terrain

Welcome to Mt Olympus - an alpine treasure located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, and the gateway to some of New Zealand’s finest touring. For the backcountry adventurer who enjoys uncrowded off-piste skiing, ski-touring or snowboarding, Mt Olympus will take your breath away. Come share the fun in an affordable skiing environment for you, your friends and family!

The Mt Olympus ski area is a south-facing basin set high in the Craigieburn Range - perfect for trapping dry champagne powder dumps! Mt Olympus has 450m of vertical drop over 60 hectares (150 acres) of varied terrain, which provides skiing and riding from beginner to extreme. Four high-capacity rope tows (nutcrackers) transport you speedily up the slopes to maximise your powder day. So if you are looking for anything from "Steep and Deep" to gentle learner's slopes overlooked by the accommodation lodge, look no further.

stats

Elevation: 2096m at the top of Mt Olympus 1880m at the top of the top tow 1430m at the base of the access tow Vertical drop of 450m

Skiable area of 60 hectares: 10% Beginner 55% Intermediate 35% Advanced

facilities

The slopes of Mt Olympus are accessible by four high-capacity rope tows. To use the rope tows, nutcrackers must be worn. These are available for hire on the field. Attached to a tow belt, the nutcracker is strong and durable, and is designed to clamp around any rope tow.

Accessible from the car park (at 1430 metres) the field’s access tow transports you to the timber alpine lodge, fondly known as "The Top Hut" which not only accommodates the day tripper but those on ski weeks and weekends.

Leave your gear and supplies in the lodge on arrival and plant your skis in the snow outside while you lunch or rest during the day. Free refreshments are available for day trippers - hot and cold drinks (tea, coffee, milo). If you have food that requires heating you can use the microwave and/or oven, OR purchase a lunch that has been prepared by the chef. A canteen sells other refreshments and snacks, as well as other miscellaneous items such as day passes, sun-screen and protective mittens (glove-protectors) for use on the rope tows.

There are NO ski hire facilities on the mountain. Only tow-belts with nutcrackers are available for hire. Ski gear can be hired from:

• Methven
• Gnomes in Darfield
• McEwings, Christchurch
• Victoris Ski Sport, Christchurch

accommodation

Whether staying for a week or just a couple of days, the centrally heated lodge provides affordable comfortable accommodation for up to 40 people in a bunk style environment. The high pressure showers and hot tub will ensure your body makes a quick recovery from the day’s adventures to enjoy a relaxing evening ahead while the drying room ensures your ski gear is dry and supple for the following day’s adventures, OR weather permitting, the night skiing under lights!

A great atmosphere with fellow backcountry skiers and boarders sharing warming winter meals will make your stay one to remember. The club’s chef puts the finishing touches on the communally prepared meals. The dining, living area, kitchen and sun deck are the perfect venue for the lucky few staying in the perfect après-ski environment.

Ski weeks run throughout the season July-September and the package includes daily ski lessons for all skiing abilities, use of tows, meals and accommodation. Bookings are necessary and are open from 1 April.

If there is not enough room in the lodge on the mountain, there is a more basic self-catering option available 3 km from the field at a little alpine hut fondly known as "The Bottom Hut". This hut accommodates 12 people. Heated by a log burner and bar heater, the open plan facility has shower and kitchen facilities. Oh, and a couple of outside toilets!

touring

The area offers remote back country skiing and back country snowboarding with uninterrupted scenic views to the east - Lake Coleridge, the back of Mt Hutt and Porter Heights and beyond to the Canterbury Plains - or to the west from the Back Ridge, to the Rakaia, Harper and Wilberforce Rivers. The rugged alpine views and powder slopes keep you yearning for more and dreaming of the back country.

Weather and snow conditions permitting, the adventurous skier or boarder can investigate the opportunities that lie beyond the patrolled area. Please consult with the ski field manager and staff before attempting any trip outside the patrolled area.

The main ski field is patrolled. Everyone on the field must obey closures - do not put yourself or others at risk by not obeying the rules.

Touring trip possibilities:

• summit of Mt Olympus
• down the Harper Valley
• over to the Ryton Valley (403 hectares)
• further afield to Mt Cheeseman, Broken River and Craigieburn ski fields