Whakapapa Snow Report and Forecast
Snow Forecast for Whakapapa
When will there be fresh snow?
This is the Snow Forecast for Whakapapa, New Zealand for 16 days from 6 May.
Updated 06 May 2025 14:31 NZST.
| Next Snow Expected | 10 May |
|---|---|
| Next Snow Amount | 1cm |
| Next 48 Hours | - |
| Next 7 Days | 18cm |
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For Forecast detail, see below.
For current snow depths and skiing conditions, see our Current Snow Report for Whakapapa.
Forecast for today in Whakapapa
Max 11℃
Min 4℃
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 4℃ to daytime highs around 11℃
Freeze-thaw conditions up high.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Tue
06
Snow unlikely
Clear sky.
Whakapapa has no new snow forecast in the next 48 hours.
Whakapapa Snow Report
| Snow Conditions | - |
|---|
Whakapapa 7-Day Snow Forecast Overview
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| Tue 06 | Wed 07 | Thu 08 | Fri 09 | Sat 10 | Sun 11 | Mon 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | NE F4 | SE F4 | SW F3 | SW F2 | |||
| 2,300m | 3℃
| 4℃
 | 3℃
 | 5℃
 | 1℃
 +3cm
| -1℃
 +15cm
| 1℃
|
| NW F2 | NW F3 | E F4 | W F4 | SW F3 | SW F2 | ||
| 1,965m | 9℃
| 8℃
| 8℃
| 10℃
| 5℃
+1cm
| 1℃
+8cm
| 5℃
|
| NW F2 | NW F3 | E F4 | W F4 | SW F3 | SW F2 | ||
| 1,630m | 11℃
| 11℃
| 11℃
| 12℃
| 7℃
| 3℃
 | 7℃
|
| Snow Line | varying 2,099m | varying 2,279m | |||||
| Max Town | 11℃ | 11℃ | 11℃ | 12℃ | 7℃ | 3℃ | 7℃ |
| Min Town | 4℃ | 5℃ | 8℃ | 8℃ | 1℃ | 0℃ | 1℃ |
This table shows the average forecast snowfall, the maximum temperature, and expected general weather at resort, lower and upper mountain levels. For daily forecast details, see below.
Whakapapa Medium-Range (7-Day) Snow Forecast Detail
Note :- Mountain weather is extremely dynamic; the forecast below will change. Any forecast snow may move forward or back in the forecast, and predicted snowfall depths will be revised in subsequent updates.
Max 11℃
Min 4℃
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 4℃ to daytime highs around 11℃
Freeze-thaw conditions up high.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Tue
06
Snow unlikely
Clear sky.
Max 11℃
Min 5℃
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 5℃ to daytime highs around 11℃
Freeze-thaw conditions up high.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Wed
07
Snow unlikely
Clear sky.
Max 11℃
Min 8℃
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 8℃ to daytime highs around 11℃
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Thu
08
Snow unlikely
Clear spells, cloudy, rain showers later.
Max 12℃
Min 8℃
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 8℃ to daytime highs around 12℃
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Fri
09
Snow unlikely
Rain early, then light rain later.
Max 7℃
Min 1℃
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 1℃ to daytime highs around 7℃
Freeze-thaw from mid-mountain up.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Snowfall per hour
Snow Line
Sat
10
up to 3cm New Snow
Cloudy early, then light snow at altitude later.
Snow Line from 2,099m to 1,639m, with rain below.
Max 3℃
Min 0℃
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 0℃ to daytime highs around 3℃
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Snowfall per hour
Snow Line
Sun
11
up to 15cm New Snow
Heavy snow showers early, then light drizzle later.
Snow Line from 2,279m to resort level.
Max 7℃
Min 1℃
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 1℃ to daytime highs around 7℃
Freeze-thaw from mid-mountain up.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Mon
12
Snow unlikely
Cloudy early, then clear sky later.
This Snow Forecast for Whakapapa, New Zealand gives the predicted Snowfall and Freezing Levels for the next week.
The forecast snowfall depths given are the likely average accumulations for the Lower and Upper slopes. The actual snow depth in Whakapapa, on any given piste or itinerary, may be dramatically different, particularly if the snowfall is accompanied by high winds and/or varying air temperatures.
Snow Forecasts beyond two days ahead are subject to significant change and variable reliability.
Whakapapa Snow Forecast updated at 14:31 NZST, next update expected imminently.
Understanding and predicting Snow Conditions in Whakapapa
Here are our tips for making the most of a trip to Whakapapa, with the help of the J2Ski Snow forecasts and reports. You can find some great skiing in Whakapapa, but like any mountain, snow conditions change throughout the season, from day to day, and even from hour to hour.
Whether you’re sticking to the marked pistes or venturing off-piste, here’s what you need to know:
Pistes (Groomers) or Off-Piste
These can be a world apart, regarding snow conditions, even ignoring the difference between the natural terrain features to be found off-piste and the generally controlled surfaces and slopes of a pisted (groomed) run.
- Piste Conditions can range from fresh powder to firm, icy surfaces, particularly after warm spells or a busy day on the mountain with the passage of many skiers.
- Off-Piste Conditions are far more variable. Wind and sun can quickly transform fresh snow into wind crust or slushy layers, whilst cold weather can preserve stashes of powder many days after a snowfall.
WARNING - skiing off-piste (out-of-bounds) at Whakapapa is uncontrolled and un-marked slopes are not made safe (from avalanche risk) or patrolled. Always check local advice, know the Avalanche Risk Level, ski with safety kit (and know how to use it), and never ski alone.
Analyzing Weather and Snowfall Forecasts
Whilst no forecast can tell you exactly how snow conditions in Whakapapa will develop, checking the forecast regularly should give you an idea of what to expect.
New snowfall can bring fresh powder and refresh the surfaces of pisted runs. Powder can be tracked out quickly at busy times, but in less crowded and shaded areas, fresh snow can linger for days.
Changes in weather conditions, such as milder temperatures, rain or wind, can degrade snow quality. Conversely, cold, stable weather can preserve conditions for extended periods.
Predicting Future Snow Quality
Regularly check our snow and weather forecasts for Whakapapa for changes that may affect snow quality. Forecast snowfall depth and recent snowfall are good indicators of what to expect.
Use historical data and recent snow reports to understand past snow conditions and anticipate future changes.