Canterbury New Zealand Ski fields and Resorts

Mt Hutt Ski Area

The Mt Hutt Ski Area is 120 kms, approximately one hours drive from Christchurch, situated high above the spectacular Canterbury Plains and nestled inside the eastern rim of the Southern Alps. This area receives some of the deepest, lightest and driest powder in Australasia and here you can revel in the longest season in the Southern Hemisphere, which can extend from late May to late October.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced powder hound, if you are a skier or snowboarder, then Mt Hutt is the place for you. The wide open terrain is great for first time skiers, boarders and families and the black diamond runs on the South Face provide plentiful challenges for extreme skiers and boarders alike.

Mt Hutt is 2075m above sea level, with a vertical descent of 672m and there are 365 hectares of skiable terrain. Lift facilities include 1 Quad Chair, 1 Triple Chair, 3 T-bars, 2 Platters and two beginner tows. There is a licensed brasserie, a café, first aid and emergency services, licensed crèche, dedicated childrens centre, 2 snowboard half pipes and a terrain park.

Mt Lyford

Mt Lyford is situated in the Kaikoura Range 146 kms, approximately 2 hours drive from Christchurch It is an ideal family field offering a great learners area, as well as challenging runs for intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders.

Mt Lyford is 1750m at its highest point, with a total vertical descent of 450 m and a skiable area of 240 hectares. There are 2 platter lifts, 2 pomma lifts, 1 learners tow and 1 advanced tow. All standards of accommodation are available and patrons can make use of the facilities at the day shelter lodge and the Chamois café.

Temple Basin

Temple Basin is situated on the main divide of the Southern Alps at the heart of the Arthurs Pass National Park. It is 163 km, approximately 2 hours drive from Christchurch. The Temple Basin Ski Area which faces north west, offers long sunny days and a variety of terrain spread across four separate basins. There are gentle slopes for beginners, adrenalin pumping challenges for experts, and everything in between.

The highest point, on Mt B'limit, is 1923m and there are over 320 hectares of skiable terrain, with a vertical descent of 430m. Lift facilities consist of 3 rope tows and one learners tow. There are 2 modern lodges offering bunk-room style accommodation, a café/bar and floodlit night skiing is also available. There is a 45 minute-1 hour walk from the car park to the base of the ski area. A baggage lift is available to carry your gear for you.

Craigieburn Valley Ski Area

The Craigieburn Valley Ski Area is located in the heart of the Southern Alps, 120km and approximately 1.5 hours from Christchurch. Its main ski area is made up of 2 basins - Siberia Basin and Middle Basin, and the Hamilton Face.

'Steep, Deep and Cheap' is the motto at Craigieburn. Wide open powder bowls and steep narrow chutes make Craigieburn an advanced field and so it is not recommended for beginner skiers or beginner/ intermediate snowboarders.

Craigieburn has 3 high capacity rope tows. Its highest point is 1811m above sea level with a vertical descent of up to 600m and 90 hectares of skiable terrain. There is a bar/café at the cosy Alpine Lodge and Lodge accommodation including dinner, bed and breakfast is available. Please note there are no equipment hire facilities on the mountain.

Broken River Ski Area

The Broken River Ski Area is 123 kms, approximately 1.5 hours west of Christchurch on Highway 73. It is situated in the middle of the Craigieburn Range, in the Southern Alps and its Southeast facing aspect provides mid day sun over three large open basins. The accommodation lodges and first lifts are a 15-20 minute walk on a pleasant graded track through the native beech forest from the carpark. A goods lift is available to carry any gear all hours the lifts are open.

With a great mix of terrain there are slopes to keep all abilities of skiers and boarders entertained all day and thru’ those nights the lights are switched on. Broken River offers a good environment for learners with groomed beginner and novice slopes and an alternative to skiers and boarders who are looking to experience back to basics fun in the snow. Easy access to the back basins is available for those more extreme skier and boarders.

The ski field is serviced by 5 Rope tows. Its highest point is 1922m and the vertical descent is 420m with 170 hectares of skiable terrain and with another 170ha next door at Craigierburn Valley you have possibly the most expansive lift accessable terrain within two hours of Christchurch. Facilities include an expansive day lodge with full kitchen facilities, large lounge area, sun deck and snack shop. Ski in ski out on-field accommodation is available at centrally heated lodges in 3 standards, fully serviced, club style and backpackers. Please note there are no equipment hire facilities at Broken River.

Mt Cheeseman Ski Field

The Mt Cheeseman Ski Field is 112km, approximately 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch. Cheeseman is a south easterly facing basin which is made up of groomed piste and plenty of off-piste areas including Mt Cokayne and Powder Valley.

The piste is groomed from the top of the main T-bar to the beginners area and is mostly intermediate and learners terrain. More adventurous skiers and boarders should head for Mt Cokayne and Powder Valley where they will find plenty of challenging off-piste steeps.

The Ski area is 1847 m at it's highest point with a skiable terrain of 170 hectares and a vertical descent of 293m. There are 2 T-bars and a learners tow at the base. Cheeseman offers day lodge facilities which include the Mt Cokayne Café and Bar, and 2 overnight lodges offering bunk-room style accommodation.

Porter Heights

Porter Heights is the closest ski area to Christchurch, just 89 kms and approximately one hours drive from the city. Porter Heights offers spectacular views of the Southern Alps and Mt Cook, with Lake Coleridge sparkling below. Good natural snow, improved snow making and extensive grooming keep the slopes and trails in top condition.

Known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere Porter Heights offers something for everyone. There are wide, easy slopes for beginners, cruising runs and trails for intermediates and legendary challenges and terrain for accomplished skiers and boarders.

Porter Heights is 1840m at its highest point with a vertical descent of 670m and a skiable area of 90 hectares. Lift facilities include 3 T bars, a beginners tow and a platter lift. There is a bar/cafeteria, lodge accommodation and ski repair facilities are also available.

Mt Olympus

Mt Olympus is a south facing basin set high in the Craigieburn Range. 125kms and approximately 2 hours drive from Christchurch, it's the perfect place for trapping powder dumps! It has a varied terrain, providing skiing and boarding for beginner right through to extreme levels. Mt Olympus provides over 40 hectares of skiable area, with the highest altitude at over 2097m and a 450m vertical descent.

Facilities include 4 high capacity rope tows, on-field accommodation and a canteen for refreshments. Please note there is no equipment hire available on Mt Olympus.