Schuss these pistes
Nothing says winter like snow. Crisp, sparkling and so very inviting for the myriad of skiers and snowboarders looking for adventure or a day out. With numerous ski fields in easy travel distance, Christchurch is indeed spoilt for choice. From powder to transitional, corduroy to hard pack, our slopes offer something for all levels. Here are some of Metropol’s suggestions for you to check out.
Selwyn’s ski fields
Stretching across the great Canterbury Plains from the Pacific Ocean on the east to Arthur’s Pass National Park the Southern Alps and bounded by the Rakaia and Waimakariri Rivers, Selwyn District has six boutique ski fields. From beginners to advanced skiers, the uncrowded slopes and great snow at Broken River, Cheeseman, Porters, Craigieburn, Temple Basin and Mt Olympus are dedicated to skiing in Selwyn.
Cardrona
Near Wanaka, Cardrona is all about insane rails, boxes, kickers, and halfpipes, while at the same time also offering beginners, intermediate and advanced runs on various sides of the ski area.
The Remarkables
The majestic Remarkables Ski Field near Queenstown has everything from beginners and intermediate runs serviced by a six-seater express lift to slightly steeper intermediate runs serviced by three quad lifts, and some backcountry areas giving that “big mountain” feel..
Coronet Peak
This high ski field towers above Queenstown and is often first to open in the area. What sets it apart from the rest is the night skiing every Friday and Saturday. Three chairlifts and one T-bar take you to many winding runs.
Mt Dobson
In the Tekapo area, club field Mt Dobson is a great place to learn with wide runs and lots of room to manoeuvre. A traverse from the top of the chairlift or T-bar will take you to some awesome advanced terrain, before getting back the groomed runs again.
Ohau
Ohau Snow Fields is a family-run commercial field in the MacKenzie High Country. Nestled between Ohau Range and the Ben Ohau, the 165 hectares of terrain includes a chairlift, poma tow and magic carpet servicing the mostly beginner to intermediate slopes.
Treble Cone
The largest ski field on the South Island, and close to Wanaka, facilities include a six-seater express lift, quadlift, poma tow and magic carpet servicing 550 hectares. There are long cruisy runs to practise technique, while adventurous types will be served in the Saddle Basin and Summit slopes.
Mt Hutt
Rising to 2,190 metres, Mt Hutt provides 365 hectares of ski field, complete with a six-seater chair lift taking people from the base all the way to the top of the field. With four terrain parks and even a few black runs to try, it’s good to go for all levels from beginners to advanced.
