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