Mount Hutt

Beginners are exceptionally well catered for here, with an excellent ski school and dedicated beginner zone located right outside the base lodge, with great progression on to longer greens and gentle blues off the Quad Chair.

Intermediates will love the groomed corduroy from the top of the Summit Six Express, right down to the base of the Towers Triple Chair – which drop a thigh-burning 650 vertical metres. After fresh snow, powderhounds will love the steep runs and chutes off South Face, Virgin Mile Ridge and Rakaia Saddle. In addition, snowmaking coverage is very good on the main runs and ensures a long, reliable season.

The base lodge is excellent, providing good food options and everything you could need during your ski day on the hill. For accommodation however, you will need to stay down in the valley in the lively ski town of Methven – which is home to a number of lively pubs and bars, plus a decent choice of places to stay. Off the slopes, there are numerous heli-skiing operations offering incredible adventures (as well as sightseeing trips) in the region. Getting here from Christchurch is easy – the drive takes less than 2 hours – whilst nearby ski areas such as Broken River, Craigieburn, Mount Cheeseman, Mount Olympus and Porters are all also worth visiting.

Resort website: www.mthutt.co.nz