Canterbury Ski Fields
The best Canterbury Ski Fields are all at Christchurch’s doorstep, and with over 10 ski areas within 2.5 hours drive of Christchurch, Canterbury is justifiably known as the ski capital of New Zealand. The ski season in Canterbury generally runs from July to October, however if 2006 is anything to go by then a long ski season is expected for 2007.
This Canterbury ski resort has wide open spaces, views of the Pacific Ocean and a terrain suitable for all levels typify Mt Lyford, one of New Zealand’s most picturesque alpine resorts.
Opened in 1988, facilities now include 4 Pomas, a fixed grip tow and a rope tow, plus ski hire and a restaurant, as well as helisking and paragliding.
Log chalets and nearby native New Zealand forest add to the special character of Mt Lyford.
Just over a two hour drive from Christchurch, and surrounded by mountains, Hanmer Springs Ski Area is another world away.
Situated on Mt. St. Patrick it is also an easy 40 minutes drive from the alpine thermal holiday resort of Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs Ski Area caters for all stages of skiers. All the main runs are groomed, yet there's still plenty of virgin snow left for the more adventurous to enjoy.
Porter Heights is the closest ski area to Christchurch, and the perfect ski destination for the whole family.
At a height of nearly 2000 metres, Porter Heights offers spectacular views of the Southern Alps. Good natural snow, regular snowmaking and extensive grooming ensure the terrain is always in top condition.
There are gentle slopes for beginners, cruising runs and trails for intermediates.
Advanced skiers can tackle the likes of Bluff Face and Big Mama, which at 620 vertical metres is the longest and steepest straight run down in the Southern Hemisphere.
One of the world’s leading ski areas, Mt Hutt is nestled high on the inside of the Southern Alps eastern rim, and receives some of the deepest, lightest and driest powder in Australasia.
There are advantages for beginners and experts alike, and the wide open terrain is great for first-time skiers and families too.
Mt Hutt also offers a specially designed Children's Centre, Ski and Snowboard School and purpose-built beginners’ area.
Just a 90 minute drive from Timaru, Fox Peak is one of New Zealand's unique Club Fields. Here you can avoid the crowds, access huge expanses of natural snow, experience 580m of vertical lift and over two kilometres of tows.
However, you do need to be an experienced driver and skilled at riding rope tows to properly enjoy this field.
If you’re not totally and happily knackered by this stage, you can always drive on - and ski again in Queenstown.
A popular New Zealand ski field, Mt Dobson has been providing skiing and snowboarding delights to thousands of people for 25 years .
Mt Dobson enjoys regular snowfalls on its peaks and across the wide open slopes. From the well groomed slopes for the beginners through to intermediates, and a soft and smooth powder that will test the best, Mt Dobson offers a challenge for all levels of snow lovers.
Roundhill Ski Area is situated in the heart of the Mackenzie Country, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Basin.
There is fantastic learner and intermediate terrain, perfectly groomed, wide trails and all-day sunshine.
Roundhill also provides a full range of rental equipment from toddlers to adults and a fully-qualified international ski school.
Ohau, as part of the Ohau Range in the Main Divide, and is recognised for its reliable snowfall and fine weather.
Ohau is serviced by a double chairlift, a platter and a fixed grip lift. The main trails are groomed regularly.
‘The Boulevard’ offers learners and intermediates an easy and fun skiing or snowboarding experience from the top of the chairlift down to the base facilities.
The chairlift also provides access to a wide variety of slopes suitably challenging for experts and exciting for intermediates.
A very gentle slope, serviced by the fixed grip lift, is ideal for children and beginners. The platter lift is more exciting for the developing beginner.