Methven Ski & Ride

Forest Drive, Methven

Just one hour from Christchurch on the Inland Scenic Route 72, this alpine-themed village buzzes in winter. Within close distance of three world-class ski fields, some of the world’s finest heli-skiing country and majestic Mt Hutt ski facility, Methven ski fields are snowsports magnets.

Mt Hutt – 30 minutes from Methven
An amazing variety of terrain, extreme skiers and riders head for the steeper challenges of the double black diamond runs of the South Face, while intermediates take on some of the widest groomed slopes in the country and novices can enjoy the dedicated beginner areas and novice trails. Mt Hutt’s licensed Skiwiland Crèche, kid’s facilities and family discounts make it popular with families, and children aged six and under receive free day lift passes.

Mt Olympus – 40 minutes from Methven
Mt Olympus has a wide open south facing bowl which captures some of the best southerly powder in Canterbury. Half way up the mountain, is the warm Top Hut Lodge, and adjacent beginners slope, which are reached via the Access Tow. The rest of the mountain is suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders. The varied terrain includes long runs down Main Face and Back Basin, and bumps, jumps and rollers through Demolition. If you prefer chutes and the more extreme lines, you can take a hike to Little Alaska or The Sphinx. Night skiing is accessible if you’re staying on the mountain.

Porters – 1 hour from Methven
If you’ve never had a winter ski or snowboard experience Porters is a great place to start, with facilities for all levels of skiing and riding. For the intermediate skier or boarder, Porters has a huge variety of runs accessed by three T-bars. Groomed trails are accessible from top to bottom. For the more advanced skier and snowboarder try Big Mama. It is one of the longest runs in the Southern Hemisphere (620m vertical). If you want even steeper, then Bluff Face is a 38 degree run.