Snowplanet ($500)

It might be beyond a stretch to call Snowplanet a resort, but we’ll swing into the suburbs of Auckland for our first ski of the trip here, New Zealand’s only indoor ski area. It is actually rather extensive with a couple of lifts, -5 C temps and over 8000 square metres of artificial snow.

Manganui ($500)

Taranaki Maunga, a classic volcano on the coast, is home to probably New Zealand’s least known ski area, Manganui. This club field sits about halfway up the mountain and a half hour walk is required from the car park to the base area. A T-bar and a couple of rope tows access the runs, and self-catering accommodation is available in Manganui Lodge on the ski area.

Whakapapa ($1500)

There’s a certain vibe that comes from sliding down an active volcano and one that comes with a side benefit that a natural bubbling hot spa is never too far away to soothe ski weary muscles. Whakapapa sits on the west side of Ruapehu, which, at 2797 metres, is the highest mountain in the North Island, where the crater bubbles away while you ski on the old (and not so old) lava fields. Massive investment in recent years has really modernised Whakapapa’s offerings with the Rangatira Express chair opening up a huge area of mainly blue and black runs dropping into bowls, valleys or slipping over volcanic ridges.

Turoa ($1500)

Turoa, on the north side of Ruapehu, is accessed from the pretty town of Ohakune and boasts, at 2322 metres, New Zealand’s highest chairlift. Rising above this point is the true summit, 2797 metre Tahurangi, the high point of the North Island.

In comparison to Whakapapa, Turoa has wider runs that suit practicing turns with confidence. Many locals will tell you that on the same day on the same mountain, Turoa and Whakapapa can have very different weather so it’s worth seeking out this local knowledge

 Tukino ($500)

In contrast to the commercial ski areas on Ruapehu is this little club field on the eastern side. A place to enjoy the morning sun, three rope tows service the slopes and, when conditions allow, a snowcat transports snow riders further up the mountain. Cosy club accommodation is available in three lodges.

Rainbow ($500)

The South Island’s most northerly ski area is a favourite with skiers in the Nelson/Marlborough region, with Nelson about 90 minutes’ drive from the area. A T-bar, platter and 3 rope tows open up the bowl.

Mount Lyford ($750)

A standalone mountain up in the Kaikoura ranges where, 30 years ago the landowner decided to diversify from sheep to snow on his mountain land. Now a mix of a T-bar, platter and rope tow give access to some real fun grazing!

Hanmer Springs ($750)

Boasting the ‘longest poma lift in the southern hemisphere’ Hanmer has much to offer with loads of intermediate ski terrain and an on-mountain self-catering lodge with some of the best value ski accommodation in the southern hemisphere too! Beyond the base of the mountain are the hot springs and accommodation at Hanmer Springs itself.

Temple Basin ($750)

When you arrive at the car park near the top of Arthurs Pass you can be forgiven for asking ‘Where’s the ski area?’ Is Temple Basin the only ski resort in the world necessitating a climb on foot for an hour and a half? There is, fortunately, a flying fox style goods lift to carry your luggage and ski gear to the heavens. Nothing is easy about Temple, neither access nor skiing. Rope tows are it here; they probe into and allow access to hidden bowls.

Craigieburn ($750)

Of all the smaller ski areas in NZ, Craigieburn is perhaps the best known internationally. Known for its challenging off piste, freeride skiers and boarders gather here for the southern winter. This reputation along with a certain amount of pride ensures Craigieburn is defiantly both a grooming free and rope tow only area although there is still plenty of intermediate terrain. Apparently, a club member once suggested some slope grooming. They were duly excommunicated.

Broken River ($750)

Just over the hill from Craigieburn, access to the rope tows of Broken River is a three stage process. A rather funky tramway takes skiers and gear up to the three accommodation lodges. Then the Stairway to Heaven, a hike up a long line of wooden steps gives access to…… The Access Tow!

Steep runs off Nervous Knob, long drops into Allan’s Basin and fun off Main Tow. Add a superb vibe and authentic Italian pizza and craft beer at the day lodge and Broken River is a ski area that might hold you longer than you planned for. It’s also where Laurence is a member!

Mount Cheeseman ($750)

With its two T-bars, groomed slopes and open bowl, Cheeseman is well regarded for family skiers. The on-field accommodation lodge, like most in the small ski areas, is comfortable not luxurious and everyone pitches in to help.

Cheeseman sits in the middle of the Craigieburn Range, which, has been a favourite among ski tourers for a long time. In recent years the Craigieburn ‘Haute Route’ https://www.chillout.co.nz/alpine/guided-alpine-tours/the-craigieburn-haute-route/ has gained a reputation as it links Craigieburn to Mount Olympus via Broken River and Mt Cheeseman, staying at the ski areas en-route.

Porters ($1000)

The largest ‘small’ ski area and the closest to Christchurch, Porters has easy access, a modern quad chairlift and a line of three T-bars stepping up the mountain. These all open up a large area for all levels of skiers and boarders. You can cruise the cat track, stopping every 50 metres to take in the ridiculously stupendous views or plunge down the seemingly bottomless Big Mama. Fully catered Porters Lodge is part way down the access road.

Mount Olympus ($750)

‘Snow chains and courage should be carried at all times’ proclaims the sign on the road into Mount Olympus, a ski area with a reputation for wild road, wild skiing and wild partying. Top Hut itself is perched halfway up the slopes, necessitating two rope tows to reach it. It is a special place to stay; warm and very comfortable. The playground of the gods gives up some beautiful skiing from the two upper rope tows and bootpacking up Little Alaska or The Sphinx provides the steeps before lunch. ‘Back to Reality’ reads the sign on the drive out……

Mount Hutt ($1500)

One of the seven large ski areas in NZ and the closest to Christchurch, Mount Hutt offers plenty of runs for your money from a mountain accessed by 5 lifts. As with most of the bigger ski areas, there is no on-mountain accommodation, but the little town of Methven sits at base of Mount Hutt and has plenty of options for staying, eating and drinking.

Fox Peak ($500)

Fox Peak is Kiwi club skiing in the raw and run by the oldest ski club in the country. A tiny wooden ‘Skifield’ arrow shows the way in from Fairlie and you’ll soon find yourself bumping up a farm track. Perched below the ski area is Fox Lodge, with basic, self-catering accommodation. 3 fast moving rope tows access the shirtfront ski area and excellent long runs drop into North and South Basin. A tiny hut serves as both ticket office and snack bar in a ski area staffed by volunteers and usually only open on weekends.

Mount Dobson ($750)

Celebrating its 45th birthday last year, Dobson occupies a wide, sunny bowl below the summit of the same name. With a long chairlift, a T-bar and platter there is plenty of terrain to enjoy and enough off piste to keep the powderhounds howling. The friendly town of Fairlie isn’t too far away and is a great base for Dobson as well as Fox Peak and Roundhill.

Roundhill ($750)

‘For the more adventurous, head up the world’s longest and steepest rope tow and see what Australasia’s biggest vertical drop (783m) is all about’ says the Roundhill website.

The Heritage rope tow is nearly 1500 metres long, averages 30 degrees and tops out at 2133 metres. The runs are steep, the thighs burn. For most visitors though, Roundhill is about the mellow with two T-bars and a platter accessing shallow, wide open runs that make it a real family favourite. The most spectacular picture book views over Lake Tekapo to Aoraki/Mt Cook demand a cold beer at the tiny Von Brown Café.

Ohau ($750)

A perfect package of a great place to stay nestled 10km below a ski area that packs a real punch. The ski area seems to be both manageable but expansive, with access focused around one 2-seat chairlift heading up the guts of a steep bowl. A platter low down caters for beginners.

At Ohau there is plenty to keep you busy inbounds but a short, steep bootpack behind the top of the chair brings you onto a ridge from where options abound. Head left and drop into endless runs like Hemis, named after a local Maori ski tourer.

Awakino ($500)

Awakino rivals Fox Peak in both age and basic facilities. This tiny club field in the St Mary’s Range, east of Omarama, has a couple of rope tows and is usually only open on weekends with enough snow. A self-catering lodge is located on the access road with 4WD access to it and the ski area.

Treble Cone ($1500)

The South Island’s largest ski area and longest vertical, Treble Cone has long been a favourite with intermediate skiers and boarders whilst the off piste in the likes of Motatapu Basin offers plenty of challenge to all advanced riders. Uplift is focused on a six seat and quad chair. Whenever you stop for a breather or a chairlift ride, you’re confronted with the most stunning of views down across Lake Wanaka and out over the Otago plains toward the Pacific.

Cardrona ($1500)

With plenty of uplift, including three quad chairs and a Chondola (the love child of a gondola and a chairlift) and a wide variety of terrain, Cardrona has long been popular as a learner and intermediate skier area. It is also the only large ski area to have accommodation actually on the mountain (albeit limited). Tiny Cardrona village at the base of the mountain has the legendary Cardrona Hotel and some accommodation options.

Snow Farm ($500)

New Zealand’s only XC ski area. Directly opposite Cardrona ski area, the Pisa Range offers rolling terrain perfect for XC trails. Some 55km of them wind across the range. There’s also a 24km snowshoe trail and dogs are allowed too. The main race on the NZ XC calendar, the Merino Muster, is held here in late August, but we’ll probably miss it.

Coronet Peak ($1500)

Only 15km from Queenstown, express chairlifts get you up onto the runs quick smart and there’s a solid range of runs for all abilities.

The Remarkables ($1500)

Unless you’re biking like us, you can fly into Queenstown airport, grab your gear off the carousel, hop onto the ski bus and half an hour later start skiing or boarding. Is it any wonder so many love heading to Queenstown? Looking up from the base, The Remarkables has heaps of mellow terrain straight up and over to the left, while looking right it is all black with a bit of blue.