Mount Hutt crowns the region of Canterbury in New Zealand’s South Island and is one of the country’s largest ski areas. Visit Mount Hutt to experience its scenic ski fields for all abilities, from beginner runs to challenging off-piste areas. Ski or snowboard over pristine snow while taking in views of the Southern Alps and all the way to the Pacific Ocean on a clear day.
Driving north from Methven, the village closest to Mount Hutt, discover beautiful mountain views looking out over the Rakaia River. Hire ski gear on the mountain if you didn’t bring your own and hit the slopes. Mount Hutt features 3.65 square kilometres (1.4 square miles) of skiable areas and a vertical height of 683 metres (2,240.8 feet), one of the longest vertical drops in the South Island.
Explore the network of groomed runs for all ages and abilities. Ski or snowboard over the mountain’s diverse terrain or work on your technique at the dedicated learning areas. Advanced skiers can try the terrain park, exciting off-piste areas and “The Towers”, a challenging run that weaves through rock formations at the top of the ski field.
Enjoy Mount Hutt’s high-speed six-seat chairlift as well as its quad and triple chairlift facilities. Beginners will appreciate the Magic Carpet, an enclosed surface lift that gently transports skiers up the slope.
Relax with a scenic lunch at the Mount Hutt restaurant and café, which features beautiful views of the Canterbury Plains and the mountain.
Mount Hutt has a five-month ski season and is regularly the first ski field in the Southern Hemisphere to open at the beginning of each season. The mountain is a family-friendly destination and features the Methven Kids 4 Free deal, in which children aged 10 and under are given free accommodation and meals in Methven Village and free lift passes daily on Mount Hutt.
Ski rental, lift passes and lessons can be purchased on Mount Hutt but accommodation is not available on the mountain. Mount Hutt is located a 35-minute drive from Methven and a 90-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport.