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Ski New Zealand: 5 Day South Island Snow Explorer

Ski New Zealand: 5 Day South Island Snow Explorer

From $ 2,305 AUD

Description

If you’re an intermediate to advanced skier or snowboarder looking for an epic guided snow tour in New Zealand, we have the South Island’s winter wonders all packaged up for you. Our expert guides will show you the ropes on beautifully uncrowded slopes on this five-day snow tour which takes you to four epic ski/boarding areas: Porters Alpine Lodge, Broken River, Mt Olympus/Temple Basin and Craigieburn. These Club Fields are small, private or family-owned ski areas where you can get into the snow with minimal fuss and maximum fun minus the crowds. We can also help with equipment hire and more!

Trip Name
Ski New Zealand: 5 Day South Island Snow Explorer
Last Updated
2023-09-11
Days
5
Capacity
8
Highlights
  • Enjoy five days of off-piste powder heaven in New Zealand’s famed Southern Alps.
  • Escape the bustling crowds of Queenstown and get a taste of New Zealand’s best and friendliest club fields.
  • Leave the beaten track behind and sample four epic mountains considered by locals as NZ’s best-kept-secrets: Porters, Broken River, Mt Olympus/Temple Basin and Craigieburn.
  • Whether you're an intermediate or advanced skier, our expert guides are always there to lead the way.
  • Stay 'on mountain' in the tiny ski hamlet of Craigieburn with the ski fields literally outside your front door.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Christchurch & Porters Skiing
Kia-ora! Welcome to Christchurch, gateway to New Zealand's sublime ski fields. After a short group meeting, depart Christchurch at 6am and pick up your hire gear (for those who need it) on the short drive inland (approximately 2hrs) to Porters, the closest ski field to Christchurch which is renowned for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and stunning mountain backdrop. The skiing and boarding here ranges widely and your guide will help you access the right level for you. Try Big Mama (which towers above the left of the base area) or Bluff Face (which towers above the right). At 620m, Big Mama boasts one of the largest vertical drops in one lift-accessed run in New Zealand. For those looking for easy backcountry skiing, that’s available too from the top of the T3T-Bar – your options are endless. For the next two nights we stay off the mountain in or near the small town of Springfield, a snow sports enthusiast’s haven, complete with majestic views to enjoy after a busy day on the slopes plus some great bars and restaurants - ask your group leader to recommend their favourites.
Day 2 - Broken River Ski Area
A short morning drive (approximately 1 hr) takes you further into the Southern Alps and ready for a true alpine adventure at the unpretentious Broken River ski area, one of New Zealand's unique Club Fields where members and non-members alike are welcome. This ski field was born in the early 1950s and offers some of New Zealand's best off-piste, soft-snow skiing and snowboarding. Broken River offers a more intimate experience as chairlifts are replaced by ‘nut crackers’, five electrically driven, high capacity rope tows. After a 15 to 20-minute hike to the first rope tow, learn the techniques you'll need to get started on these amazing slopes. Don’t worry if you have not ridden tows before – your guide will help you with your technique. Most people take a few times to get it right; it’s all part of the experience. A short trek offers access to the back basins, Craigieburn Valley and some incredible terrain. Finish the day with a short drive back to Springfield.
Day 3 - Springfield to Craigieburn/Mt Olympus/Temple Basin
Today you leave Springfield behind and drive north (approximately 1.5hrs) to the tiny ski hamlet of Craigieburn, in the heart of snow country. Depending on weather conditions, you’ll head to either Mt Olympus or Temple Basin. Mt Olympus ski area, a south-facing basin set high in the Craigieburn Range – is perfect for trapping powder dumps and affectionally known as ‘the playground of the Gods’ and has more than 60 hectares of ski fields. Far from the commercial groomed slopes, chairlifts and latte-filled cafes, Temple Basin was founded in 1929 and still has that rustic pioneering feel that represents a true alpine environment at the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park. When you come off the hill at the end of a big day, we will grab a well-earned drink and dinner (included) at our cosy lodge in Craigieburn, your accommodation for the next two nights.
Day 4 - Craigieburn Ski Area
For big mountain skiing, Craigieburn has a well-deserved cult following among the locals. 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 intermediate to advanced skiers, and is sure to be a highlight of your skiing experience. After an amazing day on the slopes retire back to the cosy Craigieburn Lodge and exchange stories over your included dinner.
Day 5 - Craigieburn Ski Area and Christchurch
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and one last snow day in the Southern Alps mastering the slopes of Craigieburn before driving back (approximately 2hrs) to cosmopolitan Christchurch where your trip finishes on arrival around 8pm.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
24-09-202328-09-2023AUD $ 2,305-

Accommodation

Ski Lodge Hostel,shared dorms (4 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map