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 21 April.
Updated 21 April 2025 11:39 PDT.
| Next Snow Expected | 1 May |
|---|---|
| Next Snow Amount | - |
| Next 48 Hours | - |
| Next 7 Days | - |
| Free Snow Reports by e-Mail | Sign Up for Powder Alerts |
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 51°F
Min 41°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 41°F to daytime highs around 51°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Mon
21
Snow unlikely
Light rain first, cloudy then fog, 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 21 | Tue 22 | Wed 23 | Thu 24 | Fri 25 | Sat 26 | Sun 27 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | SW F2 | NW F2 | NW F3 | ||||
| 5,906ft | 45°F
| 47°F
 | 41°F
 | 45°F
| 45°F
| 44°F
| 46°F
 |
| SW F2 | NW F2 | NW F3 | |||||
| 5,310ft | 47°F
| 49°F
| 43°F
| 47°F
| 47°F
| 46°F
| 48°F
|
| NW F3 | NW F3 | ||||||
| 4,715ft | 51°F
| 54°F
| 47°F
| 51°F
| 52°F
| 52°F
| 54°F
 |
| Snow Line | |||||||
| Max Town | 51°F | 54°F | 47°F | 51°F | 52°F | 52°F | 54°F |
| Min Town | 41°F | 34°F | 30°F | 38°F | 39°F | 44°F | 50°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 51°F
Min 41°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 41°F to daytime highs around 51°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Mon
21
Snow unlikely
Light rain first, cloudy then fog, cloudy later.
Max 54°F
Min 34°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 34°F to daytime highs around 54°F
Freeze-thaw conditions up high.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Tue
22
Snow unlikely
Clear spells, fair, cloudy later.
Max 47°F
Min 30°F
Freeze-thaw conditions, with valley temperatures cooling to 30°F and rising to 47°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Wed
23
Snow unlikely
Fair, clear sky, fair later.
Max 51°F
Min 38°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 38°F to daytime highs around 51°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Thu
24
Snow unlikely
Clear spells, fog, clear sky later.
Max 52°F
Min 39°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 39°F to daytime highs around 52°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Fri
25
Snow unlikely
Fair first, clear sky then clear spells, fair later.
Max 52°F
Min 44°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 44°F to daytime highs around 52°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Sat
26
Snow unlikely
Clear sky first, fair then clear spells, cloudy later.
Max 54°F
Min 50°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 50°F to daytime highs around 54°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Sun
27
Snow unlikely
Cloudy, light rain, cloudy later.
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 11:39 PDT, next update expected 17:00 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.