Mt Hutt
Ski Mt Hutt
Mt Hutt is one of New Zealand's largest ski areas with some of the best natural snow around, and only a scenic 90-minute drive from Christchurch city.
90 Minutes from Christchurch
Mt Hutt has one of the longest vertical drops in the South Island at 683m, a great variety of terrain and has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort from 2015 - 2022 at the World Ski Awards. It also has spectacular views! On a clear day from the summit you can see the Pacific Ocean to the east and into the heart of the Southern Alps on the west.
Just a 35-minute drive from Methven village, Mt Hutt is renowned for its big snow, with consistently one of the longest snow seasons in the South Island.
Key Facts
Elevation: 2,086m, 683m vertical drop
Skiable area: 365 hectares
Lifts: 1 eight-seater high speed chair (New Zealand’s first), 1 six-seater chair, 1 triple chair, 1 enclosed Magic Carpet, 1 Sunkid Carpet
Terrain: 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced excluding Rakaia Saddle Chutes
Average snowfall: 4m per annum excluding snowmaking
Snowmaking: 42 hectares
Access: 26km, 35 minutes from Methven
Shuttles: Daily services to / from Methven and Christchurch
Chain hire: available in limited supply on the access road when required for 2-wheel drive vehicles.
The Trails
Featuring modern chair lifts and comprehensive facilities, the ski area is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Free WiFi access is available on the mountain.
The trail network includes dedicated learning areas with a 140m-long Magic Carpet and wide, open runs for novices.
Mt Hutt's also a favourite with the most advanced skiers and snowboarders, who can experience steep challenges with off-piste areas and extensive powder bowls at South Face and the Rakaia Saddle Chutes.
Freestylers are well catered for with 3 progressive terrain parks. The beginner Sky High terrain park, a novice/intermediate park and the advanced level TRIC park.
The world's top racers and riders also choose to come to Mt Hutt, spending time at the international race arena.
Tickets and Passes
Lift tickets and season passes make access to Mt Hutt's ski lifts quick and easy for skiers and riders.
Mt Hutt's MyPass on-mountain ticketing system allows skiers and riders to track the amount of vertical metres clocked up over the season, as well as storing profile information. It also gives the ability to pre-purchase lessons, equipment, and food and drinks on the mountain.
Kids 5 and under ski for free at Mt Hutt.
The First Tracks pass enables ski field access from 8am on Saturdays and Sundays (weather and conditions dependent). Ride the Summit Six Chair lift to get the first runs on fresh powder or groomed corduroy.
