Mount Hutt Ski Fields

Accommodation and Facilities

Nestled high in the Southern Alps, Canterbury's Mt Hutt Ski Area receives some of the deepest, lightest and driest powder in Australasia. It is the highest ski area in the Southern Hemisphere and has the most consistent snow and the largest season of the major commercial ski areas in New Zealand.

Following a large investment last year into lift and trail infrastructure, Mt Hutt's Summit Six, six seater chairlift offers access to many trails while a novice area is serviced by a dedicated quad chair. A 140m long Magic Carpet into the beginners area means that Mt Hutt has some of the best facilities in the country alongside the best mix of terrain.

Mt Hutt offers 365 skiable hectares and offers plenty of variety and every facility for snow sports enthusiasts. Close to Christchurch city Mt Hutt is big mountain with great terrain and offers an awesome, winter experience for all levels of skiers and riders with the ski season usually starting in early June and closing towards the end of October, always almost with plenty of snow on the slopes.

A daily shuttle transfers skiers and boarders to the mountain making it more appealing with a fun atmosphere to travellers allowing them to unwind and not have to worry about the little things.

Renowned for its laidback and rural atmosphere, Mt Hutt is family and beginner friendly and features an award winning Snow sports School and a licensed Ski Creche with children six and under skiing for free. Mount Hutt is just over an hour's drive from Christchurch, with a picturesque drive the whole way there.

Being in the heart of the Southern Alps is a truly awesome experience. It has its practical advantages for beginners and experts alike. Powderhounds just won't believe their luck. With plenty of adrenalin-pumping Black Diamond runs on the South Face, extreme skiers and boarders will have as many different challenges as they can handle. The wide open terrain is great for first-time skiers and families too.

Snowmaking starts in early May, ensuring great snow for the whole season. All this is just one hour's drive from cosmopolitan Christchurch and a stone's throw from the friendly country town of Methven.

Ski School
There are only two ways to improve, putting in the miles and taking lessons. Mt. Hutt can offer you both with ease. Mt Hutt's instructors can improve your form whatever your ability or chosen discipline. Whether you're a raw beginner, happy to fit in with a class, a keen carver interested in workshopping your new skills or if you'd rather sample the Mt Hutt brand of personal instruction, you won't be disappointed.

For the youngsters there's the Skiwiland Creche for 2 to 6 years olds and the Kea Club sessions for the 7 - 16s. They'll be having great fun with enthusiastic, encouraging teachers they'll enjoy in safety and comfort while you head for the slopes to hone your skills.

Rental Equipment
Renting equipment is all about trying something out and Mt Hutt has been specially equipped to satisfy that need. Whether you're a beginner or an expert curious about the latest carving technology, Mt Hutt's rental staff have the expertise to help you out.

Getting There
Follow the signposts from Methven, the turnoff is about ten kilometres. It is sealed highway until the turn off just before the mountain road barrier. Then there is an unsealed road which winds through alpine terrain for about fifteen kilometres. This road is not overly steep but can be deceptive on the downward journey. It also travels along ridge tops in certain areas which are exposed to wind gusts.

Mount Hutt Ski Fields