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 in New Zealand's Waitaki Valley, known for its deep wind-blown powder and fantastic terrain. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, extensive ski-touring, and a unique experience for those looking to escape crowds.
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 offering 500 hectares of ski area with 5 lifts and a 580m vertical rise. It provides fun for all ages and abilities on friendly, uncrowded slopes, featuring 20% groomed and 80% off-piste terrain.
Hanmer Springs Ski Area
Hanmer Springs Ski Area is a friendly, fun ski area just 17km from Hanmer Springs, offering a variety of groomed runs and off-piste terrain for all skill levels. It provides a unique, grass-roots, low-key snow experience ideal for families or groups of friends.
Mount Cheeseman Ski Area
Mount Cheeseman Ski Area is a ski area in Canterbury, New Zealand. It has 8.8 km of pistes served by 3 lifts. The slopes run from 1,553 m to 1,854 m, a vertical drop of 301 m.
Mount Dobson Ski Field
Mount Dobson Ski Field is a ski area in Canterbury, New Zealand. It has 7 km of pistes served by 4 lifts, including 1 chairlift. The slopes run from 1,719 m to 2,014 m, a vertical drop of 295 m.
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: 349m vertical, 5 lifts, 1km of runs in Canterbury Region, New Zealand.
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
Enjoy winter at Porters. The closest ski area to Christchurch. Easy access road, fantastic learner slopes and great terrain for experts.
Roundhill Ski Field
Roundhill is a fantastic family ski area with breathtaking views of Aoraki Mt Cook, the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo.
Temple Basin
Temple Basin is one of the oldest club run ski areas in Aotearoa New Zealand and the home of extreme skiing and snowboarding. Located on the main divide of the Southern Alps, Temple Basin welcomes all those wishing to explore the mountains.
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
-
Total Runs
175
Where to start in Canterbury
Top picks across 1 category
Best value
- 1.Awakino Ski AreaGood
- 2.Broken River Ski AreaGood
- 3.CraigieburnGood
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 | 349 | 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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