Off-Piste Etiquette: Where Is The Boundary?
Whether you love fresh corduroy in the morning or a park lap in the sun, there is one thing that unites all skiers and snowboarders… a powder day! Waking up in the morning to a fresh cover of snow is why so many people work minimum wage resort jobs but when the pistes are tracked out where we go next is often heated debate. Having snowboarded across the continents this is our take on where the boundaries lie.
ARGENTINA
The mountain environment in Argentina is pretty special. The Andes offer towering peaks and pretty harsh weather systems. These weather systems bring plenty of snow but also incredibly high-speed winds that can make the snowpack variable. At Cerro Catedral the freeriding opportunities were incredible and I have heard the same for many other South American resorts.
Cerro Catedrall offers the opportunity for easy access backcountry into La Laguna area and there is no boundary rope showing the laid-back attitude of the South American ski patrols. The Nubes area would close when the lift could not run due to high winds, but there was no barrier to those who would take the hike to the top. This means backcountry at Cerro Catedral and other South American ski resorts should not be taken lightly and you really should operate with caution and knowledge. With the lack of closures at Cerro Catedral, we often found ourselves asking questions and even walking away from a run after reaching the summit of a hike.
JAPAN
If there is one place in the world I had always wanted to experience snowboarding it was Japan. An absolute mecca for skiers and snowboarders, the amount of snow that Japanese resorts receive in a season shouldn’t be legal! With such regular snowfall, heading off-piste or into the backcountry needn't be high on your priority list, that is until you realize just how good tree riding is here in Japan.
Attitudes to off-piste in Japan are completely juxtaposed to what we Europeans are used to. For starters, some Japanese skiers and riders believe that the trees are home to spirits and it was believed these should be disturbed. This attitude resulted in many Japanese ski resorts roping off their tree runs and designating them as out of bounds.
Now I don’t know about you, but if I see an area of widely spaced trees with a carpet of fresh snow that is exactly where I want to be. Fortunately, Japanese ski resorts are starting to open these areas to budding powder hunters, although you may need to take a course to enter.
In Hakuba, these resorts offered off-piste skiing under the following conditions
Hakuba Cortina - No restrictions
Tsugaike Kogen - On completion of DBD course and only in gated areas
Hakuba Iwatake - In gated areas only
Hakuba 47 - On completion of the course and only in gated areas
Norikura Onsen - No Restrictions
Hakuba Goryu - Adventure course only
At least the few resorts not currently opening off-piste terrain to the public are blessed with an incredible snow record. That being said, with the number of Western tourists visiting Japan each year, it can’t be long before these resorts get with the times… Can it?
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NORTH AMERICA
North America is home to some great off-piste resorts with Canada’s powder triangle and America’s West Coast Resorts getting pounded with fresh powder. North American resorts tend to have groomed and ungroomed terrain. In effect, from a European perspective, I would not class it as off-piste.
You can feel pretty safe at all times in the knowledge that even the ungroomed terrain is patrolled, although be aware accidents do happen and it is again down to you to use your best judgment. It is pretty clear within both US and Canadian ski resorts that a rope means DO NOT CROSS and you do so risking not only your life but your lift privileges.
Ropes tend to mean that patrol is currently managing terrain and crossing could put you in range of dynamite, not something I’d advise. Resorts in Canada are starting to introduce gated areas, for example, Sunshine Village has Delerium Dive, but these are still the minority. If you want the true backcountry experience in North America you will have to leave the resort boundaries completely. Outside of the resort’s boundaries, you are in charge of your safety and there isn’t anybody coming to help you if things go array, not without paying huge fees anyway.
EUROPE
Oh Europe, the land of you can ski where you want but if you die don’t look at us culture. Europe pretty much offers freeriders exactly that, the freedom to ride. Do not get me wrong, in Europe, you will find ropes and closure signs however you have the freedom to cross them at your own risk.
Resorts like Verbier offer runs classed as Itineraries which are within the resort’s boundaries but are unmanaged. Normally a row of yellow poles will mark the route down an itinerary run but besides that, you are free to ride wherever you see a fresh turn.
WHY IS IT SO DIFFERENT IN EUROPE?
Well, I think it comes down to two main cultural aspects. Firstly from my experience, in Europe people are more likely to ski with an instructor or guide than in North America. This means Europeans are happy to hire an expert to make safety decisions for them.
Secondly, and linked to point one, by having a culture of hiring ski/snowboard instructors or guides Europeans also promote a culture of learning. This education culture promotes a strong sense of mountain etiquette and understanding of the risks which is not always prevalent when these decisions are made for you by ski patrol.
For this reason, I would urge caution when riding off-piste or backcountry routes in Europe. It is not uncommon to find a crevasse or other unmarked hazards between pistes so what could you find in the backcountry?
NEW ZEALAND
Similarly to North American resorts, in New Zealand, the Ski Patrol will let you know where the boundary is. Any area outside of the pisted terrain tends to be roped off but with gated access. The main difference I found when riding in New Zealand as compared to Canada was that at the gate you would occasionally find a patroller to give you a heads-up on the conditions. Mt Hutt, in particular, was great for this, with a Patroller normally sitting at the entrance to the lower towers informing people about the traverse. In the absence of a patroller, there would normally be a sign giving a rundown of recent conditions.
Leaving the resort boundary in New Zealand is similar to the European attitude… here is the information you need to know, now go and make smart decisions. If you choose to leave the resort boundary you are no longer covered by the protection of ski patrol. New Zealand resorts are small and with this in mind, you may want to explore outside the boundary lines. Outside of the resort’s boundaries terrain isn’t managed for avalanche danger (unless it could cause havoc on the access roads) so be sure to have the correct equipment and ride with a friend.
AUSTRALIA
Ok honestly, Australia is not being added to this list as a joke. Having spent time working Australian winters I know first-hand that Australian snowboarding can be really good. Although resorts are heavily reliant on snowmaking that does not mean there is no backcountry scene. Within the resorts, Australia is similar in approach to New Zealand and Europe. If you step out of the resort’s boundaries you do so at your own risk. Sometimes the best snow can be found outside of the resort’s boundary due to the high wind found at Australian resorts. This wind often blows snow, natural/man-made, out of bounds and into some pretty interesting gullies.
Check out the video below for some insight into Australian backcountry snowboarding.
CHINA
Heading out of bounds directly from the ski resort in China is a big no-no and not actually that exciting. With resorts tending to be purpose-built and with much focus on the inbounds experience, off-piste in China isn’t really a thing. There will be ropes and fences that are possible to cross in the resort, but the risk of losing your pass is rarely worth the rewards as runs are pretty short.
If you are heading to China instead opt for a backcountry tour. The mountains in China can rival anywhere in the world for terrain and the backcountry should be at the top of most people’s lists when visiting. Consider the Altai Mountains which border Mongolia offering some incredible peaks. Our advice is to travel with a guide, as amazing a country as China is, there are plenty of ways you can overstep the line and end up in trouble. Having a guide will help you stay safe both on snow and culturally.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Wherever your travels take you this year if you plan to venture off the groomers be sure to know the local attitudes. By understanding the local’s approach to backcountry you will be in a better place to make decisions that will keep you safe, but also on the right side of ski patrol. Knowing the local culture can inform your decisions with regard to the amount of support you will receive if you run into trouble. If you are heading through the gate and out of bounds, stay safe and ride with a friend.
Australasia Snowboard Guide
Australia and New Zealand offer some great opportunities for summer snowboard trips. Australia is becoming more accessible and affordable, especially to Epic Pass holders with world-class facilities included on your unlimited lift pass. Perisher and Thredbo are the big names in Australia but there is plenty to explore at; Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Buller and Charlottes Pass.
New Zealand offers a fantastic variety from the locals club fields at Mt Cheeseman or Mount Olympus to the world-renowned Cardrona and The Remarkables. Snowboard trips to New Zealand are perfect for road-tripping and following snow conditions. New Zealand is more affordable than its neighbour with early bird season passes for the NZSki Resorts of; Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables costing less than 700NZD
Australia is best known for its incredible terrain parks with resorts making the most of the man-made snow to shape some of the world’s best features. From the huge kickers at Thredbo to the half-pipe at Perishers Front Valley, Australia brings its park game. With lower vertical drops than most Northern Hemisphere ski areas, Australian resorts are fantastic at using what they have. Overall, facilities in Australia are great with modern lifts and huge investments made in snow-making. You will find resort accommodation with quick access to the snow, although be prepared to pay a premium.
New Zealand has a more traditional laid-back feel than Australia with a large number of smaller local run ski areas known as the Club Fields. In the clubbies, you will sacrifice modern facilities but not your soul with a number of ‘nut-crackers’ or rope tows to access the slopes. The most famous club fields are; Mt Dobson, Mt Cheeseman, Ohau and Broken River but many more exist. Away from the clubbies New Zealand also offers snowboarding at its world-class ski resorts; Cardrona, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt, Mount Ruapehu, and Treble Cone. Queenstown is a great base for a New Zealand snowboard trip with both The Remarkables and Coronet Peak accessible from the town. From Queenstown, you can also access Cardrona and Treble Cone by bus but access is easier from Wanaka. Further north the town of Methven in Canterbury will give the best access to Mt Hutt (regularly named New Zealand’s best ski resort). On the North Island, Mount Ruapehu and the resorts of Whakapapa and Turoa will be the main attractions.
EXPLORE BY COUNTRY
MULTI RESORT LIFT PASSES
AUSTRALIA
Perisher has been included on the Epic Pass for several years now, but recently Falls Creek and Mt Hotham have been included. This means it is possible to snowboard all summer on your Epic pass and make the most out of your winter. Thredbo is included on the Ikon but doesn’t have an unlimited option.
NEW ZEALAND
The best value pass in New Zealand is the NZSki Pass which covers unlimited snowboarding at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt. Buy early to get your pass for under $700NZD and snowboard at all three resorts. The price for the 3 Peak Season Pass does go up towards the season start dates, but you can find the most up-to-date information here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where do you snowboard in Australia?
In Australia you can snowboard in the states of New South Wales and Victoria. NSW is home to the biggest name resorts of Thredbo and Perisher whereas Victoria hosts; Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham.
Does Australia have snowboarding?
Well this article would be pretty pointless if it didn’t. Australias resorts have world class facilities and can be a great way to get summer turns. Australia is particularly popular with freestyle snowboarders and there are a number of professional Australian snowboarders.
What is the best snow field in Australia?
This really comes down to personal preference and what you value the most for your snowboard trip. Thredbo offers the greatest vertical drop in Australia therefore having the longest runs whereas Perisher has terrain across four mountains. Places like Selwyn Snow Fields or Mount Baw Baw are great for beginners.
Is snowboarding in Australia any good?
Again, this will largely depend on what you value but for us at the Snowboard Union we have had a great time in Australia. Although snow conditions can be a bit lacking at times Australian ski resorts are great at making the most out of what they have.
What months does it snow in Australia?
The ski season in Australia is short with snowfall for around 3 months between late June - early September.
What is the best time to snowboard in New Zealand?
The New Zealand ski season is a bit more reliable than Australia with resorts opening mid-late June. The best conditions will be found in August with spring conditions heading into September. Snowboarding in New Zealand can be subject to regular chair closures due to high winds. Use this as an opportunity to explore the local areas.
What is the biggest ski resort in New Zealand?
Mt Ruapehu’s Whakapapa side is the largest New Zealand ski resort. Whakapapa is home to over 40km of pistes. Add to this the Turoa side and the North Island Resort is the largest.
Is snowboarding in New Zealand any good?
Hell Yes! New Zealand is one of our favourite snowboard destinations. From the easy hikes at Remarks to the night skiing at Coronet Peak New Zealand makes a great snowboard trip. There is enough terrain to challenge most at New Zealand resorts and plenty of resorts to make an awesome road trip!
RELATED POSTS
The Remarkables Ski Resort Guide
The Remarkables ski resort on the outskirts of Queenstown is one of two resorts in the town. Set in the Remarkables mountain range and with views back towards Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu it is an awesome setting for skiing and snowboarding on New Zealand’s South Island. Despite not receiving high amounts of annual snowfall The Remarkables is the go-to resort for locals to explore off-piste and with easy access hiking earning your turns is how you make the most out of a trip to The Remarks.
Curvey Basin Chair At The Remarkables Ski Area
THE REMARKABLES FIRST IMPRESSIONS
As you approach Remarks the first thing you see is the modern lodge at the base of the resort. Entering this area and heading up the stairs to the lifts you will pass everything you need from a ski resort. There are ski-hire, retail and ticket offices on the ground floor with a large restaurant on the upper floor. The lodge has some pretty great views so be sure to get a seat outside for lunch or your coffee break.
Heading out the doors of the lodge and onto the slopes, you are met by the purpose-built beginner’s area, serviced by a covered magic carpet. You will also see the Curvey Basin chair, a fast six-seater lift that takes snowboarders from the base area to the top of the resort. Everything at The Remarks seems ultra-modern from the lodge to the lifts.
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THE REMARKABLES SKI RESORT
Similar to other New Zealand ski resorts don’t be put off by the mountain stats. A vertical drop of just over 350m and a small amount of skiable terrain doesn’t really paint the right picture. The fun at The Remarks is found outside of the pistes within short hikes of the chairlifts. Whether taking The Lookout hike from Shadow Basin before dropping down into some chutes or heading up Curvey Headwall you will find adventure at The Remarks.
If hiking isn’t for you then don’t write The Remarks off yet. The Remarks Parks are some of the best in New Zealand, ranging from a beginner’s hike park with ride-on boxes up to huge kickers and rail features. That’s not even mentioning The Stash, which unfortunately was closed during our extended visit. The Stash is a terrain park that is left year-round with features made from wood. All of the terrain parks can be found at the top of the Sugar Bowl Chairlift. This is a popular area so expect bottlenecks at the lift line on busy days.
Freestyle is massive at The Remarkables and its terrain parks draw a huge crowd. There are often park clinics running which can be a great way to progress your riding. In Queenstown, The Remarkables is the place to go for freestyle snowboarding with Coronet Peak not offering anywhere the same level of terrain parks.
First-time skiers or snowboarders will find the beginner’s area serviced by magic carpets and the Alta Chairlift a good place to learn. That being said, during peak weeks The Remarkables is a popular area and the learning slopes can become crowded.
The highest lift point at The Remarks is 1943m so it tends to keep the snow in good condition. The runs at The Remarkables are split fairly evenly between beginners, intermediate and advanced pistes with a 30:40:30 ratio. When you consider the runs that are possible outside of the pisted trails this increases the runs available for advanced riders at The Remarks.
View from the top of The Remarks
If you want to make the most of the pistes at The Remarkables consider booking onto Remarkables ‘First Tracks’ program which grants you access to the lifts for one hour before the resort opens.
THE REMARKABLES FOR BEGINNERS
Beginner skiers and snowboarders will enjoy The Remarkables as once turning you have the opportunity to explore away from the base area. Most peoples first lift as a beginner at The Remarks is Alta chair. Alta chair offers a couple of options for new skiers with Turquoise Run leading back to Alta chair with alternatives leading to the Sugar Bowl.
Sugar Bowl is home to Remarks Parks, but beginners don’t threat you are here for Casterway a long green trail that will give you the change to hone those turns.
THE REMARKABLES FOR INTERMEDIATES
Remarks is a great mountain for intermediate skiers and snowboarders with plenty of long blue trails to explore. A particular favourite is Calypso at the top of Shadow Basin as it draws less crowds than the runs on Curvey Basin.
Intermediates looking to push away from the blues will find some good red trails such as Fall Line, although be wary as Fall Line can attract accidental skiers from Casterway who have taken a wrong turn.
If you are looking to push your off-piste then the traverse into Shady Lady and even the blacks of Homeward Run make fairly mellow off-piste outings.
THE REMARKABLES FOR ADVANCED
Getting away from the trails is the aim of the game for advanced skiers and snowboarders at The Remarkables. In the right conditions, The Remarks has some fantastic short hikes that lead into more challenging terrain.
From the top of Shadow Basin Chair head into the Chutes where Elevator and Escalator lead down towards Lake Alta. Alternatively, traverse into Shadow Basin where the bowl provides plenty of decent options.
THE REMARKS PARKS
Freestyle snowboarding at The Remarks is huge. The Sugar Bowl chair accesses the terrain parks with access to The Stash and the main Remarks Parks possible from this chair. The Remarkables has a short hike pike above the Sugar Bowl chairlift which is great for practicing those initial tricks before taking them to bigger features.
THE REMARKABLES PISTE MAP
The Remarkables trail map shows three distinct areas of the resort; Curvey Basin, Shadow Basin, and Sugar Bowl. Each area of The Remarks is different and offers a unique experience.
Curvey Basin is where the main resort runs lie and you will find some extensive blue terrain. In addition, the base of Curvey basin is home to the beginner’s area where you will find The Remarkable ski lessons. Shadow Basin is where you will find the advanced terrain at The Remarkables with some really interesting trails. A favourite of ours is Homewards Run at Remarks where you can ride back down to the car park. Sugar Bowl is the third area at The Remarkables and this is home to the freestyle terrain.
The Remarkables Piste Map
LIFTS AT THE REMARKABLES
There are four chairlifts at The Remarkables and a few ground lifts.
The Curvey Basin chair is a fast six-seater chairlift that heads from the base of the resort to some interesting blue terrain. It is possible to hike from the top of Curvey Basin chair to some decent off-piste trails.
Also at the base, you will find Alta chair which only really serves The Remarkables beginner runs.
Shadow Basin chair is fairly slow but accesses The Remarkables advanced trails and some of the more interesting sections of the resort. Shadow Basin opens up hikes to Escalator, the LookOut, and Homeward Runs.
Sugar Bowl express is the lift that accesses The Remarks Parks area. From Sugar Bowl Express you can ride through the Small, Medium, or Large terrain parks.
THE REMARKABLES SNOW RECORD
The Remarkables is not blessed with an impressive snow record and relies heavily on snow-making to ensure resort runs are well-covered. A measly 3-4m of snow can be expected throughout the season at The Remarks so don't dust off your powder board just yet. When it does snow, be sure to make the most of all that off-piste terrain.
THE REMARKABLES SEASON DATES
The ski season at The Remarkables ski resort runs between June - October conditions depending. The best time to visit is between mid-July to early Sept when you will find the best snow coverage.
THE REMARKABLES LIFT TICKETS
The most cost-effective way to enjoy a snowboarding trip to The Remarkables is to purchase the 3 Peak Season Pass. The Three Peak season pass offers access to both Queenstown resorts of The Remarks and Coronet Peak as well as Mt Hutt near Christchurch. If bought in advance the 3-peak pass will cost $699 NZD for unlimited winter access.
Alternatively, you can pay by the day however expect to pay upwards of $100NZD per day. For the latest lift pass prices click here.
THE REMARKABLES OFF-PISTE
The Remarkables has some of the best resort slackcountry or off-piste in New Zealand with easily accessible off-piste from each chairlift. Short hikes and traverses will take you to some interesting off-piste terrain.
SHADOW BASIN
Shadow Basin chair is popular on powder days as it provides access to the Shadow Basin and the Chutes at The Remarkables. The Chutes are a short hike from the top of Shadow Basin chair and you can access Elevator and Escalator from this point. The Chutes are great runs that head down towards Lake Alta, snowboarders beware of your exit route as it can be a long walk out.
Alternatively from Shadow Basin chair you can take the traverse along The Highway which takes you to Shadow Basin Bowl. The Bowl is great in fresh snow and there are multiple routes down to the base of the chair.
In good conditions it is possible to traverse over to Homeward Run which will lead you back to the road. From the road you can catch the free shuttle bus which will return you to the lodge at the base of the resort.
CURVEY BASIN
Curvey Basin is the main express chair at The Remarkables and opens up hiking options above the chair. Short hikes are possible to 1900m with a choice of runs towards Lake Alta or Back into the resort.
SUGAR BOWL
Sugar Bowl at The Remarkables is best known for its terrain parks, however there are some nice hikes into the off-piste available in this area of the resort. From the top of the chair take Water Race Trail, where you will be able to hike towards Anzac Trail. This area of the resort has some of the more challenging runs such as the Gallipoli chutes.
SKI TOURING/SPLITBOARDING
Uphill touring is possible at The Remarks with the main uphill route running from the base of Curvey Basin past the Alta chair and towards Lake Alta. From here you can head into the Remarkables Backcountry. It is important to know. that if you are outside of the ski area boundary The Remarkables will not send Ski Patrol to your aid, instead dial 111. Stay Safe.
TRAVEL TO THE REMARKABLES
Getting To New Zealand
With most international flights operating into Christchurch, this may be your best access point to the South Island. If you can, we would highly recommend flights into Queenstown as firstly you have direct access from Queenstown to the resorts of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, but equally importantly it is one of the most scenic airports in the world. Flying into Queenstown is something we will not forget in a hurry.
Where is The Remarkables?
The Remarkables ski resort is on New Zealand’s South Island in the Remarkables mountain range. The resort is a short drive from the major tourist hotspot of Queenstown and is within 40 -60 minutes of Queenstown international airport.
Accessing The Remarkables
The Remarkables is a 45-minute drive from Queenstown and if possible driving is the best option. The road can experience delays if there has been fresh snow and chains need to be carried at all times. The upper road from just before Car Park 4 is not tarmacked so can be a bit bumpy.
If you don’t have the option to drive then buses do run from various downtown Queenstown locations but we thought the prices were fairly steep. Hitching or rideshare is possible.
THE REMARKABLES ACCOMMODATION
On our trip, we made the most of the freedom camping regulations in New Zealand and hired a van for most of the trip. The freedom camping site at Kawarau Bridge is a decent location but comes with some restrictions. You can stay on this site for a maximum of 4 days per month. If you are in a van you may have to stump up for a campground. We did spend some time staying in an Air BnB at the end of the trip. The location was excellent and we would highly recommend it. You can find it here
Most people stay in downtown Queenstown which has accommodations ranging from hostels to more deluxe apartments on the Lake. One benefit of staying in Queenstown is that you also have the option to ski at the nearby Coronet Peak area.
THE REMARKABLES PROS
Offers more for the advanced rider than nearby Coronet Peak
The Remarks Parks are well maintained and offer great progression
Great beginners area with magic carpets, not rope tows
The view from the lookout hike across Lake Wakatipu is incredible
The Remarkables off-piste offers easy hiking to some nice chutes
Part of the 3 Peak Pass
Close proximity to Queenstown means there is plenty to keep you busy away from the slopes
THE REMARKABLES CONS
The Stash terrain park wasn’t open during my extended visit
The access road is not great and can have long cues after fresh snow
Limited pistes mean you could get bored if you're not prepared to hike
Crowds during peak weeks especially around the beginner’s area and Sugar Bowl Chairlift
THE REMARKABLES ACTIVITIES
Being only 45 minutes from Queenstown opens up lots of opportunities for those bad weather days. If the lifts are closed at Remarks why not head over to Coronet Peak to see the other Queenstown mountain? If a day in Queenstown is more for you, then consider taking the Shotover jet boat, a bungee jump, or any of the other amazing Queenstown activities.
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THE REMARKABLES GALLERY
THE REMARKABLES FREQUENTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS
Can You Drive Up To The Remarkables?
Yes, the road up to the Remarkables is long and winding but it is a great drive to take. Be aware that on days during or after a snowfall it is likely that you will be required to carry or use snow chains. Depending on conditions the drive from the base car park at The Remarkables should take around 20-40 minutes.
Is Coronet Peak or The Remarkables Better?
Well… that is just going to be an opinion. Both The Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski resorts have a lot to offer and one of the best things about Queenstown is that you can ride them both on the same day. The Remarkables has a better terrain park and off-piste in our opinion, whereas the pistes at Coronet Peak are better and offer night skiing.
Why Is It Called The Remarkables?
The Remarkables ski resort takes its name from the New Zealand mountain range The Remarkables. The Remarkables mountain range is found on New Zealand's South Island.
How Much Does It Cost To Ski In Queenstown?
Ski Passes in Queenstown are not cheap and will cost over $120NZD per day. You can make some pretty good savings if you intend to purchase tickets for a few days and buy in advance.
Mt Hutt Ski Resort Guide
Mt Hutt has consistently been voted New Zealand's best ski resort and I can certainly see why. That being said Mt Hutt is a frustrating place to snowboard and needs to be approached with a degree of flexibility. A real positive to an Mt Hutt ski trip is the people who make this resort. The staff here do an exceptional job in tough conditions and ultimately I feel this is why Mt Hutt continues to earn accolades. Mount Hutt is a more laid-back approach to a snowboarding trip and it is possible to find affordable lodging in nearby Methven.
Mt Hutt Ski Resort
MT HUTT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Mt Hutt is a top-notch ski resort but it’s fair to say that isn’t necessarily the first impression. The town of Methven has nowhere near the glitz or the glam of Queenstown or Wanaka but we kind of like that. It is a quiet town with good people and this is reflected in the staff at Mt Hutt. The road up to Mt Hutt is … well not ideal. The whole of the road from the base car park is unsealed and rather bumpy and driving up in a campervan was possible but not great fun, especially in snowy conditions. There was even a time when we received a helping push from the Mt Hutt site team in their range rover. Once at the resort, there is a nice base lodge and some modern lifts. Sadly our first day here was cut short by strong winds and this is something you will have to factor into any trip to Mt Hutt.
MT HUTT SKI RESORT
Mt Hutt Ski Area seems bigger than the other New Zealand ski resorts I visited. This could be due to its greater vertical drop of 600m+ resulting in longer runs from the summit to the base area. Beginners and intermediates will love that you have mellow terrain from the summit meaning they can head to the top of the resort to take in the views of surrounding Canterbury. From here beginners and intermediate skiers will have the option of taking blue runs back to the base. The more advanced will enjoy the pitch of Upper Fascination, however, this run can become icy in adverse weather conditions.
There is easy access hiking that opens up more terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders with The Towers accessing a range of chutes. Visible from the base area there is a pitch of off-piste that looked great fun but sadly the conditions didn’t allow for riding. If hiking doesn’t appeal then Mt Hutt has terrain parks dotted around the resort to keep you occupied. Mt Hutt refreshes the set up regularly which is great for those who enjoy freestyle.
Snowboarding at Mt Hutt is mainly suited to intermediates who pretty much have their pick of the whole mountain. There is a designated beginner area near the lodge with its own magic carpet which is an ideal place for those first turns. Advanced riders will like that pretty much everywhere there is a line to hike or explore although the lack of trees can mean no cover from the conditions on those bad weather days.
Mt Hutt is prone to receiving high winds and adverse weather conditions which can lead to regular lift closures. This has led to Mt Hutt receiving the nickname of Mt Shut. The staff at Mt Hutt do a fantastic job to keep punters occupied and often have alternative activities set up. During my visit to Mt Hutt, they organised a rugby match, a rail jam, and various other activities.
WHEN MT HUTT IS CLOSED
There is plenty to do around Mt Hutt should the resort be closed. Head to Rakaia Gorge to take a jet boat or hike around the beautiful trails. The local town of Methven has some great bars with the local Irish Pub serving incredible food. Methven cinema is also good for whiling away the hours. Like most places in New Zealand, there is plenty to explore outdoors in the local area.
Bad Weather Days At Mt Hutt
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MT HUTT PISTE MAP
Mt Hutt ski area is great for families as pretty much all runs lead back to the lodge at the base. This makes it easy for families to head down runs of varying ability and meet right back up at the chairs. The most challenging terrain at Mt Hutt is found on skiers right. It is here where you will find a number of interesting black diamond runs. The hike to the Towers is quick and from here you can access Chute 3 and Dog leg. A further traverse will take you to 1st Chute, Main Chute and Saddle Face.
Virgin Mile is an interesting run for those competent on reds. Virgin Mile winds its way around the top of Mt Hutt offering panoramic views across Canterbury. Along Virgin Mile, there are plenty of places to drop into on a powder day to get some freshies.
Beginners will probably make their first exploration of Mt Hutt on the Quad chair and take Inside Leg back to the base. Broadway is one of the more popular blue runs at Mt Hutt and can be crowded on the weekends.
Mt Hutt Ski Resort Piste Map
LIFTS AT MT HUTT
Mt Hutt has three chairlifts; The Summit Six is the main chair at Mt Hutt ski resort and reaches the top of the resort at 2086m. Taking the Summit Six chair will give you access to all of the terrain at Mt Hutt. Beginners will enjoy the run-down Morning Glory whereas intermediates will love Upper Fascination a wide groomed red which is fantastic after the first chair. The Summit Six is a high-speed six-seater that ensures you can get plenty of vertical in a day. Sadly due to the high winds at Mt Hutt ski resort, the Summit Six is prone to wind closures.
The Quad chair is popular as it accesses the terrain parks and the green terrain. The Quad chair is quick and can sometimes operate when the Summit Six has closed due to wind hold. Mt Hutt doesn’t have much in the way of beginner terrain but Highway 72, a long winding green is popular with learners. From the Quad Chair, there is access to the terrain parks which a range of features from the progression park through to large jumps.
The Towers Triple Chair is the final chair at Mt Hutt ski fields and returns skiers into the resort from below the car park. This chairlift is crucial to advanced riders at Mt Hutt as it is located at the runout point for some of the more challenging terrain. The runs from The Towers such as; Main Chute and Saddle Face all run out here along with International, a challenging red run.
In addition to the chairs at Mt Hutt, there are two magic carpets in the beginner’s area at the base.
MT HUTT SNOW RECORD
Mt Hutt ski resort has one of the longest seasons in New Zealand thanks to extensive snow-making and a 4m seasonal average for snowfall. Mt Hutt, therefore, is one of the best places to head for off-piste as the coverage can be substantially better than other New Zealand ski fields. Mt Hutt is prone to high winds which can lead to snow being blown into pockets which when found can make for a great powder day.
MT HUTT SEASON DATES
Mt Hutt offers a longer ski season than most New Zealand ski resorts. Normally opening in early June and running into mid-late October. This makes up for the regular wind closures throughout the season.
MT HUTT LIFT TICKETS
The most cost-effective way to enjoy a snowboarding trip to Mt Hutt is to purchase the 3 Peak Season Pass. The Three Peak season pass offers access to both Queenstown resorts of The Remarks and Coronet Peak as well as Mt Hutt near Christchurch. When brought in advance the 3 peak pass will cost $699 NZD for unlimited winter access.
Alternatively, you can pay by the day however expect to pay upwards of $100NZD per day. For the latest lift pass prices click here.
TRAVEL TO MT HUTT
GETTING TO NEW ZEALAND
With most international flights operating into Christchurch, this may be your best access point to the South Island. If you can, I would highly recommend flights into Queenstown as firstly you have direct access from Queenstown to the resorts of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, but equally importantly it is one of the most scenic airports in the world. Flying into Queenstown is something we will not forget in a hurry. That being said if Mt Hutt is your only ski goal then Christchurch makes more sense.
Check the latest flight prices here.
WHERE IS MT HUTT?
The nearest major city to Mt Hutt is Christchurch and as it is within a 2-hour drive you often see people flock from the city towards Mt Hutt on the weekends. It is possible to fly into Christchurch from both internal and international destinations so this may be the most suitable gateway to Mt Hutt. Closer to Mt Hutt is the town of Methven which is around a 15-20 minute drive from the Mt Hutt base car park.
ACCESSING MT HUTT
Coach transport is available from both Christchurch and Methven although self-drive is also another option. Should you choose to drive to Mt Hutt be aware that the access road is awful. I made it up regularly in a large camper van so it is not something to be worried about however treat it with caution especially after a snowfall. The ever-helpful Mt Hutt staff are on hand to help you fit snow chains and assist you on the roadside.
Be prepared to arrive at Mt Hutt early especially on weekends and holidays as the car parks fill up fast meaning you may need to park at Rakaia Saddle Car Park instead.
MT HUTT ACCOMMODATION
Mt Hutt is the only ski resort out of the 3 Peak Pass resorts that allow overnight freedom camping in its car park. This was a major factor in why I spent so much of my trip at Mt Hutt as it was much more affordable than my weeks in Queenstown. If you are not camping you will still be able to find lots of reasonably priced accommodation in nearby Methven.
MT HUTT PROS
Mt Hutt has a larger vertical drop than other New Zealand ski resorts
Accommodation and eating out is cheaper in Methven than in Queenstown or Wanaka
There is plenty of opportunities to explore the off-piste at Mt Hutt with easy access hiking.
Mt Hutt has a range of terrain park features, a progression park, and a large park.
The chairlifts at Mt Hutt are modern and fast.
Mt Hutt has incredible views across Canterbury on a clear day.
The ability to freedom camp at Mt Hutt helps make this a budget-friendly resort.
New Zealand’s highest hot tub alpine spa is free to use at the top of the summit chair.
MT HUTT CONS
Adverse weather conditions leading to many closures of Mt Hutt
Poor condition of the access road leading to Mt Hutt
Mt Hutt charges for assistance fitting snow chains.
MT HUTT ACTIVITIES
Consistently being voted New Zealand’s best ski resort is of course a lot to do with the skiing and terrain available at Mt Hutt, however, our experience is that Mt Hutt is more than that. The service received on bad weather days is exceptional and unlike anywhere else we have snowboarded. Mt Hutt made an effort during every closure to run activities to keep everyone entertained. Here is what you can do to keep entertained on and off the slopes at Mt Hutt.
Bad Weather Activities
Mt Hutt was great at organizing activities when the lifts couldn’t spin. Everything from a community rugby match to a treasure hunt around Methven for the kids. Keep an eye on the website for their latest activities.
Methven Cinema
Methven cinema is another great down day activity. The cinema is tiny but shows the latest releases at reasonable prices. The cinema is an independent business so it also feels great to know your ticket money is going back into the community.
Rakaia Gorge
Rakaia Gorge is a short drive from Methven and is well worth the visit. There is a 7km track that can take you to some brilliant scenic lookouts. The Rakaia Gorge is also home to the Discovery Jet Boat that will propel you down the Rakaia river as a great down-day activity.
Helicopter Flights
Methven Heli Ski is a great alternative to riding in the resort. You will be taken on the flight of your life and dropped at the top of some of New Zealand’s best backcountry runs.
Pubs and Bars
There is nothing directly at Mt Hutt in the way of restaurants and bars however Methven itself has a number to choose from. Our favourite was The Dubliner Irish Bar as the food was incredible.
MT HUTT GALLERY
MT HUTT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Mt Hutt Open?
This is a question you will have to stay on top of. Mt Hutt is prone to weather closure but the latest information is always posted here. Mt Hutt is a year-round resort that is open between 9 am - 4 pm daily.
How Far Is Mt Hutt from Christchurch?
The drive from Christchurch to Mt Hutt takes 1 hour 30 minutes and is pretty easy. Once at Mt Hutt base car park, the adventure begins, as the access road is not the best. The road is unsealed and bumpy however we regularly made it up in our campervan. It is important to carry chains when driving up to Mt Hutt. If you do not feel confident in driving the road there are buses that run from Christchurch and Methven.
Do you need chains for Mt Hutt?
You are required to carry chains to drive up to Mt Hutt. Whether you need to fit your chains is posted at the bottom of the access road to Mt Hutt. Mt Hutt offers a snow chain rental and fitting service at their base area car park.
How Far Is Mt Hutt From Queenstown?
Skiers and snowboarders taking advantage of the NZ Ski Pass will want to visit both Mt Hutt and the Queenstown resorts; The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. The drive from Queenstown to Mt Hutt is around 300km and can be done in one day. We would advise stopping along the way as New Zealand has some great scenic spots to visit.
How Tall Is Mt Hutt?
Mount Hutt has a summit of 2190m above sea level.
RELATED POSTS
New Zealand Snowboarding Guide
New Zealand is home to some of the most scenic ski resorts in the world with incredible snowboarding on the doorstep of some awesome towns. In terms of summer snowboarding, it is easy to see why so many ski bums flock to Wanaka and Queenstown for their summer turns. You will find world-class facilities and some awesome terrain. But New Zealand snowboarding is about more than just the Wanaka or Queenstown experience. A snowboarding trip to New Zealand should take you to the clubbies, local run ski fields with a real charm. Snowboarding in New Zealand is set up for an epic adventure. Whether on or off the slopes there is plenty to do with New Zealand offering a whole range of adventure activities, from heli-skiing to bungee jumping you will find it hard to get bored.
SOUTH ISLAND
The South Island is the main hub for snowboarding in New Zealand. It is on the South Island that you will find the majority of the ski areas and you will also find the largest variety. The larger commercial resorts of; Mt Hutt, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona, and Treble Cone will all offer world-class facilities with fast chairlifts and extensive snow-making. Resorts in New Zealand are smaller than you may be used to with less vertical but there is still plenty on offer. On paper, The Remarks is small with only 14km of pistes, however, when you consider the hikes to the off-piste terrain this becomes much larger. The South Island is also home to a number of ‘clubbies’ or club fields where facilities are more basic but the snowboarding just as fun. If you are visiting the club fields be prepared to uplift using rope tows and nutcrackers.
NORTH ISLAND
The largest New Zealand resort is found on the North Island at Mt Ruapehu. The Ruapehu volcano is home to two resorts Whakapapa and Turoa. Mt Ruapehu is prone to bad weather but when conditions are good the snowboarding is world-class. The North Island is also home to indoor snowboarding at Snow Planet in Auckland. This means it is possible to get your snow kick all through the year. Although indoor snowboarding is not enjoyed by everyone I definitely think there is a place for it.
WHAT TO EXPECT
In New Zealand, you will find a mixture of small local run ski areas and larger commercial ski areas. This makes New Zealand perfect as it will have something for everyone’s taste. Loosely speaking you can expect the following.
The larger resorts of; Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone will have world-class facilities. The lift passes are more expensive if purchased on a daily basis but there are some great season pass deals. These resorts tend to be more crowded as they are based in the popular towns of; Queenstown, Wanaka, and Methven.
The Clubbies or Club Fields are basically member association run ski fields that are open to the general public. The facilities at the club fields are more basic with rope tows, button lifts, or t-bars. Some slower chairlifts are in operation. Club fields are more affordable but offer fewer facilities with no big lodges on sight.
WHERE TO SNOWBOARD IN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is the perfect place to head on a snowboard road trip so you need not restrict yourself to just one of the ski resorts. Queenstown is home to two resorts that can both be accessed in the same day. The Remarkables is one of my favourite New Zealand ski areas with an exceptional terrain park, including The Stash, and some great easy access hiking. The Chutes and Shadow Basin are areas we love. Sticking with Queenstown, Coronet Peak has incredible views and offers night skiing three times a week. A new high-speed chair makes Coronet ideal for getting fast laps. My favourite areas here are off the Greengates Express.
A short drive from Queenstown and you will be in Wanaka. Wanaka is stunning and is worth the visit even if you don’t plan to snowboard. The lake here and surrounding mountains make it exceptional for photography. There are plenty of reasons to visit Wanaka as it is home to Treble Cone ski resort. Treble Cone offers the most challenging terrain of the New Zealand ski resorts and has a good snow record. A short drive from Wanaka and you will reach Cardrona. Cardrona is popular with many and has a great terrain park.
Further North and you will find the town of Methven. Methven in itself is unremarkable with little to do but it is a great base for outdoor activities. Just outside the town, you will find Mt Hutt which is regularly named New Zealand’s best ski area. Mt Hutt has the unfortunate nickname of Mt Shut as it can fall victim to high winds. When it is open it has great terrain with the towers being a favourite of ours. When Mt Hutt does close there is plenty to do around the town with Rakaia Gorge being well worth the visit.
WHY SNOWBOARD IN NEW ZEALAND
Everything about New Zealand just screams epic adventure. From the moment you land in Queenstown in one of the worlds most scenic airports, you will find it hard not to have a great time. It is best to keep your plans pretty flexible in New Zealand as weather can dictate if/when something is actually possible. One downside is that New Zealand resorts are prone to bad weather and with less tree-riding here it is harder to find shelter from the wind. The bad weather days can see resort closures but really this is just an opportunity to indulge in other awesome New Zealand Activities.
When the weather is good a New Zealand snowboard trip is up there with the best. Blue skies and incredible scenery can make New Zealand one of the most enjoyable places to snowboard. If you like freestyle, New Zealand has you covered with some of the best parks in the Southern Hemisphere and free-riders will love the hiking into off-piste areas. The pistes here are pretty well maintained and are great first thing in the morning.
You can say that the sense of adventure begins on your journey to a New Zealand ski resort with some daunting driving along some narrow access roads. The drive to Mt Hutt is particularly daunting in a campervan with some interesting long drops with no safety rails. The resort teams do a pretty good job of keeping the roads clear of blockages and its not uncommon to see a 4x4 with a massive cushion on the front giving someone a helping hand. You won’t really have much choice other than to drive to the resort on a daily basis as in-resort accommodation is not a thing in New Zealand. We actually see this as a positive as the ski towns here are buzzing with life and make a great place to stay away from the resort.
I highly recommend a New Zealand road trip as the best way to enjoy the snowboarding on offer throughout this amazing country.
HELI BOARD IN NEW ZEALAND
Stoked on heliboarding? Well, New Zealand is an awesome place to get involved. What could be better than flying through the spectacular New Zealand mountains to find some untouched powder? I took a flight with Aspiring Heli in Wanaka and would highly recommend their service. Not sponsored just a happy customer.
NEW ZEALAND SNOWBOARD SEASON DATES
Summer seasons are shorter than those in the Northern Hemisphere but luckily for the Kiwis, theirs tend to run longer than the Aussie neighbors. Lifts start turning in June and can run into October in a good snow year. Of course, New Zealand can be subject to poor snow years which can affect the season dates dramatically.
NEW ZEALAND GALLERY
NEW ZEALAND RESORT GUIDES
NEW ZEALAND OR AUSTRALIA
The question of whether to head to New Zealand or Australia for your summer ski trip is asked a lot and in my opinion, they are both great. That might come across as sitting on the fence but genuinely both are worth visiting. They can be compared in terms of terrain, facilities, and cost.. so here we go.
Cost
New Zealand is more affordable than Australia in every way. Lift pass prices in Australia are extortionate outside of the Epic Pass which offers unlimited snowboarding at three major Australian resorts. The cost of day passes is a rip-off, so if Australia is on your mind plan and look into season pass options as these often work out cheaper. The extra you spend on your lift pass probably contributes to better facilities with access roads being well-maintained at Australian resorts.
In general, the cost of living in New Zealand is cheaper with food and drink costs less although accommodation can be at a premium. Depending on where you are traveling from affordability can depend on the exchange rate at the time. Many Australians fly to New Zealand for their ski trip so this should indicate which offers better value for money.
Facilities
Australian ski resorts tend to have more European style resort villages at the ski resorts base. Thredbo has a great village to stay in that would make an Aussie trip hassle-free and this is not something that is found in New Zealand. If you prioritize convenience then Australia may win your vote.
Snow-making is pretty decent in both Australia and New Zealand because… well it has to be. In the bad snow years, both Australia and New Zealand rely heavily on snow-making to ensure their resorts can stay open.
Infrastructure in both New Zealand and Australia is pretty good with resorts having high-speed chairs and decent lodge facilities. Most commercial resorts across both countries will offer a ski-school, rental, and dining facilities.
Terrain
New Zealand will have the more advanced terrain with steeper runs and better off-piste than their Australian counterparts. Australia is known for its terrain parks with many professionals heading to Perisher or Thredbo to train during the summer months. Both New Zealand and Australia have small resorts by European standards with vertical drops often below 600m.
NEW ZEALAND VISAS
As it currently stands British nationals do not need a visa to holiday in New Zealand. You will be allowed 90 days of visa-free travel as a tourist. If you intend to work for the season you will need either a Working Holiday Visa or a Sponsored Visa.
NEW ZEALAND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When Can You Snowboard In New Zealand?
The ski season in New Zealand runs between June and October depending on snowfall. The best time to snowboard in New Zealand is during the month of August when most rocks will have been covered by a good snow base.
Where Is The Best Place To Go Snowboarding In New Zealand?
This is obviously personal preference and everyone will have an opinion on this. We enjoyed The Remarkables as some of our favourite day’s snowboarding were there. The Remarks has some great hiking and easy access to off-piste.
Is Snowboarding In New Zealand Any Good?
Snowboarding in New Zealand is season dependant. We have had some awesome New Zealand Trips and some that were a write-off due to weather conditions. Our advice would be to plan a longer New Zealand trip so you have the best chance to catch the good snow conditions. Stay flexible and have access to a car so you can change your plans and follow the weather.
Which is better Queenstown or Wanaka?
This is an unanswerable question. Both towns are incredible. I would happily up sticks and live in either town. Queenstown is bigger and can feel busier but both have beautiful views, impressive lakes, and easy access to ski resorts!! What is not to love?
How Far Is Wanaka From Queenstown?
Luckily in regards to the previous question, it is possible to visit both as Queenstown and Wanaka are only 53km apart. The drive between the two is beautiful so allow for time to stop to take photos.
What Is The Biggest Ski Resort In New Zealand?
The largest ski resort in New Zealand is Whakapapa at Mt Ruapehu on the North Island. Whakapapa has 44km of pistes which is modest by European standards.
NEW ZEALAND MULTI-RESORT SKI PASSES
The NZ Ski 3 Peaks Pass combines three of New Zealand’s best-known ski resorts; The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Mt Hutt (Voted NZ’s Best Ski Resort). If you opt for the early bird (purchase by October 31st) you can have unlimited access to these three resorts for 699NZD
NEW ZEALAND POSTS
Coronet Peak Ski Resort Guide
Coronet Peak was New Zealand’s first commercial ski resort to open and is popular due to its proximity to bustling Queenstown. Coronet doesn’t receive huge amounts of annual snowfall but makes up for this with great snow cannon coverage. Coronet Peak ski area would be an ideal place to learn or to progress on the intermediate terrain before heading to the more challenging Remarkables ski area. Coronet Peak is the only Queenstown ski resort that offers night-skiing and it is popular with skiers and snowboarders every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the season.
Coronet Peak Ski Resort
Coronet Peak First Impressions
The drive up to Coronet Peak is impressive and once parked you will find a modern ski resort. The base lodge has everything you would expect at a world-class ski resort. Walking through the base area and up the stairs, you are met by the Coronet Express Chair. Newly installed in 2019, the Coronet Express Chair takes you from base to summit in just a few minutes. After a couple of runs, it is obvious that the piste grooming at Coronet Peak is some of the best in New Zealand. The terrain at Coronet Peak is mostly aimed at intermediates however there are some steeps and a designated beginner area.
Coronet Peak Ski Resort
If you are used to the ski resorts of Europe you may be slightly dismayed when looking at the piste map for Coronet Peak. The Coronet Express Chairlift takes you from the base area to the top of the resort, a mere 460m of vertical drop. One positive is that the Express chairlift is fast so you can lap the terrain pretty quickly.
Coronet Peak has three chairlifts that provide access to its 40km of trails, including one to service the mellow beginner slopes. In addition, there are also surface lifts and T-bar at Coronet Peak. Although the majority of the trails at Coronet Peak are aimed at intermediate skiers and snowboarders, there is some fun to be had to the sides of the pistes should the conditions allow. Pay particular attention to the conditions report as you could easily find yourself with an issue. There are some steep runs around the resort with The Hurdle having a nice pitch.
Intermediates will love the Blue graded pistes of the Greengates Express Chairlift which take you back down to car park number 2. The runs off Greengates Express were quieter so this may be an area to head to get away from the crowds.
First-time skiers and snowboarders will find Little Easy and Big Easy runs the perfect place to practice those beginner turns at Coronet Peak. To have these slopes surfaced by the Meadows Express chair is a benefit to learning at Coronet over nearby Remarkables whose beginners area is serviced by magic carpets.
Coronet Peak Stats
Coronet Peak ski resort is one of two commercial ski resorts in the town of Queenstown on New Zealands South Island. In total there are 40km of slopes to ride at Coronet Peak and some of the key mountain stats are below.
Total Pistes - 40 km
Beg / Int / Adv - 8km / 16km / 16km
Highest Point - 1649m
Base Area -1229m
Coronet Peak Night skiing
Night skiing at Coronet Peak is pretty epic with runs open from the summit to the base area, live music, and competitions. Night skiing at Coronet Peak takes place every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday between 4 pm and 9 pm. Night skiing is the perfect opportunity to watch the sunset over Lake Wakatipu just remember to wear that extra layer.
Views From Greengates Side
Coronet Peak Piste Map
Coronet Peak is divided into three main areas. To skiers right you have the Greengates Express chairlift, which has a number of great intermediate and advanced runs that are open during the day but not for night skiing. The main area of the resort is central and covers everything under the Coronet Express chairlift. This area is suitable for all abilities with advanced snowboarders able to access the Back Bowls and beginners heading to Arnolds way direct from the same chair. The final area is to skiers left and consists of some advanced runs only accessible via the Rocky Gully T-Bar.
Coronet Peak Ski Resort Piste Map
Lifts At Coronet Peak
At Coronet Peak ski resort there are three chairlifts; Coronet Express, Greengates, Meadows Express, and the Rocky Gully T-Bar. There is also further surface lifts in the beginner area.
Meadows Express is a slow quad chair that accesses the beginner terrain at Coronet Peak. This lift is mainly used for lessons so can become crowded during peak times. From the top of Meadows Express beginners can access Little Easy and Big Easy, two gentle green pistes to practice those turns.
The Coronet Express is the most popular lift at Coronet Peak and takes snowboarders and skiers from the base of the resort to the summit. This lift was newly installed in 2019 and is pretty effective at preventing queues even during peak periods. The Coronet Express is a six-seater chair and also is able to support gondolas.
Our favourite lift at Coronet Peak is the Greengates Express. The Greengates express is a fast six-seater chair that is less busy than the rest of the resort. Laps on the Greengates side can consist of a mixture of blue, red, and black terrain on the same lap.
Coronet Peak Snow Record
Ok, I am going to deliver a pretty disappointing stat here but don’t click away. Coronet Peak receives an average of 2m of natural snowfall a season. This doesn’t quite reflect the quality of snow at Coronet Peak as the resort team does a great job of snowmaking and grooming. The coverage on-piste during my extended visit was good, although the off-piste areas were pretty bare.
Coronet Peak Season Dates
The ski season at Coronet Peak runs from June - September although good years can see it remain open into October. As discussed earlier, Coronet is not blessed with a great amount of natural snowfall so it relies heavily on cold temps and snowmaking.
Coronet Peak Lift Tickets
A Coronet Peak ski pass can be expensive if you do not plan ahead. The most cost-effective way to enjoy a snowboard trip to Coronet Peak is to purchase the 3 Peak Season Pass. The Three Peak season pass offers access to both Queenstown resorts of The Remarks and Coronet Peak as well as Mt Hutt near Christchurch. When brought in advance the 3 peak pass will cost $699 NZD for unlimited winter access.
Alternatively, you can pay by the day however expect to pay upwards of $100NZD per day. For the latest lift pass prices click here.
Travel To Coronet Peak
Getting To New Zealand
With most international flights operating into Christchurch, this may be your best access point to the South Island. If you can, I would highly recommend flights into Queenstown as firstly you have direct access from Queenstown to the resorts of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, but equally importantly it is one of the most scenic airports in the world. Flying into Queenstown is something I will not forget in a hurry. That being said if Mt Hutt is your only ski goal then flying into Christchurch makes more sense.
Check the latest flight prices here.
Where is Coronet Peak?
Coronet Peak is the closest ski resort to Queenstown and is a short drive from the town center. Expect a 20-30 minute drive, although this may increase after a snowfall. The drive is around 20 km and is on well-established roads.
Accessing Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is a short drive from Queenstown and with the best access road out of the 3 Peak Pass resorts, driving is the best option. If you don’t have the option to drive then buses do run from various downtown Queenstown locations but I thought the prices were fairly steep. Hitching or rideshare is possible.
Coronet Peak Accommodation
Most people stay in downtown Queenstown which has accommodations ranging from hostels to more deluxe apartments on the Lake. One benefit of staying in Queenstown is that you also have the option to ski at the nearby Remarkables ski area.
During my trip, I split time between the Freedom Camping site at Kawaru Bridge where you are allowed 4 nights within a month.
Coronet Peak Pros
Coronet Peak offers night skiing three evenings a week.
Coronet Peak’s extensive snowmaking ensures the piste retains good coverage even in lean snow years.
Coronet Peak’s new Coronet Express chairlift is fast allowing for quick laps.
A 3 Peaks pass is value for money especially on the early bird deal and includes night skiing at Coronet Peak.
The views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu are worth the chairlift ride in itself.
Coronet Peak Cons
Low annual snowfall meaning Coronet Peak has a reliance on snow-making
Expensive coach transfer from Queenstown so if self-drive isn’t an option consider hitching to Coronet Peak.
With a very short vertical drop crowds can gather at the base during peak weeks. The new Coronet Express chairlift has helped reduce this during busy periods.
Nearby Coronet Peak Activities
Grab A Fergburger
Possibly New Zealand’s most famous burgers there are not many better places to have a post skiing dinner than Fergburger. Be sure to book in advance or be prepared to queue.
Adventure Capital Of The World
If you are taking a day off snow then Queenstown is the place to be. There is an endless list of activities to enjoy in Queenstown with the Shotover Jet Boat and the Skyline Luge particular favourites.
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s longest lake at 50miles in length and is one of Queenstown’s most stunning natural landmarks. There are loads of great ways to see Lake Wakatipu from cruises to scenic lookouts, our favourite a bbq at the beach.
Sightseeing
Coronet Peak has more to offer than just skiing and snowboarding. A trip to the Peak as a foot passenger is a must to take in the views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. From the sightseeing deck you will be able to see the Wakatipu Basin and the spectacular Southern Alps.
Tobogganing
Coronet Peak also offers Tobogganing in its snow play area with toboggans available to rent from the base area.
Coronet Peak Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Better The Remarkables Or Coronet Peak?
This will completely depend on what you are looking for from your Queenstown ski experience. For us, snowboarding at both was worthwhile and pretty easy to do. The Remarks is great for terrain parks of hiking into off-piste areas whereas Coronet Peak is better for cruising the pistes. Coronet Peak also offers night skiing which is an added bonus.
How Far Is Coronet Peak From Queenstown?
Coronet Peak is 16kms from Queenstown making it the closest resort to the adventure capital of the world. The drive is easy and recommended as the resort buses are a complete rip-off.
Is Coronet Peak Good For Beginners?
The beginner's area under the Meadows Express chair is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard. Coronet Peak has its own ski school with instructors from around the world bringing a wealth of experience. One of the great parts of learning at Coronet Peak is there is green terrain accessible from the summit so beginners can explore the whole mountain.
Coronet Peak Videos
Coronet Peak Links
If you are planning to visit Coronet Peak then here are some useful links that can help you get the most out of your trip. If you want to check the Coronet Peak Webcam and stay on top of the Coronet Peak weather then click here. This link is where you will find the latest Coronet Peak snow information and equally important information about the Coronet Peak access road.
For more general information consider checking out the Coronet Peak Website or their social channels on Twitter and Instagram. If you have any general questions, I would be happy to help so drop them down in the comment section.
Night Skiing At Coronet Peak In Queenstown
Queenstown is often referred to as the adventure capital of the world. With two world class ski resorts situated just a few kms from the town centre, in addition to regular buses to the resorts in Wanaka, you could say that Queenstown locals are spoilt for choice. When it comes to night skiing though, only Coronet Peak illuminates its slopes for skiing and snowboarding after dark. This makes Coronet Peak the place to be if you want to continue your ski day well after Apres.
What Is Night Skiing?
Night Skiing refers to skiing or snowboarding after the regular hours of the ski resort. Normally the lifts stop turning at 4pm and that is when people will hit the bars or head back to their accommodation. Night skiing allows you to keep the fun going with an extra 5 hours of lift accessible skiing and snowboarding. At Coronet Peak this is made even more awesome by the ski resorts epic location. Coronet Peak has panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu that become even more special as the sun begins to set. When the sunlight has gone, Coronet Peak illuminates the pistes by using floodlights. Riding on floodlit pistes is an brilliant experience that every skier or snowboarder should try.
Night Skiing At Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is open between 4PM and 9PM for night skiing and offers this on a Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The Fridays and Saturdays can be quite lively with large party’s and live music, but if that’s not your thing head up on a Wednesday or the Saturday after a Friday show. This way you will find it much quieter. If you like live music then be sure to stop in at the main lodge in between laps, where you will find bands, DJ sets and other activities.
Coronet Peak Night Skiing Trails
Coronet Peak opens up the majority of it’s terrain for night skiing which is really cool. Unlike previous night skiing resorts I had tried you can reach the summit on the Coronet Express Chair. This essentially opens all 460M of Coronet’s vertical drop. Although the GreenGates Express is open at 4PM it closes as Night Skiing gets into full swing, leaving skiers right of the GreenGates inaccessible after 5PM. This still leaves access to; Green, Blue and Black runs from the summit, meaning that everybody at night skiing can make the most of the whole mountain. Coronet Peak also leaves its Meadows beginners area open throughout night skiing meaning that you can take lessons and practice your turns ready for a full day on the slopes tomorrow.
Coronet Peak Night Skiing Costs
If you have been paying attention to my previous videos and blogs on New Zealand you may have decided to purchase the NZ Ski Pass. If so great decision, especially if you grabbed the early bird deal. With the NZ Ski Pass you will be able to ski or snowboard at Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables unlimited for the season, and YES!! That includes night skiing at Coronet Peak. If you missed it, you can check out the video below for more information.
If you don’t think that the NZ Ski Pass would represent value for your trip, then you can pay as you go with prices below.
Adults Night Skiing Pass $65 NZD
Child or Senior Night Skiing Pass $45NZD
Valid from 4-9PM.
Prices accurate as of 2019 season, for latest prices click here
Why Go Night Skiing?
Queenstown is an incredible place to explore and during the daylight hours you will find plenty of activities to keep you occupied. You might want to take the day off the snow to go on the famous Shotover Jet Boat or to take a stroll along the Routeburn Track. Like me, you may arrive in Queenstown late after driving back from Milford Sound but still fancy your snow fix. If this is the case, then night skiing offers the perfect opportunity for you to have your FergBurger and eat it too!
More than anything though, night skiing at Coronet Peaks offers the chance to be elevated to one of the most picturesque view points in Queenstown. From here you will be able to watch the sun set over Lake Wakitipu and the Remarkables mountain range, whilst enjoying the crisp evening air.
Final Thoughts
I was apprehensive about night skiing at Coronet Peak as my last experience of after hours snowboarding was a bit of a let down. This really was the opposite, with plenty of terrain and some awesome events happening. I was always keen to head back to Coronet for more night skiing. Although night skiing proper doesn’t start until after 5pm, I would urge you to get on snow from 4pm. By doing so, you will be able to watch the sun set over Queenstown and beat the crowds to the often busy car parks.
Mt Hutt Ski Area By Ability
Mt Hutt ski resort is consistently voted New Zealand’s best ski resort. Receiving more snow than other resorts and offering an incredible level of customer service, my trip to Mt Hutt was one to remember. Its location in the Southern Alps with scenic views across Canterbury is special and its rugged terrain makes it a fantastic resort to explore. Let’s look a little deeper into the terrain at Mt Hutt and have a look at what is available for each ability level.
Mt Hutt Ski Resort
MT HUTT OVERVIEW
Mt Hutt ski resort has a good range of terrain with interesting off-piste, terrain parks and well-maintained groomers. Mt Hutt is a large bowl with the majority of runs leading back down to the base lodge, although some do run lower. This makes it a great place for families or groups travelling with different ability levels. Mt Hutt receives around 4m of snow each winter and supplements this with extensive snow cannon coverage. When the conditions are good at Mt Hutt, everything is a go with chutes and steeps to keep the most hardened snowboarders entertained. In lean snow years, there may be a lack of coverage on the off-piste terrain but the resort does a great job of keeping the pistes covered and building terrain parks. There is a total of 40km of pistes at Mt Hutt with the majority of trails aimed towards intermediate riders. There are no trees at Mt Hutt which can leave you feeling exposed on those bad weather days.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT MT HUTT
Not known for its beginner terrain Mt Hutt may not be the first choice for New Zealand ski-lessons. Uniquely, Mt Hutt offers free skiing to anyone under 10 which makes it a fantastic option for families. In regards to terrain, there is a beginner area ‘Skiwiland’ at the base which is serviced by a slow magic carpet. This is a pretty decent gradient for those first-turns and not too intimidating. When the confidence is flowing beginners can head to the Quad Chair and enjoy two winding greens; Inside Leg and Highway 72 that lead back to the base. The more adventurous can head to the Summit Six where you will be met with stunning views and Morning Glory, a mellow blue that leads to Lower Fascination.
Mt Hutt has its own ski school that offers ski and snowboard lessons to groups and privates.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT MT HUTT
Mt Hutt is a mountain that can really grow confidence in intermediate riders. There really is nowhere inbounds that you couldn’t explore and there are plenty of runs to keep you interested. Mt Hutt has some great groomed terrain where it is possible to push those speeds and enjoy the views. Intermediates will want to head straight to the Summit Six chair where Upper Fascination is popular. Those with a sense of adventure will want to take Virgin Mile. Virgin Mile not only offers panoramic views across Canterbury but there are a number of opportunities to drop into interesting black runs; Platter Splatter, Hydro Slide and High and Low Dive.
If freestyle is more your thing then intermediates will enjoy the progression park and the features alongside Highway 72. Both parks have a nice flow and provide incremental difficulty that will have you shredding the large park in no time.
MT HUTT PISTE MAP
Mt Hutt Ski Resort Piste Map
ADVANCED TERRAIN MT HUTT
Mt Hutt has a high proportion of black graded terrain and its South Face area is home to some challenging Black Diamonds. This makes Mt Hutt a great resort to visit as an advanced skier or snowboarder. Some of the best terrain requires a hike or a long traverse but this is ok as it means these areas are less crowded. The Towers was our favourite area at Mt Hutt as there are a number of interesting chutes and routes back down into the resort. Advanced skiers and snowboarders may also like the terrain at The Bluffs and out of the resort down Rakaia Saddle Chutes.
Mt Hutt offers some great off-piste terrain but that isn’t all it has to offer. Mt Hutt has a pretty good terrain park set up with a really nice progression throughout the different parks. There is a large park under the quad chair that advanced freestyle snowboarders will enjoy.
GET IN TOUCH
As always, thanks for reading this post but now it is time to hear from you! Have you visited Mt Hutt? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments… Which run was your favourite? Do you think the resort is best suited to advanced or intermediate skiers and snowboarders?
