Skiing in August in The World
August is peak Southern Hemisphere winter, so a real ski holiday in August means flying south to New Zealand, the Andes or Australia for their deepest, most reliable snow of the year, while back in the north only a handful of high Alpine glaciers offer limited summer morning skiing.
Reviewed for the 2026 season by the Ski Resorts for Kings editorial team
Where in the world can you ski in August?
August is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and that is where a real August ski holiday happens. New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and Australia are all in the heart of their season, with August typically their deepest, most reliable snow month of the year. New Zealand's South Island around Queenstown and Wanaka is the best known destination for international skiers, with several resorts running full operations, frequent natural snowfall and a buzzing winter scene.
In the Northern Hemisphere, August skiing is limited to a few of the highest glaciers, and even fewer than in July as the summer heat peaks. The most reliable remaining option is the year round Hintertux glacier in Austria, with Saas Fee and the high Zermatt to Cervinia glacier also running summer operations when conditions allow. This is morning only skiing on a small, high area of firm groomed snow, suited to training and novelty rather than a full holiday. For everyone else, August means going south.
The choice between Southern Hemisphere destinations comes down to access and style. New Zealand offers compact, accessible resorts, dramatic scenery and an easy combination with a wider trip. The Andes in Chile and Argentina offer big mountain terrain and reliable August snow. Australia has smaller, lower resorts that suit a domestic trip more than a long haul one. New Zealand is the most common pick for travelers from Europe and North America chasing winter in August.
What are the snow and conditions like in August in the Southern Hemisphere?
August is the powder month of the Southern Hemisphere season. In New Zealand it is typically the snowiest, most reliable part of the winter, with the deepest bases and the most frequent natural snowfall, so your odds of fresh snow and full terrain are at their best of the year. The resorts around Queenstown and Wanaka run their complete lift networks, and serious skiers often time their trips for August precisely because it is the sweet spot for snow.
The conditions have their own character. Southern Hemisphere ski areas, New Zealand especially, sit lower and more exposed than the high Alps, so weather matters: storms can close lifts and bring wind hold, and then clear to spectacular bluebird days over the lakes and peaks. August cold keeps the snow in good shape, and the season feel is genuine deep winter rather than the spring conditions you would find later in September and October. Pack for real winter weather and build in a flexible day or two to dodge a storm.
How much does an August ski trip cost?
An August Southern Hemisphere ski trip is dominated by the long haul flight, not the on mountain cost. Lift passes and lodging in New Zealand and the Andes are broadly reasonable by Alpine standards, but getting there from Europe or North America is a major expense and a long journey, so a full trip realistically sits in the $4,000 to $8,000 per person band once flights, transfers, lodging, passes and lessons are counted, and can run higher with internal travel and a longer stay. The skiing itself is rarely the budget driver.
Because you are traveling so far, August trips reward longer stays and combining the skiing with a wider holiday, which spreads the flight cost across more days. New Zealand in particular pairs naturally with a South Island road trip. By contrast, the Northern Hemisphere glacier option in August is cheap, sitting in the under $2,000 to $4,000 per person band as a few ski mornings added to a summer mountain break, but it delivers only limited morning skiing rather than a real winter holiday.
Who should ski in August, and who should skip it?
August suits the committed: skiers and snowboarders who want guaranteed deep winter snow in the Northern Hemisphere summer and are willing to fly south for it, powder hunters chasing New Zealand's snowiest month, and travelers combining a ski trip with a wider Southern Hemisphere holiday. It also suits race teams and serious skiers using the high Alpine glaciers to train through the off season. If skiing in August is the non negotiable goal, the Southern Hemisphere delivers the real thing.
It is the wrong month for anyone wanting easy, cheap Alpine skiing, beginners after a gentle full size resort week close to home, or travelers unwilling to take a long haul flight, all of whom are far better served by a Northern Hemisphere winter trip between December and April. The high Alpine glaciers can scratch the itch with a morning lap, but they are not a holiday in themselves, so for a proper August ski week the honest answer is to head south or wait for winter.
August in The World: the case for and against
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Where to ski in the World in August
For August we would point you first at these, each with our full review:
- Cardrona. A large, reliable Wanaka area resort at its best in August, with deep bases and a strong all round mountain.
- Treble Cone. New Zealand's biggest terrain and steepest runs, often at its August sweet spot, best for confident skiers.
- The Remarkables. A family friendly Queenstown area resort with good August snow and easy access from town.
- Coronet Peak. The closest resort to Queenstown, with night skiing and dependable August cover, ideal for a town based trip.
Sources we checked
Common questions
Where can you ski in August?
August is Southern Hemisphere winter, so a real August ski holiday means New Zealand, Chile, Argentina or Australia, all at peak season. In the Northern Hemisphere only a few high Alpine glaciers such as Hintertux and Saas Fee offer limited morning skiing. New Zealand is the most common pick for travelers from Europe and North America.
Is August a good time to ski in New Zealand?
Yes, it is the best month. August is typically New Zealand's snowiest and most reliable part of the season, with the deepest bases and most frequent snowfall, so resorts around Queenstown and Wanaka run full operations. Serious skiers often time trips for August precisely because it is the snow sweet spot.
How much does an August ski trip cost?
A Southern Hemisphere trip is driven by the long haul flight, not the on mountain cost. A full trip realistically sits in the $4,000 to $8,000 per person band once flights, transfers, lodging, passes and lessons are counted. Lift passes and lodging themselves are reasonable by Alpine standards.
Can you ski in the Alps in August?
Only on a few of the highest glaciers, and only for morning laps. The year round Hintertux glacier is the most reliable, with Saas Fee and the high Zermatt to Cervinia glacier also running summer operations when conditions allow. It is firm morning skiing on a small area, suited to training and novelty rather than a real holiday.
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