Start ski season in summer by sliding over to New Zealand

There's something for everyone in Queenstown on New Zealand's cinematic South Island. Miles Holden/Destination Queenstown

Ten thousand miles away, south of the equator, ski season has already come and gone. In Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, spring is turning into summer. But if you want a slice of its otherworldly slopes next season, you’ll need to start planning upside down.

“The ski season seems to be getting later,” said Sarah Farag, the owner of luxury travel agency Southern Crossings New Zealand. “My recommendation would be to come in August or September when you aren’t competing with Australian school holidays.”

Down here, ski season kicks off in June in the four main ski fields — Coronet Peak, the Remarkables Ski Area, Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone.