Your Guide To The Ski Fields Of Selwyn
Located just 80 minutes from Christchurch Airport, is the first of six ski fields in Selwyn, offering unique terrain to suit all levels from beginner to advanced.
Explore groomed trails and learner runs, to challenging features and backcountry adventure, the Selwyn fields offer the best range of skiing and boarding in New Zealand.
Porters Alpine Resort
Porters Alpine Resort is the closest ski field to Christchurch located only 80 minutes from Christchurch Airport. Facilities include lessons and rentals, a full workshop, and a cosy bar and restaurant, boasting the best craft beer selection in Castle Hill. Soak in views of the Torlesse Range over a bite to eat or a glass of mulled wine.
Enjoy a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for family skiing. The learner's' area has the Sun Kid Carpet Lift, the Platter Lift and gentle runs to foster a passion for skiing. A snow play area for under-fives is also available during the school holidays & weekends. An Easy Rider Chair and three T-bars allow access to the intermediate and advanced terrain. Discover long cruising runs, challenging features and a Freestyle Park for the more adventurous.
Porter's also offers accommodation at the Porters Lodge. Nestled at the base of the Ski Area, it has comfortable, bunk-style family accommodation set against a beautiful mountain backdrop.
Highlights of Porters Alpine Resort
- Closest ski field to Christchurch
- One of the best intermediate slopes in the country
- Family orientated with a great range of facilities for beginner to advanced
- Two learner's lifts, a chair lift and three T-bar lifts
- A licensed bar and restaurant with great views
Mt. Cheeseman Ski Area
Mt. Cheeseman is a brilliant club field known for its fun atmosphere, great value, and family-friendly vibe. Located one hour and 40 minutes from Christchurch Airport. Cheeseman has on-mountain equipment rental, lessons, and a warm day lodge with a sun-drenched deck. Feel free to bring your chilly bin for lunch or grab a bite from the licensed café.
Cheeseman accommodates beginners and advanced skiers and riders. The field has both sunny, groomed terrain and challenging off-piste with spectacular views. Two T-bar lifts provide access to the whole mountain with a learner's rope tow in the dedicated learner's area.
Catered accommodation is available on-mountain at the Snowline Lodge where you can ski to the lifts in the morning. Self-catered accommodation is also available at Forest Lodge nestled amongst the trees at the bottom of the access road with an on-site outdoor ice rink.
Be sure to book ahead as these spots sell out. There is a safe, well-maintained access road to the ski area but it's best to carry chains especially if you’re in a 2WD.
Highlights of Mt. Cheeseman
- Groomed slopes and full road access to the base area
- Beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain with some groomed trails
- Two T-bars and one learner’s rope tow
- On-mountain accommodation
- Licensed café
Broken River Ski Area
Described as a 'hidden gem' by Powderhounds.com, Broken River (or 'BR' as the locals call it) boasts some of New Zealand's best off-piste, soft-snow skiing and boarding. You'll quickly feel part of the family in the laid-back, friendly atmosphere.
Your day at BR starts with a four-minute tramp from the car park, up through native beech forest to the ticket office. Then it's an energetic walk up the Stairway to Heaven to the first rope tow accessing the main basin and sunny Palmer Day Lodge. You'll need a harness and nutcracker which can be hired from the ticket office and the staff can help you get started.
BR has five high-speed rope tows accessing two main bowls. You'll find open rolling slopes and steep chutes, suiting adventurous, intermediate and expert skiers/boarders. Adjacent Allan's Basin, is a top BR secret with a backcountry vibe and 100% off-piste runs. Book their on-mountain accommodation to make the most of your trip.
Highlights of Broken River
- Powder skiing and varied terrain
- Sheltered bowls that maintain the snow and keep the weather at bay
- A laid-back, social and welcoming community atmosphere
- Long reliable seasons and great skiing in low snow years
- Specialty multi-day avalanche and off-piste ski courses
Mt Olympus Ski Area
Ski in the playground of the Gods at Mt Olympus which boasts an incredibly fun and lively atmosphere. If you are a backcountry adventurer who likes off-piste snow in awesome terrain, with a few other like-minded individuals, then this club field is for you.
Mt Olympus uses rope tows requiring a harness and nutcracker. These are available free at the bottom of the access tow, however it's recommended to bring your own for comfort. There are four rope tows accessing spectacular terrain — from fun, rolling runs to challenging features. The trails are not groomed, so the whole field is off-piste.
The Top Hut offers ski-in, ski-out accommodation with a great vibe, it's fully catered and licensed, and is home to the famous Mt O hot tub. The Bottom Hut is also available for all your self-catering needs.
Highlights of Mt Olympus
- Great terrain and incredible hike-to-skiing
- Hot tub with a mountain view
- Delicious meals available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Fun, lively bar
- Catered and self-catered options available
Temple Basin Ski Area
Located in the Southern Alps near Arthur's Pass Village, Temple Basin has a unique personality and experience to match. But you'll need to earn those turns! With no access road, you must hike into the main lodge. You can always throw your gear in The Goods Lift to make life easier.
Once on the field, you're rewarded with breathtaking views and warm hospitality. The rope tow accesses peaks on the main divide, and you'll need your own harness and nutcracker. Temple Basin is ‘inbounds backcountry’ and is home to The New Zealand Snow Safety Institute (NZSSI) which offers avalanche safety, snow craft, and mountaineering courses throughout the season.
The field has three rope tows and some of the most challenging terrain of all the club fields. When you've finished for the day, fill your tanks at the licensed lodge, or keep it going with night skiing options! Book their on-mountain accommodation to make the most of your trip.
Highlights of Temple Basin
- Incredible terrain and spectacular views
- The Goods Lift
- Delicious, home cooked meals
- Canteen with snacks, beer and wine
Craigieburn Valley Ski Area
Craigieburn is recognised as an epic field with fantastic terrain. Often referred to as the 'poor man's heliskiing' the runs you make here might be some of your best ever. This non-profit club field is run by passionate members promoting environmentally responsible practices.
The ski area straddles two distinct ridgelines and valleys and is well known for its hidden gems. The infamous 600m vertical descent of Middle Basin (often compared to a heliskiing experience) offers an exciting and challenging ride. The ski area is accessed by three high speed rope tows requiring a harness and nutcracker. You'll need to bring all your own gear as there are no hire facilities on the mountain.
Highlights of Craigieburn
- Heliskiing experience without the chopper
- Relaxed and welcoming club atmosphere
- Two lodges accommodating up to 65 people
- Hiking and ski opportunities beyond the patrolled areas
