Looking for the inside scoop on Winter 2020 on your local ski fields? Cityscape has done the hard yards to compile the ultimate guide to skiing and snowboarding in Canterbury and Otago this year.
The 2020 ski season is up and running, and Cantabrians are flocking to the local fields in droves. Mt Hutt has has been rocking an amazing atmophere (and often a full carpark) since it opened, and Porters has had some great snow on its groomed tracks. Broken River and Mt Lyford have opened, letting us all in on a bit of of that friendly club field magic. Unfortunately, there hasn't been enough snow yet to open Mt Cheesman, Temple Basin, Craigieburn or Hamner Springs Ski Field, but keep patiently doing your snow dance - you never know what the weather gods could bring.
With a little bit of a drive, you'll find Mt Dobson, Roundhill and Ohau who are all open, and the fields around Queenstown and Wanaka are mostly open for business as usual.
This might be the year to splash out: there are a range of heli ski operators who will happily take you into the mountains for the ride of a lifetime, and most of them are offering special 2020 deals that we might never see again. Methven Heliski is closest to Christchurch, and there are a few operators flying from Mt Cook Village, while the rest are around Queenstown and Wanaka. It’s not just for experts – the heli ski operators can tailor their service to your skill level, and Ski the Tasman runs tours on the longest green run in the country: the Tasman Glacier.
If you’re new to New Zealand snowsports, you’ll notice that most ski areas don’t have accommodation on the field itself. This means you’ll typically be driving up the mountain each day – or catching a shuttle bus. It may not be what you’re used to, but it means you can ski a different mountain each day if you like, especially in Canterbury. You'll get a more natural mountain environment – and when you get off the mountain, you have the restaurants and bars of a buzzing winter town to choose from - we love Methven and Hanmer Springs. You’ll also be able to mix up your skiing or boarding with other activities; depending on which fields you decide to visit, you'll also be handy to everything from wine tasting to whale watching, bungy jumping or even surfing!
Where to ski in Canterbury
We're spoiled here, with big boy Mt Hutt keeping us in snow even when mother nature doesn't play ball. The five skifields on the Arthur's Pass road offer more adventurous terrain in a fun, welcoming environment, and the two fields near Hanmer Springs are some the country's most loveable clubbies.
Check the fields' websites and Facebook pages before you plan your trip - they'll have their latest snow conditions and opening details.
Broken River Ski Area has wide slopes, rolling bowls and steep chutes alongside a terrain park offer great skiing and riding. The backcountry run down Allan’s Basin ending in the car park is the ultimate finish to your day.
Craigieburn Valley. This off-piste alpine playground offers steep narrow chutes, wide open powder bowls and uncrowded runs for intermediate and advanced, plus a ‘suicidal’-rated triple black diamond descent!
Hanmer Springs Ski Area is a club ski area with learners’ slopes and off-piste challenges. Snowboarders find natural and groomed pipe riding and there is on-field backpacker accommodation as well as ski and snowboard hire.
Mt Cheeseman. The closest club ski area to Christchurch has great park features and extensive backcountry skiing. Mt Cockayne offers challenging off-piste and stunning views of the Craigieburn Range.
Mt Hutt. Long runs in a mix of terrain, a well-developed trail network, five terrain parks, a range of black runs, steep chutes and excellent facilities.
Mt Lyford. The Wild Ride Terrain Park, suitable for all abilities, plus advanced skiing in the Terako Basin make for great snow days. Stay the night in a rustic log chalet with hot tubs at the bottom of the mountain.
Mt Olympus has chutes, steeps and open faces plus a huge natural terrain park. The on-mountain lodge (with a chef, a hot tub overlooking the slopes, and a dress-up box) adds to the social atmosphere.
Porters has an excellent snow sports school and learners area. Advanced riders love the legendary Bluff Face and Big Mama runs.
Temple Basin, in the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park, is accessible by a 50-minute scenic walk. Floodlit night-skiing, a huge natural terrain park and modern lodges just metres from the lifts.
SKIING FURTHER AFIELD
Just a quick trip down to the Mackenzie District opens up a whole new area for skiing, with a ton of highlights. Mt Ohau Lodge is one of the best spots to stay in the country, and the mountains offer unparalleled views over Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mt Cook.
Fox Peak Ski Area has big, wide-open faces and fabulous hidden basins, plus a park for beginners. Over half of Fox Peak consists of long, adventurous blue runs and you’ll also find a cosy 40-bed backpacker lodge.
Mt Dobson Ski Area is famous for all-day sunshine, Mount Dobson also has a large learner and intermediate area, advanced runs with miles of untracked powder, and a natural half-pipe.
Ohau Snow Fields are home to the famous Ohau Snowball event, Ohau features a snow mat for learners and exciting terrain in superb powder areas for intermediates/advanced. Awesome off-piste bowls and chutes and incredible views.
Roundhill Ski Area has smooth, wide trails for beginners and intermediates, and advanced terrain for experts. The Central Park features rails, boxes and jumps. Park in the sun on the slopes and bring your BBQ.
New Zealand's most famous ski resorts line the hills around the Southern Lakes, Queenstown and Wanaka, and pumping Queenstown can add a party or luxury vibe to your ski holiday. Wanaka is a bit more toned down, and its natural beauty is sure to capture your heart.
Snow Farm Ski Area offers first-class cross-country skiing (day and night) on more than 50 kilometres of groomed trails. Also tubing, sledding, snowshoeing and two backcountry huts for overnight trips.
The Remarkables. Fun, families and freestyle. Catering for learners and intermediates, The Remarkables offers awesome backcountry trails and three terrain parks including The Stash Burton Park.
Treble Cone Ski Area. The South Island’s largest ski area offers slopes for all abilities; from beginners’ slopes and wide groomed trails through to free-riding terrain.
Cardrona Alpine Resort is an incredible playground for freestylers. Slope facilities include terrain parks, a gravity-cross course, half-pipes and wide-open groomed trails.
Coronet Peak's night skiing and First Tracks ensure the field has long daily operating hours. Snowboarders relish the natural features, while skiers love the rolling terrain and gullies.
Nelson's single skifield overlooks Nelson Lakes National Park - a true gem.
Rainbow Ski Area has wide, uncrowded slopes, groomed trails, a terrain park and high-powder runs and chutes provide superb terrain for all levels. Spectacular views across Lake Rotoiti and Nelson Lakes National Park.
The North Island is as close as you'll get to an overseas ski holiday while staying in New Zealand. Whakapapa and Turoa are serviced by one ski pass this year, so you can exlpore all of Ruapehu's extensive terrain.
Tukino Ski Field is and uncrowded club ski field nestled on Mount Ruapehu and sheltered from wind. Snowboarders, alpine climbers and skiers all flock here. On-field accommodation available.
Turoa Ski Area is New Zealand’s highest ski area with three main off-piste areas and a four-kilometre run plus three all-level terrain parks. Skiers love Turoa’s snow-filled bowls and steep chutes.
Whakapapa Ski Area is New Zealand’s largest ski area with 35 groomed trails, off-piste terrain for intermediates and advanced, and tobogganing and tubing.
Manganui Ski Area. Taranaki’s only ski area has two natural half-pipes offering great snowboarding and awesome terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers. Head down after a day’s boarding and go surfing!