skiing
Come downunder for some thrilling
downhill skiing on fresh deep powder snow.
New Zealand is an increasingly popular international ski
destination. Our June to October season coincides with the
Northern Hemisphere summer, so many competitive ski teams use our
slopes for off-season training.
Skiing is mainly concentrated along the scenic eastern slopes of
the Southern Alps where many of the 13 commercial and 12 club
fields are located. Commercial fields have high-speed quad
chairs, ski schools and groomed wide open slopes. Club fields
have simple lifts and rope tows and are accessible only by 4WD or
on foot. Generally there is no accommodation on commercial fields
so skiers commute from local resort towns.
The Southern Lakes area around Queenstown and Wanaka boasts five
outstanding fields with pristine powder slopes and breathtaking
views. These are Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Treble Cone,
Cardrona and Waiorau Nordic Ski Area - New Zealands only
specialist cross-country ski location. Inland from Christchurch
and Nelson are other world-class areas such as Mt Hutt, Porter
Heights and Mt Lyford. The North Island has the largest ski
fields in the country, Whakapapa and Turoa, on the slopes of our
most active mainland volcano, Mt Ruapehu.
New Zealands ski fields are focused on family fun and
entertainment so you are bound to have a wonderful time on the
slopes. You will enjoy the aprés-ski lifestyle too as the
neighbouring resort towns come alive at night with a buzz of
activity in cafes, bars and restaurants.
So cruise on down next winter and get into the groove on our
perfect powder. (also see Ski Areas & Heli-Ski Sites)
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