Best skiing in New Zealand? Mt Hutt should be your destination.

Mt Hutt ski area has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort six times at the World Ski Awards, so lots of people sure think so!

Is Mt Hutt ski area good for skiing?

Mt Hutt ski area is one of the biggest and highest ski areas in the South Island of New Zealand. It has a long season and it gets on average up to four metres of snow per season.

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Mt Hutt is especially known for its wide-open terrain, reliable snow and long leg burning runs. But there is a slope for everyone, no matter what level you are or what kind of skiing you prefer. The only thing it’s missing is a live volcano!

There’s mix of on- and off-piste, with the big groomers like the Highway 72 slow zone complemented by more advanced steeps and chutes like Towers and the South Face.

At Mt Hutt, there are ski and snowboard lessons and programmes available for all ages and abilities, from first timers, to intermediate, to advanced, to pro. There are starter packages which include gear and lift passes, up to high performance group workshops.

Does Mt Hutt ski area have a terrain park?

Skiers and snowboarders also have access five terrain parks with jumps and features for all abilities, from the Gunners Alley terrain park, with it’s ‘S’ shaped jump line to goes from 30 feet up to a huge 60 feet, to Hoods Hideout, which has surface level boxes and small snow features for freeride novices.

If you don’t want to ski or snowboard, Mt Hutt ski area has a sledding area (they hire toboggans on the hill) and you can ride the chairlift as a sightseer if you prefer.

How many lifts does Mt Hutt have?

Mt Hutt has three chairlifts, the Summit Six, International and the high speed detachable eight-seater Nor’West Express, the first of its kind in New Zealand. It can carry up to 3,000 people per hour.

There are also two conveyor lifts for wee rippers and beginners. Speaking of wee rippers, children under seven ski for free.

And the Skiwiland creche offers full or half day childcare right on the mountains. Kids can take ski lessons, or just enjoy play time in the snow.

How tall is Mt Hutt?

Set on the western edge of the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand, Mt Hutt rises up from the Canterbury Plains to 2190 metres above sea level. The Pacific Ocean is visible from the upper slopes of the hill!

Mt Hutt has a 683 metre vertical drop and a massive 365 hectares of skiable terrain.

Can you stay on Mt Hutt ski field?

There is no on-mountain accommodation on Mt Hutt ski field, but there are plenty of places to stay in nearby Methven, from backpackers to motels to luxury retreats.

While you’re there, grab a pint at the legendary Blue Pub. The après snow scene there is famous, there’s often live music and there’s a Quiz Night every Sunday.

Beside reliving you day on the hill over a couple of beers, there are plenty of things to do in Methven. Cinema Paradiso is a friendly wee theatre on the main street of town, and the therapists at The Salt House offer Halotherapy (Dry Salt Therapy), to help you relax after a big day on the slopes.

How do you get to Mount Hutt?

My Hutt is 105 kilometers inland from Christchurch Airport, which is one of the main gateways to the South Island.

It’s about a 90-minute drive across the Canterbury Plains from the city to the base are of the mountain – the last leg is up a 14-kilometre unsealed road can get muddy and icy, so be prepared. There are spectacular views from the hills, especially on the drive down.

There are also daily shuttle services to and from Methven and Christchurch.

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Is Mt Hutt near Queenstown?

Mt Hutt is located in Canterbury, which is several hours’ drive from Queenstown, New Zealand.

But Mt Hutt is part of NZ Ski, which also runs Queenstown’s Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. You can use multi-day lift passes across all three mountains – a great way to save and to have an excuse for a South Island Road trip.

Do you need snow chains for Mt Hutt?

Always carry chains when heading up the mountain, even if you have a 4WD – it’s best to organise these ahead of time. There is chain hire available through the mountain, but these can run out.

Check the daily snow report to see if chains need to be fitted before you go up the road.

Is Mt Hutt closed?

The ski season at Mt Hutt usually runs from June until mid October. The scheduled closing day for 2021 is October 17.

The lifts run from 9am-4pm, and on weekends you can buy a First Tracks add-on to you life pass and ski from 8am. Because the early bird gets the turns.


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