A skier hucks off Little Alaska with Mt Olympus in the background.

Looking toward Mt Olympus and the Sphinx from the Top Tow.

The Mountain.

Mt Olympus is named for the 2096 metre (6880 foot) peak that stands over the ski area.  Below it, the four high-capacity rope tows access 60 hectares of skiable terrain with plenty more available within a short hike from the lifts.

The ski area is set in a high, south-facing basin, shaped a bit like a baseball mitt.  This is an ideal aspect for catching the big southerly powder dumps that give the Canterbury region its reputation for having the biggest and most consistent annual snowfall in New Zealand - over 4.5 metres (that's nearly 15 feet)! 

Combine this with high, bluffed ridges to the north, west and east and 
Mt Olympus is well protected from the prevailing westerly and north-west winds.  This means we hold our snow while other ski areas get stripped.

Mountain Stats.

Elevation at the base of the Access Tow: 1430m
Elevation of the Top Hut: 1640m
Elevation at the top of the Top Tow: 1880m
Lift Accessed Vertical Drop: 450m
Hike Accessed Vertical Drop: Up to 1050m in a good year
Aspect: Southerly
Annual Snowfall: 4.5m
Terrain: 10% Beginner, 55% Intermediate, 35% Advanced

Trail Map.

(Click for a bigger version).