BMW M Snow and Ice Experience returns for 2026 in NZ

The BMW M Snow & Ice Experience is officially returning in 2026, and it’s shaping up to be an adrenaline-packed winter playground. The event starts on August 4, 2026, at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground, in the Southern Alps on the South Island in New Zealand.

It is for the folks who have ever wanted to drift a performance car on ice, learn from the professionals and do it all in one of the most scenic locations on Earth.

Where and when?

The action kicks off August 4–12, 2026, at the stunning Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground, located between Queenstown and Wanaka, NZ. This high-altitude ice testing facility is about as dramatic as it gets, with snow-covered peaks, frozen tracks, and pure driving chaos of the fun kind.

What you actually get to do

It’s a full day of controlled mayhem on snow and ice, guided by globally certified BMW instructors. Here is what is on the menu:

• Motorkhana challenges
• Drag sprints on ice
• Barrel racing
• Drifting sessions

And to top it off, you get a chance to sit in a high-speed passenger ride in a BMW M3 with a pro behind the wheel. It’s all done in a fleet of the latest BMW M high-performance cars.

Also read: April Fools BMW M3 Touring prank becomes Nürburgring reality

Packages: Premium to luxury

Whether you’re flying solo or bringing mates, there are tiered packages to suit. The Premium Package include snow bus transfers to the proving ground and a BMW M-branded jacket.

The Luxury Package includes everything in the premium, plus a one-way helicopter transfer and two nights at the iconic Millbrook Resort.

Not just fun, learn something

While it’s all about fun, this is still part of the BMW M Driving Experience. This means training is tailored for all skill levels, focus remains firmly on safety and control, and you’ll walk away a better and more confident driver.

A legacy of performance driving

The BMW M Driving Experience isn’t new. It was established in 1976 and was one of the first programs of its kind globally. It is now recognised worldwide for combining performance driving with professional instruction.