Annual Snowfall
4.5m
Aspect
South
Skiable Terrain
80HA
Mt Olympus is best defined by what it lacks. There are no wide pistes, chairlifts, halfpipes, snowsports equipment rental or crowds. This is relentless freeride purity by way of omission; the evolutionary advantage of shedding the superfluous.
The Mt Olympus ski area is set in a high, south-facing basin at the southern end of the Craigieburn Range. This giant baseball mitt of schist and shale is perfectly aligned to hijack storms on their one-way winter vacay from Antarctica. Spiky peaks (including the imposing Mt Olympus at 2096m) shred incoming clouds and relieve them of their precious powdery burden — over 4.5 metres annually.
The terrain is a superbly-balanced smorgasbord of tasty freeride treats: wide-open faces, mellow bowls, and increasingly steep chutes and peaks that challenge the world’s best. It’s a destination resort for big-mountain, backcountry and freeride enthusiasts; but beginners can have just as much fun on the learners slope.
High, bluffed ridges to the north, west and east ensure that Mt Olympus is sheltered from the prevailing westerly and nor-westerly winds. The mountain tends to retain its snow when other ski areas get stripped.
Beginner
10%
Intermediate
55%
Advanced
35%
Lift Accessed Drop
450m
Hike Accessed Drop
1,050m
Highest peak
2,096m
Four high-capacity rope tows access 80 hectares of skiable terrain. The backcountry, slackcountry and sidecountry runs accessed by a short hike dramatically increase this area.
Faster than a high-speed quad, more Kiwi than lolly-cake pavlova. Fear not! If a six-year-old clubbie can ride the main rope tow then so can you… A written explanation of the best nutcracker technique is as pointless as describing the history of the East India Company to a tea leaf. Watch this video instead.
Rope Tows
Four
Top tow el.
1,880m
Bottom tow el.
1,430m
The Lodge is a ski-in-ski-out sanctuary to warm your toes and enjoy a warm, hearty lunch to keep you going all day. But when there’s 52 bunk beds, a hot tub with a view and the infamous Far Canal Bar, why wouldn’t you extend your stay for a few more days.
Top Hut Elevation
1,640m
Mt Olympus is 130km from Christchurch — a 90 minute drive into the heart of the Canterbury mountains. The final stretch up the mountain is a serious unsealed alpine road. Kiwi style. You will need a “proper” 4WD vehicle with adequate clearance.
Getting HereNon-member
Affiliated
Student
Member 0 Days
Member 2 Days
Member 5 Days
Member 10 Days
Adult
$104
$83
$60
$63
$56
$39
$28
Junior U18
$52
$42
–
$31
$28
$20
$15
Adult
Junior
Non-member
$104
$52
Affiliated
$83
$42
Student
$60
–
Member 0 Days
$63
$31
Member 2 Days
$56
$28
Member 5 Days
$39
$20
Member 10 Days
$28
$15
Child U10*
FREE
Tarn Lift Pass**
$40
Learners Tow Only
$20
*U10 Free with full paying adult
Juniors 10–18yrs at 31 March 2025
**Tarn Lift Pass is for day trips only and unable to be purchased in conjunction with accommodation
Half day passes for non-members are available from 1:30pm
Chill passes can be redeemed but please advise when booking.
Member’s price based on work party days completed, if booked online using your work party days discount code
Non-member
Affiliated
Student
Member 0 Days
Member 2 Days
Member 5 Days
Member 10 Days
Adult
$990
$770
$660
$500
$400
$300
$200
Junior U18
$495
$385
–
$250
$200
$150
$100
Adult
Junior
Non-member
$900
$450
Affiliated
$700
$350
Student
$600
–
Member 0 Days
$500
$250
Member 2 Days
$400
$200
Member 5 Days
$300
$150
Member 10 Days
$200
$100