New Zealand Ski Encounters

Whakapapa Ski Area on the north-western slopes is New Zealand's largest ski area, with more than 65 trails across 1050 hectares. Whakapapa is home to New Zealand's premiere beginners' area. Happy Valley is a complete learner’s area that is separate to the main ski area so beginners can progress without the worry of faster skiers putting them off. It has its own cafe, rental complex and ski school meeting area. The gentle slope is long enough for you really get the hang of your new sport and there is a slow-moving chairlift that takes beginners to the top of the slope while giving them a chance to rest their legs. There are 30 groomed trails and a huge variety of off-piste areas that intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders will love. The pinnacles backcountry area is a lift accessed double black diamond area at Whakapapa and is used for the increasingly popular Extreme Competition each September. 

Extract from mtruapehu.com

Turoa Ski Area on the south-western slopes of Ruapehu holds the title of Australasia's longest vertical drop and New Zealand's highest lift. Like Whakapapa, the beginner area at Turoa (Alpine Meadow) is separate to the main ski area, so beginners can learn in a safe environment. However, strong skiers and boarders aren’t neglected….there is a huge variety of terrain, from open runs to gullies and cliffs. If you want to get off the groomers, Turoa has 2 lift-accessed off-piste areas that strong skiers and riders love. And if you want to turn your legs into jelly, there is a run that is 4kms long!

Extract from mtruapehu.com

Coronet Peak is the South Island’s most popular ski field and is only 25 minutes from Queenstown. This mountain resort has been enjoyed by winter sports fans for more than 60 year.

The Remarkables mountain range is home to the spectacular Remarkables Alpine Park which covers over 700 hectares of reserve land and has 220 hectares of skiable area accessed by three quad chairs within three open bowls.

Mt Hutt is located at the foot of the Southern Alps and is 2086m above seal level in the Canterbury region of the South Island. On a clear day there are breathtaking views across the Canterbury Plains from the Pacific Ocean to Mt Cook. The mountain has 472 hectares of terrain and is known to be relaxed, friendly, challenging and exciting.