Credit: Sophie Stevens
Ski Mackenzie
Take in the stunning surrounds and skip the lift queues. The Mackenzie boasts picturesque ski-fields and a range of epic ‘bucket list’ ski experiences including backcountry touring, heli-skiing and skiing the mighty Tasman Glacier. From the beginner to the advanced skier or boarder – the Mackenzie has you covered.
Mount Dobson Ski Area
Mount Dobson is a small commercial ski resort located in the Southern Canterbury region of the country on the South Island.
The 400 hectares of Mt Dobson ski terrain is contained within a treeless basin that catches the sun. The sunny ski area is well appreciated by the ski and board apprentices that practice on the wide open groomed runs. Many powder hounds don’t like sunbaked slopes, but the snow quality at Mt Dobson is well maintained by temperatures that stay reasonably cool, in part due to the high elevation of the base area (by NZ standards).
Mt Dobson is a laid-back place and has far less hassle about it compared to some of the bigger commercial resorts and without any crowds, powder days at Mt Dobson can be epic. The slopes here attract groups of all abilities and are not over populated as the terrain sweeps around a main face offering a mixture of very easy gentle slopes to the more advanced. The mountain is serviced by the triple chair as well as a T-bar, platter lift and a learner rope tow.
Highlights of Mount Dobson Ski Area:
- Easily accessible off the Queenstown-Christchurch Highway.
- Easy, safe road.
- A great mix of groomed trails and off-piste for the more adventurous.
- Café.
- Equipment, clothing rental and instructors.
Roundhill Ski Area
Roundhill Ski Area is just 32km from Lake Tekapo, a prime alpine location with breath taking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo.
Learners and little ones can head to a massive beginners area featuring a platter lift and two beginners rope tows for a fun and gentle way to find your feet in the snow. T-Bars give access to loads of super wide, perfectly groomed intermediate trails with lots of natural dips and curves making for fun and interesting skiing and riding.
For the more adventurous head up the world’s longest and steepest rope tow and see what Australasia’s biggest vertical drop (783m) is all about! This is skiing and riding at its best with super long natural half-pipes, chutes and access to a huge back country area. For the freestylers, Central Park has jumps, rollers, rails and boxes for most ability levels.
Highlights of Roundhill:
- Very family friendly.
- Home to the world’s longest rope tow and Australasia’s biggest vertical drop (783m)!
- Ski and snowboard rental.
- Ski school with instructors.
- Licensed café.
Ōhau Snow Fields
Located just 45 minutes from Twizel, Ōhau Snow Fields has epic views of Lake Ōhau, a great range of terrain for all abilities and hiking opportunities for the more advanced.
There is a learners area with a magic carpet and for the more confident there are a couple of nice groomed runs. The double chair lift and the wide flat slopes at the top of the mountain enable most intermediates to cruise down the boulevard very comfortably.
There are lots of hiking opportunities for more advanced skiers or snowboarders from the top of the chairlift up to the ridge. The outstanding views are well worth the effort, with the Southern Alps on one side and Lake Ōhau on the other.
Highlights of Ōhau Snow Fields:
- Lake Ōhau Lodge offers accommodation, dining and hot tubs.
- Day lodge on the mountain with logfire and cafe.
- Hiking trails at the top.
- Rental gear and lessons.
- Daily bus from Lake Ōhau Lodge.
