There is nothing quite like the cold, fresh air of a mountain top to bring the rush of being alive to mind. And to body. Skiing and snowboarding requires that awareness of being alive, and that is becoming increasingly obvious with the growth of winter sport in New Zealand.

The first country in the world to give women the vote also gave the world velcro, hydro-electric power, bungee jumping sub-atomic physics, and summer skiing. ok, so the months of June through November aren't summer months to New Zealanders, but for a growing percentage of its tourists they are.

There are around 30 hills on the two main islands, some public and some private. Their close proximity, spectacular vistas and pristine snow are attracting more and more enthusiasts every year. Part of the attraction may be due to the fact that the NZ ski season is opposite that of many of the more well known resort destinations. They say "when it's summer in America, come ski New Zealand" and they mean it.

Another reason for the growing popularity is the simple fact that New Zealand is a couple of Islands, in the middle of the South Pacific, way down in the lower depths of the southern hemisphere. The benefit here is that the higher humidity and lower temperatures generate a bountiful snowfall, with large, crisp flakes that cry out for friendly visitors.