Skiing & Snowboarding

The Ashburton District has snowboarding and skiing experiences for everyone - from complete beginners to advanced professionals.

		Mt Hutt Ski Area, just thirty five minutes from Methven, caters for beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders offering a range of on and off piste runs as well as fabulous on-field facilities, including everything from an award-winning ski and snowboard school, to a snowboard terrain park, licenses creche and a great bar and restaurant. Mt Hutt is known for its consistent snow and has the longest season of the major commercial ski areas in New Zealand. The last few years have seen multi million dollar developments of the basin - quad and six seater chair lifts, magic carpets, increased snowmaking and all new trails.
		Methven Heliski provides an incredible range of terrain in the Central Southern Alps, amongst the Arrowsmith and Ragged ranges. Now in its 17th season, Methven Heliski opens up the New Zealand heartland for snowboarders and skiers of all abilities. Their helipad is situated at Glenfalloch Station, a forty minute spectacular drive up the Rakaia Gorge towards the Main Divide and within 10 minutes flying time you are amongst the best variety of heliski terrain in New Zealand. With over 100 square kilometers of mountains, there is scope here for all standards of boarders and skiers.

The Ashburton District is also uniquely placed for keen skiers and snowboarders to take advantage of other ski fields in neighbouring districts, all within driving distance. Several district operators offer packages to these ski fields ranging from day transport through to full instructional guiding and multiday adventures.

Porter Heights is the next closest ski area and is probably best described as a boutique commercial area. The terrain varies from incredibly steep to one of the better beginner intermediate slopes in the country.

Just nine kilometers along highway seventy nine is Mt Cheeseman. Mt Cheeseman is a club field, a concept unique to New Zealand. These club fields are maintained and operated by the club members and welcome day trippers. Mt Cheeseman is a great introduction into the club field experience as unlike the other club fields, Mt Cheeseman has T Bars and groomed slopes.

A further six kilometers along highway seventy nine are the big two, Broken River and Craigieburn. These fields have rope tows to access their terrain and with the help of an unusual Kiwi tool, The Nutcracker, you can be whisked to the top. These fields are more suited to adventurous skiers and boarders.

The closest club field to the Ashburton District is Mt Olympus. This area has terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities who are able to use rope tows. The access road from the bottom accommodation facility is unsuitable for campervans but a shuttle operates.

For up to date skifield information visit www.snowreports.co.nz

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