Rainbow Snow Report and Forecast
Snow Forecast for Rainbow
When will there be fresh snow?
This is the Snow Forecast for Rainbow, New Zealand for 16 days from 12 May.
Updated 12 May 2025 01:38 PDT.
| Next Snow? | |
|---|---|
| There is no snow currently in the forecast for Rainbow. | |
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For Forecast detail, see below.
For current snow depths and skiing conditions, see our Current Snow Report for Rainbow.
Forecast for today in Rainbow
Max 55°F
Min 40°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 40°F to daytime highs around 55°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Mon
12
Snow unlikely
Fair first, clear spells then fair, cloudy later.
Rainbow has no new snow forecast in the next 48 hours.
Rainbow Snow Report
Snow report from Tukino (near Rainbow)
| Snow Conditions | - |
|---|
Rainbow 7-Day Snow Forecast Overview
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| Mon 12 | Tue 13 | Wed 14 | Thu 15 | Fri 16 | Sat 17 | Sun 18 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | NW F2 | NW F2 | NW F2 | W F3 | |||
| 5,906ft | 47°F
 | 41°F
| 39°F
 | 40°F
| 42°F
| 42°F
 | 41°F
|
| NW F2 | NW F2 | NW F2 | W F3 | ||||
| 5,310ft | 49°F
| 43°F
| 41°F
| 42°F
| 44°F
| 44°F
| 43°F
|
| NW F2 | NW F2 | NW F2 | W F2 | ||||
| 4,715ft | 55°F
| 49°F
| 46°F
| 48°F
| 51°F
| 49°F
| 43°F
|
| Snow Line | 4,715ft | ||||||
| Max Town | 55°F | 49°F | 46°F | 48°F | 51°F | 49°F | 43°F |
| Min Town | 40°F | 35°F | 35°F | 41°F | 40°F | 42°F | 31°F |
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.
Rainbow 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 55°F
Min 40°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 40°F to daytime highs around 55°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Mon
12
Snow unlikely
Fair first, clear spells then fair, cloudy later.
Max 49°F
Min 35°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 35°F to daytime highs around 49°F
Freeze-thaw conditions up high.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Tue
13
Snow unlikely
Cloudy first, clear spells then fog, clear sky later.
Max 46°F
Min 35°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 35°F to daytime highs around 46°F
Freeze-thaw conditions up high.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Wed
14
Snow unlikely
Clear sky early, then cloudy later.
Max 48°F
Min 41°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 41°F to daytime highs around 48°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Thu
15
Snow unlikely
Light rain, clear spells, fair later.
Max 51°F
Min 40°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 40°F to daytime highs around 51°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Fri
16
Snow unlikely
Fair, clear sky, clear spells later.
Max 49°F
Min 42°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 42°F to daytime highs around 49°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Sat
17
Snow unlikely
Cloudy, light rain, rain showers later.
Max 43°F
Min 31°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 31°F to daytime highs around 43°F
Freeze-thaw from mid-mountain up.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Snowfall per hour
Snow Line
Sun
18
Snow unlikely
Cloudy, clear spells, light snow later.
No significant snowfall is forecast for this period.
This Snow Forecast for Rainbow, 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 Rainbow, on any given trail 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.
Rainbow Snow Forecast updated at 01:38 PDT, next update expected 07:00 PDT.
Understanding and predicting Snow Conditions in Rainbow
Here are our tips for making the most of a trip to Rainbow, with the help of the J2Ski Snow forecasts and reports. You can find some great skiing in Rainbow, 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 Rainbow 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 Rainbow 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 Rainbow 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.