NEW ZEALAND SKI TOURING

The appeal of backcountry skiing in New Zealand is simple. There are big mountains with expansive terrain without many people. The people one does meet, though, are usually quite focused on having a good time! People are friendly; the mood is light; and the skiing is quite remarkable!

 

New Zealand has an outdoor culture that embraces scampering about in the hills. This culture is derived both from its history of herding sheep and from its remoteness. Much of the land is difficult to access. As a consequence, there is a vast network of backcountry huts that provide refuge in an otherwise impenetrable wilderness.

 

The first ski areas in New Zealand were minimal, hut-based, communal affairs that were focused on skiing and the camaraderie associated with skiing. Today, the skiing culture is still defined by these very same places which are called Club Fields. These Club Fields have survived the test of time. The expansive backcountry terrain immediately accessible from the huts make for an unparalleled place to stay and soak up New Zealand’s good vibes.

 

In the uppermost reaches of the South Islands Mountain Valleys, several alpine huts are built among the ice-capped glacial peaks. These peaks hang in the sky, perched seemingly out of reach from those below. Due to broken glaciers, precipitous gorges, and dense forests in the lower elevations, helicopter and ski plane access to these huts is the norm. Once there, the skiing is quite exceptional with everything from long glacier cruisers to steep alpine faces.

 

Your New Zealand ski trip starts in Christchurch. From there, we link up with approved local guides to conduct our guided operations. We will explore the Club Fields of the Craigieburn Range and then after that, the rest is up to you and your skiing desires. Ski-touring from the Club Fields, heli-skiing, ski touring in the high alpine from a hut, hiking and adventure sports such as bungee jumping and glider flights are all possible.

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Club Fields Direct Trip

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Join the camaraderie at the Club Fields! The trip starts in Christchurch where we then travel by car on a tour of the string of club based ski areas in the Craigieburn Range. We will stay on the mountain in bunk rooms with the other clubbies, help with communal meals, and participate in all the fun associated with running the ski area!

 

The key word here is communal. The Club Fields expects guest participation in the daily operations. You are welcome at the clubs (as only a select few are) as long as you help out a bit with small duties. This is a far cry from a commercial resort setting with development galore and a myriad of services. Instead, imagine yourself  and fifty of your friends in a lodge with entire mountain to yourselves. The trip ends back in Christchurch.

 

At the Club Fields, we will ski in bounds and side-country runs in addition to some ski touring!  It is also possible for us to ski tour between the ski areas themselves. We can include a day of heli-skiing (at an additional cost) if desired. Due to weather considerations, every itinerary is adaptable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sample Itinerary:

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Day 1: Arrive In Christchurch, Adjust to the time

Day 2: Travel to Mt. Olympus, Ski.

Day 3: Ski Mt. Olympus side-country

Day 4: Heli-Ski (optional, additional)

Day 5: Ski Tour to Mt. Cheeseman, Stay at Mt. Cheeseman

Day 6: Ski Tour to Broken River

Day 7: Ski Broken River side-country

Day 8: Ski to and at Craigieburn, Stay at Cragieburn

Day 9: Drive to Temple Basin, Hike to the ski area, Ski

Day 10: Ski Temple Basin side-country

Day 11: Ski Temple Basin side-country

Day 12: Hike out, Drive to Christchurch

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Trip Includes:

Lift Passes

Ski Guiding

Accommodation

Meals at Club Lodges

Transport to and between Club Ski Areas

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Not Included:

Ski Equipment

Meals off the mountains and in Christchurch

Heli Skiing (optional)

Tavel getting to and from Christchurch

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The Full Experience

Immerse yourself in the Club Field culture for a week (as seen in the Club Fields Direct trip above) then fly to an alpine hut on the main divide for four days of skiing on the country's high glaciers. This trip highlights the best qualities of skiing in New Zealand!

 

The trip starts in Christchurch where we travel by car between the club ski areas in the Craigieburn Range with local guides. We will ski in bounds and side-country runs in addition to some ski touring! We can include a day of heli-skiing (at an additional cost) if desired. Due to weather considerations, every itinerary is adaptable.

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Sample Itinerary:

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Day 1: Arrive In Christchurch, Adjust to the time

Day 2: Travel to Mt. Olympus, Ski.

Day 3: Ski Mt. Olympus side-country

Day 4: Ski Tour to Mt. Cheeseman, Stay at Mt. Cheeseman

Day 5: Ski Tour to Broken River

Day 6: Ski Broken River side-country

Day 7: Ski to and at Craigieburn, Drive to and stay in Methven

Day 8: Heli-Ski (optional, additional)

Day 9: Drive to Mt. Cook Village, Prep for hut trip

Day 10: Fly to alpine hut, Ski Tour

Day 11: Ski Tour on glaciers

Day 12: Ski Tour on glaciers

Day 13: Ski Tour on glaciers

Day 14: Fly out, Drive to Christchurch

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Trip Includes:

Lift Passes

Ski Guiding

All Accommodations during the trip

Flights to and from alpine hut

Meals at Club Lodges and alpine hut

Transport during the trip

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Not Included:

Ski Equipment

Meals out of the mountains and in Christchurch

Heli Skiing (optional)

Tavel getting to and from Christchurch

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Custom Trip

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, we can personalize your ski trip to your specifications. Contact us today to start planning your adventure, and get ready to go backcountry skiing in New Zealand!

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Season: July - Late October

Trip Length: TBD

Minimum Booking: TBD

Price: TBD

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*All prices are quoted in USD.