Ever wondered what your ski area looks like without the snow? We'll be opening the Rainbow access road for public access for one weekend only this summer as part of the Festival Nelson Lakes weekend.

Saturday 21st January and Sunday 22nd January - $10 per vehicle

You might think there's just rock and scree at the top of the mountain, but Rainbow actually has several mountain tarns (alpine lakes) and a diverse range of alpine plants, flowers, tussocks and insects.



You could:

• Hike to the ridge for the view down into Lake Rotoiti, St Arnaud and across to the Robert Range
• Walk into West Bowl to see some of the superb alpine plants growing in the basin
• Have a picnic lunch beside West Bowl tarn or the main tarn
• Ride your mountain bike up or down the access road
• Or, if you're fit you could even get someone to drop you off up there and hike down the Parachute Rock track back to the lake.

Note that none of the ski area facilities will be operating so you will need to bring your own food and drink. Public toilets will be available. The mountain environment can change rapidly so be sure to bring warm clothing even if the weather is fine and sunny.

The access road and field will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 21st January and Sunday 22nd January. There will be a $10 charge per vehicle to contribute toward road upkeep (free entry for members on presentation of a 2011 membership card or season pass). The access road is suitable for most 2WD and 4WD vehicles, but is not suitable or recommended for campervans.