Overview
We’ll sample four mountains: Porters, Broken River, Mt Olympus/Temple Basin and Craigieburn. While these names may not be familiar now, we guarantee by the end of your trip they’ll be the only thing you’ll want...read more to talk about!
Club Fields are small, private or family-owned ski areas where you can get into the snow with minimal fuss and maximum fun. The areas we take you to on this tour are not ski resorts. You won’t find massive crowds here but you will find off-piste heaven and some of the best ski fields in NZ. Just ask your guide! They won’t disagree!.
Running between July and September, this tour starts and ends in Christchurch. The tour ventures to some of the best Christchurch ski fields. It’s best suited to intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders as you’ll be using nutcrackers and rope tows to climb the slopes at most locations. But don’t let this put you off – our expert snow guides are on hand to help, and most people adjust to using these tools after just a couple of runs.
We’ve got everything organised: your transport and transfers to the mountains, your accommodation, lift passes, breakfast, two dinners and your tow gear. If you want to add on any extras like equipment hire or accommodation upgrades, that’s easy! Just click the add-on options when you book the tour and we’ll sort it! We will have you on the South island ski fields, some of the best ski fields in NZ in no time at all!
Beginners – our Snow Safari Tour is more suited to your needs, but keep this tour in mind for when you’ve reached intermediate level!
Itinerary
We depart Christchurch at 6am and pick up our hire gear (for those that need it) en-route to Porters, best known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Porter's lifts run up two distinct valleys: Big Mama (which towers above the right of the base area) and Bluff Face (which towers above the left). At 620m, Big Mama boasts one of the largest vertical drops in one lift-accessed run in New Zealand. Easy backcountry riding is available from the top of the T3T-Bar. For the next two nights we stay at Springfield Lodge, a snow sports enthusiast's haven, complete with unrivalled views and an outdoor spa pool to enjoy after a big day on the slopes.
Included
- Breakfast, Lift Pass
- SLOPE INFO - Porters
- Difficulty: 15% Beginner, 35% Intermediate, 50% Advanced
- Height: 1950m, Vertical: 610m, Skiable Area: 350ha
Get ready for a true adventure at Broken River. This ski field was born in the early 1950s when the founding members were only 20 and 28 years old. Now well-established, this ski field is a testament to their years of effort and dedication. You'll earn your turns at Broken River! After a 15 to 20-minute hike to the first rope tow, learn the techniques you'll need to get started on these slopes. The terrain here consists of a large open basin serviced by five electrically driven, high capacity rope tows.
This mountain has the perfect platform to learn to ride nut crackers, making it a great spot for our second day of riding. Don't worry if you have not ridden tows before – our Tour Manager will help you with your technique and most people take a few times to get it right; it's all part of the experience! Tow protection gloves are provided. The highest point is 1820 metres and the total vertical is 420 metres, with lots of off-piste terrain available. A short trek offers access to the back basins, Craigieburn Valley and some incredible terrain.
Included
- Breakfast, Lift Pass, Harness & Nutcracker SLOPE INFO - Broken River
- Difficulty: 10% Beginner, 30% Intermediate, 60% Advanced
- Height: 1920m, Vertical: 420m, Skiable Area: 300ha
Today, depending on weather conditions, we'll head to either Mt Olympus or Temple Basin. Mt Olympus ski area is also known as ‘the playground of the gods'. The area is a south-facing basin set high in the Craigieburn Range – perfect for trapping powder dumps. 450m of vertical drops over 60 hectares of varied terrain provide skiing and riding from beginner to extreme. From the top of the Main Tow and the Top Tow there are plenty of choices with terrain to suit intermediates or the most advanced skiers. A little walking from the Top Tow opens up even more terrain in this wide, open bowl. With the relatively low skier numbers and the choice of terrain, it can take up to a week to get tracks on some slopes!
Temple Basin, the club, was founded in 1929 and still has that pioneering feel and represents a true alpine environment at the heart of Arthur's Pass National Park. We leave those who prefer groomed slopes, a chairlift and lattes at home. Renowned for its steep and big mountain terrain, you have the choice of three tows: Cassidy (sunny smooth runs), Temple (faster and steeper) and Downhill (ridgeline and advanced terrain). We can also check out the awesome chutes at Bills Basin and the popular backcountry area of Mingha Valley. And when you come off the hill at the end of a big day, we will grab a well-earned drink and dinner (included) at the ultra-cosy Craigieburn Lodge which is also our accommodation for the next two nights.
Included
- Breakfast, Lift Pass, Harness & Nutcracker, Dinner SLOPE INFO - Mt Olympus
- Difficulty: 10% Beginner, 55% Intermediate, 35% Advanced
- Height: 2096m, Vertical: 450m, Skiable Area: 60ha
- Temple Basin Difficulty: 10% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 25% Advanced
- Temple Basin Height: 1753m, Vertical: 427m, Skiable Area: 320ha
For big mountain skiing, Craigieburn has a well-deserved cult following among Kiwis. Steep and deep, with wide open powder bowls and lofty narrow chutes accessed by three high-capacity rope tows servicing a vertical rise of 503m, Craigieburn leaves little to be desired. Terrain at Craigieburn Valley is varied, exciting and challenging, with the infamous 600m vertical descent of Middle Basin (which is often compared to a heli-skiing experience) accessible by a short traverse from the tow. Craigieburn Valley offers something for everyone – except beginners. Your dinner tonight at the Craigieburn Lodge is also included.
Included
- Breakfast
- Lift Pass
- Harness & Nutcracker
- Dinner
- Craigieburn Difficulty: 20% Beginner, 55% Intermediate, 25% Advanced
- Height: 1811m, Vertical: 503m, Skiable Area: 400ha
Included
- Breakfast, Lift Pass, Harness & Nutcracker SLOPE INFO - Craigieburn
- Difficulty: 20% Beginner, 55% Intermediate, 25% Advanced
- Height: 1811m
- Vertical: 503m
- Skiable Area: 400ha
Trip Inclusions
- Five Days of Off-piste Heaven - Sample the powder stashes at: Porters, Broken River, Mt Olympus/Temple Basin and Craigieburn.
- All the Good Stuff Included - Accommodation, transport, expert guide, lift passes, Continental breakfasts, 2 x dinners, Tow gloves and harnesses.
- Untamed Terrain = Unparalleled Winter Vacation - Away from the beaten tracks, club fields offer immense uncrowded fields of powder to explore.
- We provide everything you need for the ultimate, stress-free time on the snow in New Zealand;
- 5 lift passes to 4 different mountains
- 4 nights high-end hostel accommodation (dorm share as standard)
- Continental breakfasts every day
- Two dinners
- Tow protection gloves and harnesses
- Shared dorms in hostels & lodges (max 8 share). Private room upgrades available!
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Availability
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Haka Tours.
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