Skiing in Canterbury
Canterbury is a ski destination in New Zealand, part of the Oceania region, with 15 ski resorts to explore. The skiing spans elevations from 1,233m to 2,120m, giving a vertical range of 887m. Across the area there are 81km of prepared pistes. There are 175 runs in total - 23 easy, 81 intermediate, 62 advanced - catering to all ability levels. 57 ski lifts serve the slopes, including 6 chairlifts. Notable resorts in the area include Mount Hutt Ski Area, Porters Ski Area, Craigieburn Valley Ski Area and Broken River Ski Area. The ski season typically runs from June to October. A daily adult lift pass costs around €130 on average.
Ski Resorts in Canterbury
15 ski resorts in Canterbury
Awakino Ski Area
Awakino Ski Field is a friendly and affordable club-operated skifield situated high in the St Marys Range near Kurow in the Waitaki Valley. It boasts one and a half high-speed rope tows, where queues are unheard of and a busy day means more than 10 people.
Broken River Ski Area
Located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, boasts some of New Zealand
Craigieburn
Craigieburn Valley Ski Area is situated only 1.5 hrs (110km) from Christchurch on highway 73. Located in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps, where the ups are good and the downs are even better. If you are an advanced or expert rider/skier, THE BIG ONE is for you.
Craigieburn Valley Ski Area
On our buy page, you can see the prices of lift passes, membership, and accomodation. Purchase some of our Craigieburn merchandise from our shop.
Fox Peak Ski Area
Fox Peak is a ski and snowboard paradise with 500 hectares of ski area and 5 lifts, known for its uncrowded slopes and a mix of 20% groomed and 80% off-piste terrain. It caters to all ages and abilities, offering a good balance for beginners, intermediates, advanced, and expert skiers.
Hanmer Springs Ski Area
Hanmer Springs Ski Area is a friendly, fun ski area just 17km from the alpine resort town of Hanmer Springs. It offers a grassroots snow experience with a variety of groomed runs and off-piste terrain, ideal for families and groups, featuring three lifts and no queues.
Mount Cheeseman Ski Area
Mt Cheeseman ski area is 1.5 hr from Christchurch. 2 T-bars, learners rope tow, groomed intermediate & advanced off piste slopes. Ski in, ski out accommodation.
Mount Dobson Ski Field
Mt Dobson Ski field is located on New Zealand’s South Island, in the majestic Mackenzie region. Book now to ski the sizable learner
Mount Hutt Ski Area
Home to monster snowfalls, wide-open terrain and views that'll stop you in your tracks. From first lift to last legs, this is skiing, Hutt style.
Mount Olympus Ski Area
Mount Olympus Ski Area ski resort in New Zealand. 2 runs, 1km of pistes, 5 lifts, 1468m - 1818m elevation.
Mt. Olympus
A globally unique ski and snowboard destination that demands an adventurous heart, and delivers an unforgettable Canterbury clubbie experience.
Ōhau Snow Fields
Ski or board the real New Zealand at Ohau Snow Fields. Situated high above the beautiful Lake Ohau, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at one of New Zealand
Porters Ski Area
Snow report for Porters Alpine Resort. See our daily report for information about mountain status and road conditions.
Roundhill Ski Field
Roundhill is an open ski area with groomed trails, offering various lifts including T-bars, platters, and rope tows, along with cafes and a terrain park. It provides a great day in the mountains with fine weather and good snow conditions.
Temple Basin
Temple Basin is one of the oldest club run ski areas in Aotearoa New Zealand, known for extreme skiing and snowboarding. It offers un-groomed terrain across multiple ridges and basins, accessed by three rope tows.
Canterbury at a Glance
Aggregate stats across 15 resorts
Total Resorts
15
Total Piste km
81 km
Total Lifts
58
Elevation Range
1,233–2,120 m
Avg Day Pass
€124
Total Runs
175
Where to start in Canterbury
Top picks across 1 category
Best value
- 1.Craigieburn Valley Ski AreaExcellent
- 2.Fox Peak Ski AreaExcellent
- 3.Mount Hutt Ski AreaExcellent
Top Resorts in Canterbury
Sorted by Piste km
| Resort | Piste km | Vert. Drop (m) | Lifts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Hutt Ski Area | 13 | 648 | 5 |
| Porters Ski Area | 13 | 640 | 6 |
| Craigieburn Valley Ski Area | 11 | 522 | 3 |
| Broken River Ski Area | 9 | 391 | 10 |
| Mount Cheeseman Ski Area | 9 | 302 | 3 |
| Roundhill Ski Field | 9 | 750 | 6 |
| Temple Basin | 7 | 411 | 3 |
| Mount Dobson Ski Field | 7 | 295 | 4 |
| Fox Peak Ski Area | 1 | 1,000 | 5 |
| Mount Olympus Ski Area | 1 | 351 | 5 |
Showing top 10 of 15 resorts - browse all below
Season Calendar - Canterbury
When each resort is open for skiing
Plan Your Ski Holiday to Canterbury
We've pulled together the best options across hotels, lessons, and transfers for Canterbury.
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