New Zealand South Island’s Canterbury region is gearing up for a cool 2015 ski season.
The region’s 13 ski fields have snow lovers covered this season with new terrain park features, additional trails, and great family deals, ranging from world-class Mt Hutt, to unique club fields catering to family adventures.
On the slopes:
- Mt Hutt, one of the closest ski fields to Christchurch, is always a popular choice for those on the fly. This year the resort has added two trails; an intermediate-advanced trail and an intermediate track, providing skiers and riders a quick alternative route back to the base area.
- Mt Hutt’s mini terrain park has expanded to include longer terraces that form the Quad jump line, and new rail and box features, taking boarding to the next level.
- Porters, the local favourite, has unveiled its new chairlift ‘The Easyrider,’ replacing the T bar. The new chairlift now connects the base area to the upper mountain with the run back down to base significantly wider and gentler, hence it’s new moniker “Easy Street”.
For the rookies:
- Those new to the slopes will be well looked after at Porters, who have given their beginner slopes a total refresh ahead of the start of the 2015 season. The beginners’ area now sits where the carpark used to, and connects directly to intermediate runs, giving rookies the chance to explore their newfound courage.
For the families:
- Porters has introduced the interchangeable parents pass. Those purchasing a full-price adult day pass ($89) from the ticket office with their partner and their toddler (3 and under), will receive two adult day passes, so they can both enjoy a few runs.
- Methven/Mt Hutt are offering their Kids 4 Free deal again in 2015. When accompanied by a paying adult, children under 10 receive free lift access, free travel to and from Christchurch International Airport, free accommodation, free equipment hire, free meals and free activities at participating locations.
- At Selwyn, families can take advantage of the “Shoulders on a Shoestring” package, offering around 40% off peak season ski prices with kids skiing free for every paying adult, for selected dates in June and September/October.
Keen skiers and snowboarders won’t find a quicker run from home to the slopes over half them under two hours’ drive from Christchurch, and numerous direct daily flights from Australia.
For those well-earned recovery days, Canterbury offers a multitude of après ski experiences, from the natural thermal pools and spa treatments at Hanmer Springs, to the amazing International Dark Sky Reserve and Tekapo Springs in Mackenzie Country.
The city of Christchurch is also offers unique shopping experiences, a range of restaurants and bars.
