Don’t worry,

There are 140 dark, cold days before we get another public holiday near the end of October. But don’t despair — there’s plenty to cheer you up.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, which opened its Happy Valley area on Friday, is likely to open other areas — scheduled to start later this month — “a few weeks earlier than usual”, says chief executive

Ross Copland.

Hot pools

If snow seems, well, too cold, then maybe your spirits could be revived with a winter soak in a hot pool— at Tokaanu near Lake Taupo, Parakai Springs in northwest Auckland, or Hanmer Springs in North Canterbury.

Sport from the couch

Football’s World Cup tournament in Russia plays out on pay TV — although without New Zealand’s All Whites — building up to the final in mid–July. Then there’s cycling’s marathon–a–day Tour de France through most of July — another pay TV classic for insomniacs who can stay up watching the long races live at night or night-sleepers who catch the highlights over an extended breakfast. In international rugby, the three

All Blacks-France tests start next Saturday at Eden Park — but whether they will revive or crush Kiwi spirits is yet to be seen. If sweaty men riding bikes or throwing balls aren’t your thing, winter is the season of the International Film Festival, showing in 13 cities and towns from Auckland to Gore on varying dates from July to September.

Gigs

Musical highlights of the winter include Bob Dylan’s two New Zealand concerts in August and rapper Kendrick Lamar’s three next month.

After all that activity you’ll need a good rest at Labour Day weekend from October 20 to 22.

Chris Brandolino