Queenstown, 24 Jun – 3 Jul
Massive ten-day snow frenzy on and off the mountains. This is the Godfather of snow events and you’ll find everything from races, live music and fireworks to comedy, food and wine and family events, many of which are free! Highlights include the Masquerade Ball (25 Jun), Drag Race (29 Jun), Dog Derby (30 Jun), Holidays Mountain Mayhem (2 Jul) and Quiksilver Slopestyle Invitational. www.winterfestival.co.nz

Ohakune, 25 Jun
One huge night of fun in Ohakune. Catch New Zealand’s best artists, check out the rides, browse the stalls and watch the fireworks lighting up the winter sky! http://ohakune-mardigras.co.nz

Queenstown, 23 – 31 Jul
The biggest gay alpine party in the Southern Hemisphere is jam-packed with events ranging from pool parties and cowboy dinners to retro bowling and group skiing. Paint the town pink! www.gayskiweeknz.com

Cardrona Alpine Resort, 2 – 6 Aug
The Burton Open series kicks off in New Zealand, showcasing half-pipe and slopestyle disciplines. Catch a glimpse of the world’s best winter athletes. www.opensnowboarding.com

Various, 13 – 28 Aug
Unique in the world of winter sports, this 16-day festival hosts every imaginable snow sport competition, ranging from skiing and snowboarding to adaptive snow sports, curling, ice hockey and ice skating.
http://wintergamesnz.com

Methven, 27 Aug
Big air from a 16-metre floodlit ramp and kicker right in the heart of ski hub Methven. The snow for this ski and snowboard event is specially imported from nearby ski area Mount Hutt! www.amazingspace.co.nz/amazing/methvenbigair

Ohau Snow Fields, 10 Sep
Crazy fancy dress mountain party with live music from band Taos and all the bells and whistles. This annual event is a real favourite amongst local powderhounds and visitors alike. www.ohau.co.nz

Mt Hutt & Methven, 15 Oct
Multi-sport event encompassing two kilometres of skiing/snowboarding down Mount Hutt’s slopes, 19 kilometres’ mountain biking along the access road and an eleven-kilometre run to the famous Blue Pub in Methven. Peak 2 Pub is now in its 13th year! www.amazingspace.co.nz/amazing/PeakToPub