explore Rainbow Location Map

Interactive Rainbow trail map and piste map. View the piste and trails as well as the surrounding terrain and mountain contours for backcountry action. Find and compare nearby resorts by clicking on the resort markers.

Rainbow Live Weather

ResortSnow DepthTemp. (°C)Wind (km/h)Weather
Top Lift: 
5
10
part cloud
Bottom Lift: 
4
10
part cloud

When's the snowiest month to visit Rainbow?

AugustAverage: 3.5 snow days per week
The snowiest week in Rainbow is week 2 of August. There are typically 3.5 snowy days during this week with 21cm of snowfall. Check out the Rainbow Snow History graphs below.


Visitor Reviews of Rainbow

Overall: 3.5 Based on 9 votes and 4 reviews

  • Snowsure 3.6
  • Variety of pistes 4.2
  • Off-piste 4.4
  • Scenery 4.7
  • Apres-Ski 2.3
  • Vote

Curly Todd from New Zealand writes:

One of New Zealand’s best Ski areas with terrain to cater to any ones ability. Rainbow has that real club laid back feel with staff and skiers/snowboarders alike having such a friendly accommodating attitude which is truly infectious. Rainbow hosts several events with the highlight for me being the Atomic Rainbow Masters held every year late August. This event consist of two events GS then SL, with the incredible unselfish organization being completed by the St Arnaud Ski Racing Foundation which makes my annual trip to Rainbow and the Rainbow Masters unmissable.

Read 3 more reviews of Rainbow or submit your own