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Explore Christchurch and beyond

Our urban hire bikes are perfect for strolls through Hagley Park

What's Happening at the Chill Mountains?

Last updated 10 October 2024

Tukino

Located on Mt Ruapehu, with 170 hectares of ski area, over 300m of vertical drop, and great conditions sheltered from prevailing Westerly winds. Comfortable on-mountain accommodation is provided in three ski-in Ski-out lodges. Tukino gives awesome access to skiing and touring Mt Ruapehu.

Full snow report here: Tukino

Rainbow

At the top of the South Island, the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions are blessed with the Nelson Lakes National Park and Rainbow Ski Area. It’s a seriously fun and friendly ski area, with facilities to match a medium-sized commercial operation. There’s extensive snowmaking, a terrain park (with its own tow), 5 tows including a T-bar and Platter, with plenty of grooming. The terrain caters for beginners, intermediate and advanced.

Full Snow Report here: Rainbow

Mt Lyford

Located on State Highway 70, smack bang between Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura, Mt Lyford is a fun and friendly family operated ski area for all abilities. The upper slopes bask in sunshine and in recent years it’s consistently been the first to open. It’s an uncrowded mountain and a favourite of locals and Christchurch residents alike. A fleet of groomers keep the piste in great condition and wide open faces let you open up your riding on powder days.

Hanmer Springs Ski Area 

Hanmer Springs Ski Area, formerly known as Amuri, is a small club ski area with a tonne of personality and terrain suitable for all abilities. A fun, affordable, grassroots experience where the focus is on who you're with and not how hot your gear is. Self-catered day lodge and awesome on-mountain accommodation.

Full Snow Report here: Hanmer Springs

Temple Basin

Located on the Main Divide of the Southern Alps, Temple Basin is a ski area like no other. A ‘gondola’ (goods lift) can be found at the base, on the main highway, but it only carries your gear. There’s no access road so the 40-60 minute hike up will get the blood pumping and legs ready for skiing and riding. Three rope tows service the ski area. The entire ski area is ungroomed so natural features and impressive rock formations make the skiing both challenging and rewarding. Temple Basin provides total detachment from ‘life in the fast lane’ but with all the comforts of home. 

Snow Report: Temple Basin

Porters

Porters is a long-time favourite of Christchurch residents. There’s a chairlift and 3 consecutive T-bars to take you skyward with views to Lake Coleridge and Mt Olympus from the top.

Full Snow Report: Porters

Cheeseman

Cheeseman has a distinctive family friendly atmosphere as well as offering diverse terrain for all abilities and loads of great facilities. The main runs are accessed by 2 T-bars lifts and there are easy trails down courtesy of extensive grooming.

Full Snow Report: Cheeseman

Broken River

BR, as it’s known to the locals, has a friendly atmosphere, social & sunny day lodge and great terrain. Add to that the quirky access via an alpine railway and you’ve got something quite unique. The day lodge is a great place to relax and watch the action. There is some beginner terrain and plenty of variety for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Full Snow Report: Broken River

Craigieburn Valley

Located in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps, where the ups are good, and the downs are even better. Steep narrow chutes, wide open powder bowls, uncrowded runs or just a place to take it easy in the awesome vista of the Craigieburn Range. If you are an advanced or expert rider then skiing The Big One at Craigieburn is your holy grail!

Full Snow Report: Craigieburn

Mt Olympus

Mt Olympus, run by the Windwhistle Winter Sports Club (WWSC), is one of those ski areas with an impressive reputation. The terrain is amazing, the access road an adventure, the coffee is good and it boasts the highest hot tub in NZ.

Fox Peak 

Fox Peak is one of the smaller ski clubs on the Chill Pass, but one of the largest when it comes to its terrain and suitability for all skiing levels. Located 35 minutes from Fairlie, along the spectacular Two Thumb Range, the ski area boasts amazing views of South Canterbury and the Mackenzie Country.

Full Snow Report: Fox Peak

Mt Dobson - Open

For those in the know Mt Dobson is an under-rated gem. Firstly, it’s big. A triple-seater chairlift and a T-bar access two massive valleys and come powder days a short traverse or walk will ensure you score fresh tracks all day long. It’s also high, boasting the highest car park in the Southern Hemisphere at 1725m. The road is an engineering feat that has been lovingly crafted and cared for by one man, Peter Foote. It’s wide and suitable for 2WD’s with chains.

Full Snow Report: Dobson

Awakino 

Awakino is a club-operated field that opens up for group bookings during the weekends. It's easterly aspect means that it is sheltered from most weather and picks up good dumps from southerlies.

Full Snow Report: Awakino

Webcam photo from 8th July. Awakino will aim to open by the end of the month.

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