Mount Hutt Ski Field - close to Christchurch with lots of off-piste and backcountry to explore.
I would say it was a once in a lifetime trip,
but it was so good a person should not only experience it once.- Mike G., (USA) Aug 2009 Winter Rimu
"This would be my first trip out of the country, so I needed some guidance. The trip we've just returned from far exceeded all of my expectations. We were in a group, yet at times I stood on a snow covered mountain, next to a glacier-blue river, or in the middle of a wide open valley, and felt completely alone... completely free. I can't imagine not having taken this trip. It was one I will always, always remember..."
Amy Smith (California, USA) August 2007 Winter Rimu
Amy Smith (California, USA) August 2007 Winter Rimu
MEET OUR GUIDES:
Gemma van Beek
"She was unendingly cheerful, chatty & never seemed to stop. Top marks for her brekkies (breakfasts)."
Sarah Coombes (New South Wales, Australia) November 2008 Kauri
PHOTO OF THE MONTH:
Rimu Jan 2010
We love being based in Queenstown! It's the best playground in the world and there's always something new to try...
Mount Hutt Ski Field, Canterbury
Mount Hutt is the largest ski area in Canterbury and very accessible from Christchurch. It features a mixture of of man-made and natural snow on-piste as well as generous off-piste areas with wide open bowls, steeps and shutes. There is plenty of terrain for every level of skier at Mount Hutt.
The beginners have a large area in front of the base buildings. There are also wide, groomed runs spanning the length of the field as well as off-piste for intermediates and experts. The Towers and South Face offer plenty of varied terrain for the more advanced skier.
Conditions permitting, there is also back country skiing and snowboarding down North Peak with a helicopter pick up that drops skiers back to the car park.
| Mount Hutt Quick Facts | |
| Nearest Town | Methven |
| Distance (km) | 25 |
| Nearest Airport | Christchurch |
| Distance (km) | 105 |
| Annual Snow Fall (m) | |
| Season Opens | Mid May |
| Season Closes | Late October |
| Skiable Area (hectares) | |
| Base Altitude (m) | 1403 |
| Highest Altitude (m) | 2075 |
| Beginner | 25% |
| Intermediate | 50% |
| Advanced | 25% |
| Total Number of Lifts | 10 |
| Chairlifts | 2 |
| T-Bars | 3 |
| Platters | 2 |
| Rope Tows | 3 |
| Ski School | Yes |
| Ski Hire | Yes |
| Chain Hire | Yes |
| Groomers | Yes |
| Half Pipe | Yes |
| Terrain Park | Yes |
| Cafe | Yes |
| Bar | Yes |
| Accommodation on Ski Area | No |
