Skiing & Snowboarding in the South Island - New Zealand's South Island - page 61

Planning
Where to Go
The variety of locations and conditions makes it difficult to rate the South Island's ski
fields in any particular order. Some people like to be near Queenstown's party scene or
Wanaka's snowboarding hub; others prefer the quality high-altitude runs on Mt Hutt, un-
crowded Rainbow or less-stressed club skiing areas. Club areas are publicly accessible and
usually less crowded and cheaper than commercial fields, even though nonmembers pay a
higher fee.
Practicalities
The South Island's commercial ski areas are not generally set up as resorts with chalets,
lodges and hotels. Rather, accommodation and après-ski carousing are often in surrounding
towns, connected with the slopes via daily shuttles. Many club areas have lodges where
you can stay, subject to availability.
Visitor information centres in NZ, and Tourism New Zealand ( www.newzealand.com )
internationally, have info on the various ski areas and can make bookings and organise
packages. Lift passes usually cost between $50 and $100 per adult per day (half-price for
kids). Lesson-and-lift packages are available at most areas. Ski and snowboard equipment
rental starts at around $50 a day (cheaper for multiday hire). Private/group lessons start at
around $130/60 per hour.
Websites
www.brownbearski.co.nz Brilliant reference detailing all of NZ's ski areas.
www.snow.co.nz Reports, cams and ski info across the country.
www.nzski.com Reports, employment, passes and webcams for Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak and the Remarkables.
www.chillout.co.nz Info on Mt Lyford, Awakino, Hanmer Springs, Cheeseman, Roundhill, Rainbow, Temple Basin,
Treble Cone, Fox Peak, Mt Dobson, Mt Olympus, Porters, Craigieburn Valley and Broken River ski areas.
www.nzsnowboard.com Snowboarding info around NZ.