Mount Olympus Ski Fields

Accommodation and Facilities

New Zealand's Mount Olympus is a unique alpine experience. The unrivaled skiing and boarding, irrepressible club spirit and spectacular New Zealand scenery make Olympus an unforgettable adventure. Come and enjoy their friendly and affordable ski area for a day, weekend or week, and let us show you the Southern Alps best kept powder secret. That Mount Olympus is only one and half hours from Christchurch.

Mt Olympus ski area is a south facing basin set high in the Craigieburn Range - perfect for trapping powder dumps! 450m of vertical drop over 60 hectares of varied terrain provide skiing and riding from beginner to extreme. Olympus is also the ideal gateway to some of New Zealand's finest touring.

Mt Olympus is a 45km drive from Windwhistle. The mountain road is shingle and chains should be carried at all times. Occasionally mountain access becomes 4wd only from the bottom hut, where onward transport can be arranged.

The field is open from July to October and has snow ratings of 10% beginner, 55% intermediate and 35% advanced. There is a vertical drop of 441 metres from the high point of 1,875 metres and lifting is by 3 rope tows and 1 beginner's tow. There is no equipment hire available on the field.

Mt Olympus is 128 km from Christchurch via the town of Windwhistle, and 66 km from Methven, which is also the town base for the Mt Hutt ski field. The unsealed access road runs past Ryton Station and Lake Ida up to the car park for the Bottom Hut. Mountain access above this point is sometimes 4WD only, but transport can be arranged.

The Bottom Hut has basic self-catering type accommodation for 11 people. Top Hut is a more substantial lodge with 40 beds. The large sleeping quarters have hot showers and a drying room, and there is a comfortable living area with a modern kitchen. All meals are organised by the resident chef and are prepared communally. Weekly ski packages are run throughout the season and cater for all ages and abilities. They include daily lessons, use of all tows, accommodation and food.

Mt Olympus is the ideal gateway to some of New Zealand's finest ski-touring. Good cross-country trails lead to other areas on the Craigieburn Range. Night skiing under lights is a regular feature, and snowboarding is popular on the relatively uncrowded slopes.

Mt Olympus is an unforgettable adventure playground, whether you go for a day, weekend or week. Some say it's the Southern Alps best kept powder secret.

Mount Olympus Ski Fields