The Remarkables provides a true alpine experience: fun, families and freestyle in a big mountain environment with excellent facilities.

With great terrain for learners and intermediates, The Remarkables also have big-mountain possibilities for off-piste fans. Ski awesome backcountry trails or board ‘The Stash’, the only park in the Southern Hemisphere designed by Burton founder Jake Burton.

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The field operates a huge snowmaking system over the terrain parks, beginners’ area and tubing park, which means excellent coverage at all times. With its relaxed atmosphere, sun-kissed slopes, dedicated learning facilities, and awesome snow tubing park, The Remarkables is serious fun for families and big kids at heart, a world-class ski offering that deserves its inclusion in the exclusive international Mountain Collective.

Quick Facts

• Where 24km from Queenstown
• Ski & board 8 terrain parks, amazing long trails and hiking
• Season Mid June – mid October
• Access road 13km, carry chains, shuttles available
• Ratings Beginner 30%, intermediate 40%, advanced 30%

Essentials

• Highest point 1943m
• Vertical 468m
• Skiable area 385ha
• Lifts 2x high-speed 6-seater chairs, 2 x quad chairs, 4 x surface conveyor lifts
• Lift passes $139 adults, $79 kids, discounts for students and seniors, under 7s and over 75s free
• On-field ski/board hire Yes
• Tuition Yes
• Package deals First timers, lift pass, rental and lessons
• On-mountain accommodation No

theremarkables.co.nz

Hanmer Springs is most famous for its hot pools, but it also offers great skiing just two hours from Christchurch.

The Hanmer Springs Ski Area is a club field that’s known for its friendly and welcoming vibe – its motto is ‘the small club field with a big heart’ - but also offers outstanding terrain for all your mountain adventures.

It has a groomed learners’ area to get you started with a 60m easy-to-use fixed grip tow. For intermediate and advanced riders, there’s the poma – the longest in the Southern Hemisphere – which accesses natural and groomed riding.

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On-field instruction is available and you can hire boards and skis in Hanmer Springs before heading up the hill. Robinson Lodge, the field’s self-catered on-site accommodation, has four family rooms and four bunkrooms, with incredible views out onto the inland Kaikōura Range. A daily shuttle runs up to the field from Hanmer Springs, which has a range of accommodation options.

Quick Facts

• Where 20km from Hanmer Springs, 155km from Christchurch
• Ski & board Groomed trails and off-piste cruising
• Season July – September
• Access road 20km unsealed, carry chains
• Ratings Beginner 10%, intermediate 60%, advanced 30%

Essentials

• Highest point 1769m
• Vertical 310m
• Skiable Area 52ha
• Lifts Poma (807m), rope tow, fixed grip learners’ tow
• On-field ski/snowboard hire No
• Tuition Yes
• Lift passes $65 adults, $35 kids, discounts for members, students and family groups, under 10s free
• Package deals Accommodation and beginner packages available
• On-field accommodation Yes

skihanmer.co.nz

With 550ha of terrain, Treble Cone is the largest ski area in the South Island, boasting plenty of fun for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

The field has become famous for its long, uncrowded groomed slopes (the longest is a whopping 4kms), legendary off-piste terrain, and the unrivalled views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps that can be appreciated from any point on the mountain.

First-time skiers and snowboarders can try the free dedicated beginner surface lifts and terrain located conveniently next to the Base Lodge. Treble Cone offers a Snow Sports School and complete beginner skier packages, and its gentle and uncrowded beginner facilities are designed to ensure learner skiers can progress to more challenging terrain. For the more adventurous, the Saddle Basin provides a winter playground not to be missed, as well as access to some of New Zealand’s most magical backcountry skiing.

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The closest ski area to Wanaka, Treble Cone is also only a 90-minute scenic drive or shuttle from Queenstown. Wanaka offers a wide range of accommodation just 29km from the field, with the slopes within a pleasant 35-minute drive along the shores of scenic Lake Wanaka. A café and bar, retail shop, childcare centre and medical facilities are all on offer on-mountain.

Quick Facts

• Where 35 minutes from Wānaka, 90 minutes from Queenstown
• Board Natural terrain park Ski Legendary powder days, natural half pipes and NZ’s long groomers
• Season Late June – late September
• Access road 7km unsealed, carry chains, shuttles available
• Ratings Beginner 10%, intermediate 45%, advanced 45%

Essentials

• Highest point 1960m
• Vertical 700m
• Skiable Area 550ha
• Lifts 1 x 6-seater express chairlift, 1 x quad chairlift, 1 x platter, 1 x magic carpet
• Lift passes $150 adults, $75 kids, discount for seniors and students
• On-field ski/board hire Recreational and performance ski and board hire
• Tuition Adult and kids Snow Sports School
• Package deals Lift and rental combo packages
• On-mountain accommodation No

treblecone.com

Snow Farm is New Zealand’s premier cross-country ski area and only Nordic-style ski resort.

It regularly hosts overseas cross-country ski teams and offers over 50 kilometres of trails groomed to an international standard for classic and skate skiing. Whether you’re looking for casual family fun in the snow or a serious skiing adventure, Snow Farm has something to suit. Both private and group lessons are available at the field’s ski school, and there are trails and ski packages to suit all abilities and ages. Lessons, tubing, sledding and snowshoeing are available, or take a tour by snowmobile or even dog sled.

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Breathtaking views are on offer all over the field, and accommodation for overnight trips is available in three backcountry huts accessed from the groomed trail system. Snow Farm Lodge, the on-snow accommodation option is closed until 2022.

Quick Facts

• Where 35km from Wānaka, 55km from Queenstown
• Ski Cross-country skiing day and night
• Season Late June – late September
• Access road 13km well-maintained mountain road, carry chains, shuttles available
• Ratings Beginner 40%, intermediate 20%, advanced 40%

Essentials

• Highest point 1520m
• Skiable area Over 55km of groomed trails
• On-field ski hire Yes; snowshoes also available
• Tuition Yes
• Package deals Experience package (lesson, gear hire and trail pass)
• Trail passes $50 adults, $28 kids, discounts for students
• On-field accommodation Back-country huts

snowfarmnz.com

This fun clubbie is one of the closest to Christchurch. It’s uncrowded, sunny, and groomed, with challenging off-piste terrain and a family-friendly environment.

Just 90 minutes’ drive from Christchurch on State Highway 73, Mt Cheeseman offers ski and board instruction, full rental facilities, a licensed café and uncrowded, sunny, groomed terrain. For beginners and intermediates, there’s a great learners tow and a heap of blue and green runs off the main T-Bar. There’s also challenging off-piste action with spectacular views – and for the adventurous, the Ridge T-Bar gives access to the 1874m Mt Cockayne, and the superb terrain running down its flanks.

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There is a fully-operational day lodge with sunny wrap-around decks and offering a variety of food, hot snacks and beverages – including delicious espresso coffee and wine.

Quick facts

• Where 99km from Christchurch
• Ski & board Groomed and off-piste runs on expansive uncrowded slopes
• Season July – October
• Access road unsealed 12km, carry chains
• Ratings Beginner 15%, intermediate 50%, advanced 35%

Essentials

• Highest point 1847m
• Vertical 320m
• Lifts 2 T-bars, learner tow
• On-field ski/snowboard hire Yes
• Tuition Yes
• Lift passes $95 adults, $45 kids, free for under 10s and over 75s, discounts for students and families
• On-field accommodation Yes

mtcheeseman.co.nz

Situated on the majestic Mt Taranaki, the region’s only ski area has two natural half-pipes offering great snowboarding and awesome terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers.

When the snow’s good, you can ski massive runs from two-thirds of the way up the mountain right back to the base building.

The lower mountain more often than not loses snow between falls, being low in elevation (and the second-wettest place in New Zealand), but needs only 30cm of snow to open because it’s on a mown tussock meadow. There’s a tow for beginners and a T-Bar that gives access to four great blue runs. The top tow gives experts access to the longest runs on the mountain over amazing terrain with fun natural features.

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Accommodation is available at the warm, comfortable and friendly Manganui Ski Lodge at the base of the bottom lifts for a proper clubbie weekend. Make sure you bring gear with you as there is no on-field equipment hire, and put your hiking boots on for the 25-minute walk to the field from the car park.

Quick Facts

• Where 18km from Stratford, 56km from New Plymouth
• Ski & board Amazing kilometre-long runs, natural half-pipes and park features
• Season June – October
• Access road: 16km sealed to car park, 25min walk, goods lift halfway
• Ratings Beginner 5%, intermediate 35%, advanced 65%

Essentials

• Highest point 1680m
• Vertical 420m
• Skiable area 59ha
• Lifts T-bar, 3 x rope tows
• Lift passes $50 adult, $35 kids, discounts for students, over 70s and learners
• On-field ski/board hire No
• Tuition No
• On-field accommodation Manganui Ski Lodge – 33 beds

skitaranaki.co.nz

New Zealand’s largest ski area, Whakapapa provides a unique skiing experience in a dual World Heritage Area, recognising both its cultural and spiritual significance to Māori and the natural significance of its volcanic features.

Whakapapa is home to arguably the nation’s premier beginners’ area, Happy Valley, as well as more than 30 groomed trails that intermediate skiers and boarders love.

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For the more adventurous, Whakapapa boasts 24 black and black diamond runs and the lift-accessible Black Magic backcountry area. For mixed-ability groups, Whakapapa has many areas containing green, blue and black runs, so you can take different runs and meet up at the chairlift. Whakapapa also includes great dining at the Knoll Ridge, New Zealand’s highest café (at 2020 metres), as well as New Zealand’s longest gondola, Sky Waka.

Quick Facts

• Where 104km from Taupō, 7km from Whakapapa Village
• Ski & board Great variety of natural terrain and some of the best piste skiing in NZ
• Season July – October
• Access road Sealed, carry chains
• Ratings Beginner 30%, intermediate 45%, advanced 25%

Essentials

• Highest point 2300m
• Vertical: 675m
• Skiable area 550ha
• Lifts 1 x 6-seater express, 2 x quad fixed chairs, 2 x triple fixed chairs, 2 x platters, 1 x learner’s conveyor (magic carpet)
• Lift passes from $149 adults, from $99 kids, discounts for weekday and multi-day, can be used at Whakapapa or Tūroa skifield
• On-field ski/board hire Yes
• Tuition Snow School package deals, lift and rental packages
• On-field accommodation No

mtruapehu.com/winter

There’s a huge variety of terrain on Mt Hutt’s expansive slopes, which get great snow and are serviced by super-friendly staff.

It's no wonder Mt Hutt has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort for six years running at the World Ski Awards. The field also has a great snow-making setup, so you can usually get on the white stuff earlier in the season than the local club fields, and the field tends to stay open longer.

Canterbury’s largest field has a range of learning facilities, as well as a well-staffed ski school. For more advanced riders, it has steep chutes and fantastic off-piste, as well as five parks, ranging from Broadway - for beginners and packed with extra small features – to Gunners Alley, with a jump line ranging from 30 to 60ft. The intermediate- to advanced-rated Jib Garden has a creativity zone with features inspired by skate and surf culture – the two bowls are a highlight.

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Mt Hutt has breathtaking views out across the Canterbury plains – you’ll often be soaking in the sun up on the mountain, and looking out over the poor city-dwellers encased in cloud. A range of children’s programmes and daycare facilities ensure the whole family will get to enjoy the day. And when your burning legs need a break, head to Ōpuke Kai and take a seat in front of the roaring fire or on the sun-bathed deck, or hit the Alpine Spa.

Quick Facts

• Where 26km from Methven, 118km from Christchurch
• Ski & board Extensive groomed and off-piste runs from mellow to super-steep terrain
• Season Early June– mid October
• Access road 13km unsealed, carry chains, shuttles available
• Ratings Beginner 25%, intermediate 50%, advanced 25%

Essentials

• Highest point 2086m
• Vertical 683m
• Skiable area 365ha
• Lifts Nor'West Express 8-seater, high-speed 6-seater, triple chair, 2 x learner conveyors (magic carpets)
• On-field ski/board hire Yes
• Lift passes $139 adults, $79 kids, discounts for seniors and students, under 7s and over 75s free
• Tuition Yes
• Package deals Lift, lesson and rental, first-timer package
• On-field accommodation No

mthutt.co.nz

Famous for all-day sunshine, wide-open, uncrowded runs and a relaxed Kiwi atmosphere, Mount Dobson offers outstanding skiing and boarding.

Beginners, roll up! Mt Dobson has New Zealand’s largest learner/intermediate area, and the Snow School boasts a team of international instructors who can do private and group lessons for any ability level. When you’re up to hitting the more advanced slopes, you’ll be stoked with the 3km wide basin with 14 separate expansive groomed runs tracking through it – ideal for developing your skills.

For more advanced riders, the triple chair and T-bar provide access to the steep terrain at the top of the bowl where you can ride off-piste all day. A short hike takes you to the Mt Dobson summit, where you can carve fresh tracks any day of the week. When the weather gods play ball, Dobson gets amazing dry powder that might have you dusting off those beefy skis you’ve only ever used in Japan. The mountain even has a huge natural half-pipe for snowboarders to play in.

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Like all good clubbies, the Mt Dobson vibe is relaxed and friendly – you’ll be mixing with Fairlie locals who have been skiing the mountain their whole lives, and adventurous visitors from all around the country. Leave your thermos and lunch at home; the Foote Rest Café has Underground Coffee and famous Fairlie Bakehouse pies – the Pork Belly and Apple is an absolute winner.

Quick Facts

• Where 26km from Fairlie, 43km from Tekapo, 102km from Twizel
• Ski & board Great dry powder and natural features
• Season Early July – late September
• Access road 15km unsealed, carry chains
• Ratings Beginner 25%, intermediate 50%, advanced 25%

Essentials

• Highest point 2030m
• Vertical 415m
• Skiable area 400ha
• Lifts Triple chairlift, T-bar, platter, rope tow
• Lift passes $98 adults, $45 kids, discounts for students and seniors, under 5s and over 70s free
• On-field ski/snowboard hire Yes
• Tuition Yes
• Package deals Easy Pack for first-timers
• On-field accommodation No

mtdobson.co.nz

A warning to the uninitiated – you won't find any chairlifts, gondolas, grooming, snow-making, or fine dining at Craigieburn.

What it does offer is a friendly club atmosphere, an environmentally responsible approach to skiing and snowboarding, and ready access to some of the best off-piste skiing terrain in the world.

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If you are an advanced or expert rider then Craigieburn is your holy grail, with steep narrow chutes, wide-open powder bowls and uncrowded runs. Craigieburn also offers some of the most readily-accessible side-country for touring or hiking. You can traverse from Cragieburn to Broken River, although you will need to be equipped with a beacon, probe and shovel (and know how to use them) to get there. The field’s two lodges, Koroheke and Matuhi, are set amongst native beech forest at the base of the field and accommodation prices include bed, breakfast and dinner.

Quick Facts

• Where 110km from Christchurch
• Ski & board Largest off-piste area in New Zealand
• Season July – early October
• Access road 6km unsealed, carry chains, shuttles available
• Ratings Beginner 0%, intermediate 55%, advanced 45%

Essentials

• Highest point 1922m
• Vertical Over 500m
• Skiable area 400ha
• Lifts 3 x high-capacity nutcracker rope tows
• Lift passes $95 adults, $35 kids, discounts for students, under 13s and over 70s
• On-field ski/snowboard hire No
• Tuition Yes
• Package deals All-inclusive packages include lift passes, lessons, accommodation, dinner and breakfast (5 nights or more)
• On-field accommodation Yes

craigieburn.co.nz

Tūroa Ski Area offers varied terrain and features both Australasia’s longest vertical descent and New Zealand’s highest lift, the six-seater High Noon Express.

The Alpine Meadow beginners’ area is adjacent to a tobogganing area for the kids, while 12 long, groomed intermediate runs suit the upper-level learners.

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A huge range of black and black diamond tracks run alongside two spectacular lift-accessed backcountry areas, so big-mountain skiers will find an ever-changing range of natural terrain features to play on. Extensive on-mountain facilities include two excellent cafés.

Quick facts

• Where 18km from Ohakune
• Ski & board 3 terrain parks, snow-filled bowls and steep chutes
• Season July – October
• Access road Sealed, carry chains or hire at snowline
• Ratings Beginner 20%, intermediate 55%, advanced 25%

Essentials

• Highest point 2322m
• Vertical 722m
• Skiable area 500ha
• Lifts 1 x 6-seater express, 2 x quad fixed chairs, 2 x triple fixed chairs, 2 x platters, 1 x learner carpet conveyor
• Lift passes from $149 adults, from $99 kids, discounts for weekday and multi-day, can be used on Tūroa or Whakapapa Ski Area
• On-field ski/snowboard hire Yes
• Tuition Snow School Package deals Discover Snowboarding & Skiing packages, Explorer packages, lift and rental packages
• On-field accommodation No

mtruapehu.com/winter

Head to Mt Lyford for a true Kiwi clubbie experience: you’ll get friendly local families showing you all the best runs, stunning high-alpine views and a café that showcases the history of the slopes in the area.

Near the café you’ll find a great learners area with space for tubing if you’re more into sliding along on your bum. Further down the slopes two platters and T-bar provide access to wide intermediate groomers and a cool little terrain park nestled into a wide natural chute. Head up to the Terako Rope Tow to access the fabulous 1750m summit of Mt Terako and descend onto a mountain’s worth of untouched powder on two huge faces.

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Near the lodge, you’ll see the renowned International Truck Jump, where the absolute shredders get air over a bright yellow 1956 tow truck. The café provides great views of the slopes, as well as delicious hot food and drinks and a place to rest your weary legs. Accommodation options near the field include Mt Lyford Lodge, log chalets in the Mt Lyford Village at the bottom of the access road, or well-equipped alpine cabins dotted around the area, and if the weather is keeping you off the slopes, nearby Kaikōura and Hanmer Springs offer a host of alternative activities.

Quick Facts

• Where 146km from Christchurch, 60km from Hanmer Springs, 60km from Kaikōura
• Ski & board Awesome groomers and terrain park, advanced off-piste skiing in Terako Basin
• Season July – late September
• Access road 8km unsealed, carry chains, shuttle available
• Ratings Beginner 30%, intermediate 40%, advanced 30%

Essentials

• Highest point 1,750m
• Vertical 450m
• Skiable area 300ha
• Lifts T-bar, fixed grip (180m), advanced rope tow, 2 x platters
• On-field ski/snowboard hire Yes
• Lift passes $95 adults, $49 kids, discounts for learners, families, students, under 7s and over 70s.
• Tuition Yes
• Package deals No
• On-field accommodation Base of mountain chalets and lodge, Lake Stella Mountain Huts.

mtlyford.co.nz

Providing old-school club-field skiing high on the Two Thumb Range in South Canterbury, Fox Peak’s views alone make a ski trip worthwhile.

With the help of the right weather systems, Fox Peak accumulates soft, deep powder and is heaven on a sunny day. It features long runs with ample opportunity to carve some fresh tracks, with gorgeous natural chutes for experts.

Big, wide-open faces and fabulous hidden basins mean that over half of the massive ski area consists of long, adventurous blue runs that are never too crowded, plus there’s a beginners’ area to ease in newbies. For experts with the energy for a three-hour hike, you’ll find insane, untracked double black diamonds running 1000 vertical metres down to the base building.

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You’ll always receive a friendly welcome in the non-profit club atmosphere. There’s no restaurant or hot food available, but you can bring your own and cook it on the club’s BBQ. There’s comfortable budget accommodation on the mountain in Fox Peak’s cosy 40-bed backpacker lodge. Open weekends only.

Quick Facts

• Where 195km from Christchurch, 98km from Timaru
• Ski & board Groomed learners’ and intermediate trails, and long advanced off-piste runs
• Season Late July – late September
• Access road 15km, carry chains
• Ratings Beginner 15%, intermediate 40%, advanced 30%, expert 15%

Essentials

• Highest point 1900m
• Vertical 580m
• Skiable area 500ha
• Lifts 4 rope tows and one platter
• Lift passes $70 adults, $20 kids, discounts for students and members
• On-field ski/snowboard hire No
• Tuition No
• Package deals Membership benefits
• On-field accommodation Backpacker lodge available Friday and Saturday.

foxpeak.co.nz

Perched above the blue waters of Lake Ohau in the Mackenzie country, Ohau Snow Fields have a reputation for their super-friendly vibe and uncrowded slopes.

The mountain caters for all abilities – there’s a fun snow mat for learners, a double chairlift accessing a wide flat area for intermediates, and great hiking for those wanting to open up huge powder bowls and chutes in the wider area. The mountain also has snow-making facilities (so you’re less subject to the whims of the weather), a great ski school, and a snow hire and repair workshop.

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At the end of the day, Lake Ohau Lodge is just 20 minutes' drive or shuttle away – which means a hot spa and a gluhwein or cold beer are only 20 minutes away too. You’ll find not only friendly hospitality and great food but also combo deals on lift prices and amazing winter events – in particular the legendary Ohau Snow Ball, which is not to be missed.

Quick Facts

• Where 42km from Twizel, 42km from Omarama, 94km from Tekapo
• Ski & board  Stunning views, awesome off-piste and two terrain parks
• Season early July – early October
• Access road 9.5km unsealed, carry chains, shuttles available
• Ratings Beginner 20%, intermediate 50%, advanced 30%

Essentials

• Highest point 1825m
• Vertical 400m
• Skiable area 125ha, 600ha with a short hike
• Lifts 1 x chairlift, 1 x platter, 1 x snow mat
• Lift passes $119 adults, $49 kids, discounts for students
• On-field ski/board hire Yes
• Tuition Yes
• Package deals Beginners and development including gear hire and lesson
• On-mountain accommodation Lake Ohau Lodge (base of access road): motel-style accommodation options

ohau.co.nz

Offering something for all abilities and with some legendary on-mountain accommodation, Mt Olympus bills itself as the ultimate club field experience.

Set in a south-facing basin of the Craigieburn Range – which means it traps light powder – Mt Olympus has 60 skiable hectares with varied terrain offering challenges for all abilities, and is the gateway to some of New Zealand’s finest touring.

Read more for the latest season info on skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand

The field itself a proud groomer-free zone and snow conditions can vary a lot, so it’s a good idea to check them out before heading up the hill – you might need to pack your fat boys! The Top Hut lodge is up on the ski area and is available for bookings throughout the season. With a qualified chef, bunkroom-style living and hot tub, the atmosphere up at the lodge has become somewhat legendary, so make sure you get hold of a bunk!

Quick Facts

• Where 130km from Christchurch
• Ski & board Chutes, steeps, open faces and more
• Season Early July – October
• Access road Unsealed, carry chains
• Ratings Beginner 10%, intermediate 55%, advanced 35%.

Essentials

• Highest point 1880m
• Vertical 450m
• Skiable area 60ha
• Lifts 4 x high-capacity rope tows
• Lift passes $85 adults, $43 kids, discounts for students and members, under 10s free
• On-field ski/snowboard hire No
• Package deals Accommodation and lift packages; Ski Weeks throughout the season include lift passes, accommodation, meals
• On-field accommodation Top Hut: 52-bunk centrally heated lodge with modern kitchen, meals provided. Bottom Hut: Self-catered communal bunk-style accommodation.

mtolympus.co.nz