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.
Awesome safe field, great for kids and very friendly staff.. snowmaking was spot on with nice powder to ski on.. a pleasant change from the money hunger of NZski unhappy and abusive staff. Thumbs up Rainbow keep up the good work.
NZ's best kept secret. If you like to get away from the groomers and are prepared to go on short walks, Rainbow will be very good to you. Requirements to enjoy Rainbow: if you're a snowboarder, have an old board with you, if the rocks are showing you can still get freshies all day. Skiers, to have as much fun as the boarders you will need to be comfy with powder and same advice re your skis, skins would be a big advantage to take you up the big hill - 6:1. Never an unhappy face in Rainbow and the road's good. Chains are essential most of the time even if you have a "Big horn".
Rainbow Valley Ski Area is a real fun hill, usually great weather & easily accessed. It's the local hill for people in Nelson or Blenheim & is great for families with safe slopes. There is a terrain park & steep slopes here & there for the guns, but mostly it's cruisy skiing. There is an active race department with training most weekends & several good quality GS & slalom events throughout the season (ex Olympic racers have trained & raced here - true!) with Big-air comps & such for the boarders. One t-bar & 3 drag lifts, snowmaking, good snow-farming. Friendly locals & lifties, great cafe, ski school 7 days, and quite cheap skiing. Spend a couple of days here & everyone will know you.