How to Olympus

Mt Olympus is located at the southern end of the Craigieburn Range: 130km from Christchurch — a 90 minute drive into the heart of the Canterbury mountains. The end of the road, and the beginning of adventure.

90min from Christchurch

130km

65min from Methven

75km

45min from Windwhistle

52km

Getting here

Driving yourself

The final stretch to Mt Olympus is a serious unsealed alpine road. Kiwi style. You will need a “proper” 4WD vehicle with adequate clearance, tyres with plenty of tread, and snow chains that fit. All of which should be in excellent working condition. Please arrive during lift operating hours (which vary) or contact the mountain staff if you will arrive late.

Directions

You will lose phone reception about halfway through these instructions…

  • Turn off Highway 77 onto Coleridge Rd

  • Drive 18km along Coleridge Rd towards Lake Coleridge

  • Turn RIGHT onto Homestead Rd

  • Drive 6.9km along Homestead Rd

  • Turn LEFT onto Harper Rd (Sign for Mt Olympus)

  • Drive 12.2km along Harper Rd

  • Turn RIGHT onto Mt Olympus Access Road. (This turnoff is approximately 1km after the wooden bridge over the Ryton/Goldney River)

  • You are now on private farmland so please take care and watch for stock. Glenthorne Station and Mt Olympus DO NOT permit dogs on the property at any time. Leave all gates as you found them.

  • Drive 11.5km to the Bottom Hut. Use the radio in the Bottom Hut to ensure the road to the mountain is accessible. Drive up to the container at the base of the access rope tow.

Whew! Time to smash out a few turns…

Chauffeur options

If you have any doubts about your vehicle or winter driving ability then contact a mountain transport specialist like Black Diamond Safaris or hitch a ride.

Directions

You will lose phone reception about halfway through these instructions…

  • Turn off Highway 77 onto Coleridge Rd

  • Drive 18km along Coleridge Rd towards Lake Coleridg

  • Turn RIGHT onto Homestead Rd

  • Drive 6.9km along Homestead Rd

  • Turn LEFT onto Harper Rd (Sign for Mt Olympus)

  • Drive 12.2km along Harper Rd

  • Turn RIGHT onto Mt Olympus Access Road. (This turnoff is approximately 1km after the wooden bridge over the Ryton/Goldney River)

  • You are now on private farmland so please take care and watch for stock. Glenthorne Station and Mt Olympus DO NOT permit dogs on the property at any time. Leave all gates as you found them.

  • Drive 11.5km to the Bottom Hut. Use the radio in the Bottom Hut to ensure the road to the mountain is accessible. Drive up to the container at the base of the access rope tow.

Whew! Time to smash out a few turns…

Chauffeur options

If you have any doubts about your vehicle or winter driving ability then contact a mountain transport specialist like Black Diamond Safaris or hitch a ride.

Gear essen-tials

Choose your weapon wisely

Mt Olympus is a groomer-free zone and off-piste riding is the call of the day: all day, every day. There is no ski hire or ski tuning on the mountain: so ensure all your gear fits, works, and is adjusted correctly.

Local retail and rental for sports equipment

Clothing

Warm snow clothing appropriate to a high-mountain environment is essential. Ensure that clothes, pack straps and, especially, long hair isn’t flapping around to avoid getting caught in the rope tows. Tough leather gloves are recommended, or a leather mitt protector, to save your nice Gore-Tex gloves from getting shredded by the rope tows.  These items along with Mt O merch can be purchased at the Far Canal Bar in the Main Lodge.

Towbelt & Nutcracker

These are essential equipment to ride the rope tows. They can be borrowed free-of-charge from the Access Tow Container, buy your own custom harness for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

Riding the rope tows

The nutcracker is easy (if you know how) and difficult (if you don’t). If it's the first time you ride at Mt Olympus, this is crucial: flag down a clubbie or staff member and get them to show you the best technique. Or you could just watch this video and give it your best crack.

Hiking & Touring

If you plan to go hiking at Mt Olympus; it is compulsory a transceiver, shovel and probe — and know how to use them. All hiking and touring are at your own risk and you must always talk to patrol before heading out hiking or touring through our inbounds terrain. Mt Olympus takes no responsibility for those hiking in the backcountry or out-of-bounds. We will be reluctant to place our staff's lives in danger if you decide to venture into the backcountry unprepared.

Riding the rope tows

The nutcracker is easy (if you know how) and difficult (if you don’t). If it's the first time you ride at Mt Olympus, this is crucial: flag down a clubbie or staff member and get them to show you the best technique. Or you could just watch this video and give it your best crack.

Hiking & Touring

If you plan to go hiking at Mt Olympus we strongly recommend you have a transceiver, shovel and probe — and know how to use them. All hiking and touring are at your own risk.  Mt Olympus takes no responsibility for those hiking in the backcountry or out-of-bounds.  We will be reluctant to place our staff's lives in danger if you decide to venture into the backcountry unprepared.

Getting to, and staying at, The Top Hut

There is no goods lift. To get to the Top Hut from the car park requires a ride up the Access Tow (i.e. with your skis or snowboard on) carrying all your gear:

  • Pack lightly

  • Use a medium-sized backpack for your equipment

  • All you need is a sleeping bag, pillowcase, apres-ski clothes, dance shoes, toiletries, a towel, and your togs for the hot tub. Good vibes supplied on a give-one-take-one basis

  • There are no laundry facilities for guests — so bring enough 'smalls' to cover your stay

  • Name your gear and keep track of it

  • Water conservation in the main lodge is a priority (showering with a friend is optional)

  • Keep rubbish to a minimum. We are very big on recycling so please familiarise yourself with our process

  • We run a licensed bar; government regulations are merciless and preclude BYO. Please leave your BYO beersies at home

The Top Hut is calling your name…

Spend your precious vacay time in a ski-in-ski-out bubble far removed from the harsh reality of the 9-to-5. As the great man (Warren Miller) once said, “If you don’t do it this year you’ll just be another year older when you do.”