The idea of learning to drift a BMW M car on snow and ice sounds like something straight out of a Bond film. Now you can put yourself behind the wheel in New Zealand.
BMW Australia has launched the BMW M Snow & Ice Experience for August 2026, giving Australian drivers the chance to tackle snow-covered alpine terrain at New Zealand’s Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds near Queenstown, the highest driver training ground in the country.
Set against dramatic mountain scenery and icy landscapes, the experience combines high-performance BMW M vehicles with advanced winter driving techniques designed to sharpen skills and dial up adrenaline levels.
Participants will get behind the wheel of current BMW M and M Performance models including the BMW M3, M3 Touring, M440i Convertible and Coupe, X2 M35 and X3 M50. Expect plenty of sideways action too, with snow drifting, drag sprint exercises, snow driving and motorkhana sessions all part of the program.
The experience is designed for both driving enthusiasts and those wanting to better understand vehicle control in alpine conditions. BMW’s professional instructors will guide drivers through advanced winter handling techniques on pristine snow and ice courses purpose-built for extreme testing.
There are two packages available, both departing from Millbrook Resort near Queenstown.
The Luxury Package is the full alpine fantasy. Priced from AUD $7600 per person, it includes two nights accommodation at the five-star resort, exclusive 4WD snow bus transfers up the mountain and a helicopter transfer back after a day of driving action. Guests will spend the day mastering icy corners and controlled drifts.
The Premium Package offers a condensed one-day version from AUD $4900 per person, including snow bus transfers, winter driving activities, insurance and a BMW M jacket to take home.
Both experiences are limited to just 24 participants per date, with two people sharing each vehicle.
While Queenstown is already famous for skiing, snowboarding and heli adventures, this experience adds a different type of alpine thrill to the region’s winter line-up.
The Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds itself is something of a hidden gem in the automotive world. Located high in the mountains near Queenstown, it’s used by global car manufacturers during the northern hemisphere summer months to test vehicles in winter conditions.
For most people, access is extremely limited — making this a rare opportunity to drive some of BMW’s most powerful performance cars in an environment usually reserved for automotive engineers and professional test drivers.
For Australians looking to combine a luxury winter escape with a serious adrenaline hit, this could be the coolest driving experience on snow next season.
