If you're a keen skier or snowboarder, then New Zealand in winter is a great place to be.

New Zealand has some of the best ski fields in the world with stunning alpine scenery and pristine slopes that cater for complete beginners to the most intrepid of snow sport enthusiasts.

There are more than 20 ski fields in New Zealand located in both the North and South islands, and they range from large commercial operations to smaller club fields. Commercial fields have more amenities, such as groomed slopes, snowmakers and ski schools, while smaller club fields have fewer amenities but tend to be less busy and can provide a serene day out for the more experienced skier and snowboarder.

The ski season in New Zealand usually runs from June to October, with opening days at individual ski fields varying depending on weather and snow conditions.

The central North Island is home to two commercial ski areas – Whakapapa and Turoa – which are located on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, an active volcano. However, the majority of New Zealand's ski fields are in the South Island and are nestled in and around the Southern Alps, providing stunning views of snow capped mountains and glittering slopes. The three main ski regions in the South Island are Canterbury, Queenstown/Wanaka and Otago.

A great way to find out more about each ski field and get updates on openings, snow and weather conditions, and the price of passes, is to check out the ski and snowboard information on Tourism New Zealand's website.

Most of New Zealand's ski fields are within a short travelling distance of a main city, making access to the slopes easy, and accommodation can be found in nearby towns.

Most ski fields also offer seasonal work during the winter months, which can be a great way to experience a winter working holiday in New Zealand.