Scintillating Southern Ski Slopes
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Skiing in New Zealand is comparable to the best in the world. On a sunny winter day, when the many the peaks scattered across the North and South Islands are covered in fresh powder snow, the mountain landscapes are truly stunning. The South Island does have significantly more ski fields than the North Island.
New Zealand’s southern hemisphere location offers the ideal opportunity for northern hemisphere skiers to ski in their off-season. There is an opportunity to ski varied terrain at many different fields, with both commercial ski resorts and private club fields to choose from.
Skiing typically starts in June and the ski resorts and club fields usually close around September. This is obviously subject to snowfall and how much base has accumulated over the winter. The North Island resorts of Whakapapa and Turoa, located on the active volcano Mount Ruapehu, do sometimes extend the season. These 2 ski fields have been known to stay open as late Christmas which happens to be the middle of summer in New Zealand!
Skiing in New Zealand is a recreational sport or professional activity anyone can enjoy. Most mountains have beginner to expert terrain so skiers of all levels can be sure their needs are met. Hiring equipment is easily done, lift passes to the mountains can be bought on the day and all ski field companies accept major credit cards, eftpos or cash payments. The more adventurous and experienced skier can rent a helicopter and try heli-skiing! This is particularly popular and famous in the South Island town of Queenstown.
SKI RESORTS
New Zealand ski resorts certainly offer the best and most accessible skiing in the Southern Hemisphere. The mix of commercial and club fields cater for beginners, right up to extreme expert. This ensures that skiers at all levels can access the types of trails and terrain that most suits their abilties.
All commercial ski fields in New Zealand have extensive ski lifts; great all-level runs from beginner to expert ski terrain, cafes, car parking, ski hire rentals, first aid support, business services, and accommodation close by.
South Island Ski Resorts:
Mt Hutt in Canterbury: main services and accommodation options are located in Methven. Mt Hutt is the closest commercial ski-field to Christchurch, being only one and a half hours drive away, and is known for its wide-open bowls and good snow fall. It is popular for all the right reasons and before you come you need to book your holiday accommodation.
Coronet Peak, and The Remarkables: services and accommodation are located in Queenstown and the surrounding lakes area. Both ski-fields are fun and the terrain is varied and family friendly. These two ski resorts are located only 20 minutes away, where as Cardrona and Snow Park are a one-hour drive away.
Cardrona & Snow Park: are only a one hour drive away from Queenstown or only 20 minutes from Wanaka. Snow Park is perfect for snow-boarding, practicing tricks, your pipe skills and jumps. Cardrona is the best field for families and less aggressive skiers, and is regarded as one of the most professional ski operations in New Zealand.
Treble Cone of Wanaka: is located 30 minutes from Wanaka and has some of the best and largest skiable terrain in the South Island. A mountain more suited for intermediate to expert skiers.
North Island Ski Resorts
Turoa & Whakapapa: are both located on Mount Ruapehu. These are the only two commercial ski fields in the North Island and on a good day the skiing here is as good as it gets in New Zealand. The views from near the top of the volcano over the North and out towards the South Islands are phenomenal. Visitor accommodation is available in Ohakune, or The National Park, and both ski areas are easily accessed from either of these ski villages.
CLUB FIELDS
South Island has all the best club ski fields, as follows;
Craigieburn:
Located in the heart of the Southern Alps, Craigieburn attracts the best club skiers around due to its challenging terrain, wide-open powder bowls, and steep narrow chutes. At the end of an epic day it is recommended to relax at the lodge and have a hot or cold drink. Points to note: rope tows only, small canteen/food on the field, accommodation on the mountain, native forest on the field, and affordable skiing.
Porter Heights:
Also located on the Craigieburn Range of the Southern Alps at an elevation of 2000 metres above sea level. The position allows snow to fall from both southerly and westerly weather patterns, providing some of the best snow conditions for skiers and boarders. Points to note: closest ski area to Christchurch city, ideal for all levels and family friendly, varied facilities and lifts, and easy road access.
Temple Basin:
Located only 4 kilometres west of Arthur's Pass in the middle of one of most spectacular National Parks. With mixed terrain to suit all skiers, some of the best snowfalls and consistently the most reliable amounts of snow out of the Canterbury region ski fields. Points to note: limited facilities, on-field accommodation, 40-60 minute walk to ski slopes, lots of intermediate terrain, never crowded, 4 rope tows, cheap skiing and boarding.
About the Author
Campbell Bevan is managing director of Amazing Accommodation, a real-time online portal specialising in New Zealand luxury accommodation. Many of the ski fields listed are located close to readily available Login to vote