Manual #10
SNOW TRAVEL Craigieburn Range Haute Route
YOUR FREE GUIDE
TO CHILLING OUT THIS WINTER
CHILL PASS 14 Mountains One Anytime Pass Backcountry Overnighting in NZ
ON WHITE
ON BLACK
3.
Haere Mai! Welcome! The Licence to Chill Manual is your definitive guide to the Southern Alps, covering 14 ski areas and great backcountry travel ideas. The winter season in New Zealand runs from late June through to September/October. The Southern Alps is a superb winter playground down under, offering something for everyone. From a first timer through to an avid alpine adventurer, the Chill Manual reveals what is quintessential winter in Aoteroa, New Zealand. For access to the ski areas, we have a full guide to the facilities and terrain on offer. This includes ski area maps, all contact details and a number of services such as mountain lodge accommodation, ski and snow board rental, instruction, and, of course, a good coffee. The Chill Pass is a multi-mountain snow pass that allows access to the ski areas inside this Manual. Our premium pass, the season pass allows you to ride all season long. Our anytime passes have a set number of days to ski and ride from 5, 7 and 10 days. You can also use you pass to go towards a number of Non-Ski day activities including mountain accommodation and a private lesson. There are a number of guided tours covered inside, including tours with Fresh Descents (page 20), The Neon Editor: Editorial Assistants:
Stu Waddel Ben Warner, Oliver Bersani, Martina Flueckiger Advertising Sales: stu@chillstudio.co.nz Art Direction & Design: Aaron Whitehead and Sam Worsp Concept Design: www.chillstudio.co.nz Contributors: Joe Harrison, Ben Savill, Shane Orchard, Geoff Browne, Mark Bridgwater, Margot Bohanon, Andrew Hobman, Anna Keeling, Whitney Thurlow, Kyle Miller, James Hamilton, Elliot Smith, Brett Evans, Matt Johnson, Richard Stalker, Amanda Power, John O’Malley, Kenzie Morris, Riley Bathurst, Christoph Doerfel and active club members.
PomPom heliski package (page 24), and an interview with Brett Evans from Black Diamond Safaris (page 60). New this year is the Craigieburn Range Haute Route traveling across the top from Craigieburn to Mt Olympus over 5 days (page 24). It’s an awesome trip for the adventurous soul. We have a great range of backcountry stories and snow safety courses. The stories include Fresh Tracks with Amanda Power and an epic trip with Kyle Miller inside Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. The Chill Manual has also spread its wings and picked up on stories skiing in USA, Canada, and Japan, plus a snippet of life working in Antarctica with James Hamilton. Please feel free to get in touch throughout the winter season with your stories, pictures, and feedback on hq@ chillout.co.nz. For more on Licence to Chill and all things snow during the season, check out www.chillout.co.nz and subscribe to our e.newsletter. We are looking forward to another winter season, ticking off 18 years as a small business working with the ski areas, pass holders, and local communities dotted around the Southern Alps. Travel safe in the mountains, leave only snow tracks, and share your stories. The Chill Manual is hand crafted with love and may contain traces of nuts. What they don’t contain is nasties. We print on Impress FSC Certified mixed pulp paper. All our pretty pictures are printed using mineral oil free inks made from 100% renewable recourses. Cheers Spectrum Print for caring about our environment too. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without permission from the publishers. Copyright Castle Hill Investment & Leisure Ltd (CHILL). The views express in the Chill Manual are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by the publication or its staff. The Chill and Ride Manuals are published bi-annually in summer and winter.
7/75 Peterborough Street, Christchurch 8013, P. 03 365 6530, E. hq@chillstudio.co.nz, www.chillout.co.nz
brand . strategy . design web . print
4.
we design you chill
create@chillstudio.co.nz www.chillstudio.co.nz
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Contents Welcome Interview: Stu Waddel
Cover Photo: Skier: Tom Brownlee, Mt Olympus. Photo: Mark Bridgwater.
4 8-9
Ashburton
62-63
Mackenzie Region
66-72
2015 Chill Pass Range
10-11
Mt Dobson
68-69
Chill Pass Ski Areas
12-16
Roundhill
70-71
Map & Travel Times
17
Fox Peak
72
Snow Transport
18
Awakino
Snow Travel: Fresh Descents
20
Treble Cone
74-75
Snow Travel: Neon PomPom
22
Snow Safety Courses
78-79
24
73
Survive an Avalanche
80
Southern Alps Opens to Adventure
26-27
Gear for Going Backcountry
81
Rope Tows Down Under
28-29
Overnighting in the Southern Alps
Rainbow
30-31
Fresh Tracks: Powder Bowl
Mt Lyford
32-33
The Craigieburn Range Haute Route
Hanmer Springs
35
82-83 84
Aoraki/Mt Cook to the West Coast
85-87
Speed Riding Down Under
88-89
Christchurch
38-39
Throw & Tell—Disc Golf
90-91
Selwyn
40-55
Spring Skiing in the USA
94-95
Cheeseman
42-43
Icefall Lodge, Canada
96-97
Broken River
44-45
Japan Easy
Craigieburn Valley
46-47
Temple Basin
98-99
Antarctic Dreams
100-101
48
2014 Winners: Rulers of the Snow
104-105
49
2015: Wizards of the Snow
106-107
Interview: Matt Johnson
52-53
New Gear
108-109
Mt Olympus
54-55
2015 Event Calendar
110-111
Methven
56-61
Tips: Riding a Rope Tow
112
Interview: Brett Evans
60-61
Directory
114
Porters
6.
7.
Interview: Stu Waddel What’s new with the Chill Pass this year? The Chill Pass is a multimountain ski pass split into two durations—the Season Pass and the Anytime Pass. Season passes give access throughout winter, while Anytime Passes have a set duration of five, seven and ten days. We have worked on a couple of improvements with the Chill Pass including more ski areas and Non-Ski Day offers. We have extended the Anytime Pass to include 13 ski areas (up from 11), giving more options. We have also included Non-Ski Day offers on the Anytime Pass. This is a great initiative as the pass-holder has an opportunity to use the pass for more than just skiing, e.g., going toward a night’s accommodation at a mountain lodge or a private lesson. A private lesson is a treat and ideal for mastering the art of stylishly getting downhill. The Season Pass now has an option to purchase two days at Treble Cone (Chill14). We’ve also released a new guided tour with Anna Keeling Guiding, the Craigieburn Range Haute Route (see page 24 for more details). We’ve removed the buddy days on the Anytime Pass as people were selling them in the carparks for $20. Kind of a shame as it was a great offer to hook up a buddy and take them riding. How long has the Chill Pass been going? For 18 seasons. We started Chill in 1997 with the first season in 1998. At the time there were four owners in the business, Royce and Sue Mckean, Matt Bond and myself. However, we eventually went our separate ways and I took over with my first season in 1999. We started in Castle Hill Village, moved the base to Darfield, then to Springfield around 2005 and now we’re in Christchurch city as Chill Studio. Christchurch is the perfect urban gateway to the mountains!
8.
How did it all come about? The idea in 1997 was to run a winter ski tour business, offering transport and guided services to the Craigieburn Range, based at Castle Hill. Our core product was a tour called 6 Ski Areas in 6 Days. On paper this sounded awesome. In reality it’s a huge amount of effort, particularly for the customer. Skiing every day was a big ask—travelling up and down the ski area access roads, getting used to the rope tows or hiking access tracks and drinking terrible coffee. Our first tour was also the last. The outcome wasn’t that bad; the Chill Pass concept was floated and born in 1998. We started with five ski areas and a season pass for $1,250 which required 25 days to pay off. Our brand slogan was ‘Chill, Freedom Awaits’. Over the years we have added ski areas, played with the concept and introduced the Anytime Pass, while keeping the core of the Chill Pass alive—ski and ride up to 14 ski areas all season long. Our brand slogan is ‘Licence to Chill, Multi-Mountain Pass’. What future plans do you have for the passes? We work season to season with the ski areas. The 2014 season was the perfect storm with either lack of snow, difficult conditions or people busy doing other things. Skiing is still the focus for the Chill Pass but the new Non-Ski Day offers work for both the pass-holder and the ski area. There are great facilities at the ski areas and our continued support for them will ensure we can enjoy them in the future. We have a sister brand, Licence to Ride, which is all about mountain biking and exploring the outdoors on two wheels. Biking and snow cross over perfectly for fitness, year round activity and downhill excitement. The brands will continue to grow together, online and in print, and we’ll see what else comes out of all the hard work we have been doing with the Chill Pass. It would be great to continue to build a hub and storyboard to help people adventuring into the outdoors connect with other like-minded humans.
“it feels good to be putting our roots down again.”
Hanmer Springs. Photo: Geoff Browne.
How much work goes on behind the scenes putting everything together?
With less on the calendar this year I’ll be making the most of skiing with my two preschoolers… very exciting.
Too much at times. I’m pretty keen on the concept, particularly bringing individual ski areas together so that as skiers and snowboarders we get access to great terrain in a unique alpine environment. We have some loyal pass-holders, of whom I am very appreciative. I also enjoy hearing the stories of people who have come on board for the first time and have opened up their eyes to the Southern Alps. Equally, the ski areas have really got behind Chill over the past few seasons. The more work we can do behind the scenes the more seamless the Chill Pass is for the pass-holder.
Tell us about your most memorable day at a Chill mountain.
You used to give away a free T-shirt if someone ticked off every mountain on the pass. Will that come back?
As a Dad, I took Florence up to Mt Olympus in 2013 for her first day’s skiing. Access was easy with the use of a backpack. Food was good with a delicious Sunday lunch. There were other kids to watch and play with, and the learners’ rope tow perfect for a three-year-old (30-minute session). One season in (2014), Florence has skied the learner tows at Roundhill, Mt Dobson, Porters, Cheeseman and Mt Lyford. I’m not a pushy Dad… I’m sure I’m being pushed! The excitement of Peppa Pig on skis is enough to shout the house down.
Yes, the free T-shirt ‘ski all mountains’ offer is back for our loyal and committed pass-holders. This has been in limbo as we’ve shifted from place to place since 22 February 2011. Now we’re grounded in our new Studio it feels good to be putting our roots down again. We’ll also include a comp to win a Season Pass and a Go Pro Hero 4. More to come! How often do you get to actually go skiing each year? Season to season I’ve managed 25–35 days. However, a lot of this has been around the Chill series of events. At one stage we had an event every weekend through winter.
On those cold winter mornings you want a good honest cup of joe, something to get your motor running for a big day on the slopes. So don’t get caught short, jump online and get your coffee bean order sorted, sent straight to your door with the added bonus of being delivered for free*! ON URBAN AREA DELIVERY ORDERS OVER $20, AN ADDITIONAL $3 FOR RURAL ORDERS OVER $20 9.
The 2015 Chill Pass Range T
he Licence to Chill or Chill Pass is the ultimate ski pass and your gateway for up to 14 of New Zealand’s best ski areas spanning the South Island’s Southern Alps. The flexibility to ski in the Southern Lakes, Waitaki, Mackenzie, Canterbury, Hurinui, Kaikoura and Nelson Lakes Districts is what makes the Chill Pass truly New Zealand’s ultimate multi-mountain ski and snowboard pass. The choice of ski areas and available terrain ensures that the pass is suitable for skiers and riders of all abilities and styles. From easily accessible learners slopes, to terrain parks and some of the most challenging lift-accessed backcountry terrain, you can challenge yourself as much, or as little as you like. With a range of mountain options and lengths of passes, we are committed to value, flexibility and choice. Anytime passes are great for those that only plan to ski a few days
per year and the 30-Day Consecutive pass is for travelers who are only in the country for up to a month. The ultimate Chill Season passes are perfect for those who want to ride all season long. Loyalty rates are offered to 2014 pass holders.
Getting Your Pass Passes can be purchased online at chillout.co.nz. You can then either pick up your pass from us or we can send it out to you.
Using Your Pass Just take your pass along to a Chill ski area and if you’ve got a Season Pass you’ll be given a day ticket. If you’ve got an Anytime Pass they’ll clip it and give you a day ticket. A current day pass allows access to the ski area.
Chill13: Full Access Season Pass & 30 Day Consecutive Pass Ski areas covered by these passes: Awakino • Broken River • Craigieburn Valley • Fox Peak • Hanmer Springs Cheeseman • Mt Dobson • Mt Lyford • Mt Olympus • Porters • Rainbow • Roundhill • Temple Basin. Adult
Student/Senior
Youth
Child
Chill13 Full Access Season Pass Pre-season (until 30 May)*
$1130
$865
$640
$510
In-season
$1475
$1100
$865
$705
Chill13 Full Access Midweek Season Pass Pre-season (until 30 May)*
$740
$695
$420
$345
In-season
$1145
$935
$670
$540
Chill13 30 Day Consecutive Pass All season
$750 These passes are also available as Chill14 Passes, which include 2 days at Treble Cone. *Early Bird prices available until 30 April.
Broken River • Craigieburn Valley • Fox Peak • Awakino Hanmer Springs • Mt Dobson • Mt Olympus • Rainbow • Porters Cheeseman • Mt Lyford • Roundhill • Temple Basin • Treble Cone
10.
Chill13: 5, 7 & 10 Day Anytime Pass Ski areas covered by these passes: Broken River • Craigieburn Valley • Fox Peak • Hanmer Springs Cheeseman • Mt Dobson • Mt Lyford • Mt Olympus • Porters • Roundhill • Temple Basin. Adult
Student/Senior
Youth
Child
Chill13 Anytime Passes 10 Day Anytime Pass
$600
$450
$345
$270
7 Day Anytime Pass
$425
$325
$240
$200
5 Day Anytime Pass
$315
$255
$215
$160
Chill14: 5, 7 & 10 Day Anytime Pass (includes 2 days at Treble Cone) Ski areas covered by these passes: Broken River • Craigieburn Valley • Fox Peak • Hanmer Springs Cheeseman • Mt Dobson • Mt Lyford • Mt Olympus • Porters • Roundhill • Temple Basin • Treble Cone (2 days). Adult
Student/Senior
Youth
Child
Chill14 Anytime Passes 10 Day Anytime Pass
$645
$480
$370
$295
7 Day Anytime Pass
$480
$365
$275
$235
5 Day Anytime Pass
$375
$300
$250
$200
New Non-Ski Day Offers Participating ski areas now have a number of offers which will allow you to use your Anytime Pass at the ski area for accommodation or lessons. To obtain a Non-Ski Day Offer present your pass at the ticket office, and have it clipped. When your pass is clipped you receive a credit against the retail price of the service/product provided. Go to chillout. co.nz for more details about Non-Ski Day Offers.
Family Rates Make use of Chill’s great family rates, available online, to get the whole family up into the mountains this winter!
If you buy 2 adult and 2 child passes you’ll only pay NZ $890 for Anytime 5 Day Passes or NZ $1180 for Anytime 7 Day Passes. Family rates are available on most passes.
More Information Comprehensive pass information including Terms & Conditions is available online at chillout.co.nz. Treble Cone days are inclusive in the 5, 7 and 10 days purchased, not additional. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Chill, email hq@chillout.co.nz or phone +64 3 365 6530.
The best, most flexible snow pass in NZ. E: +64 3 365 6530 • E: hq@chillout.co.nz • www.chillout.co.nz
11.
Ski Areas Key Beginner
10%
Broken River 30%
60%
Intermediate
2x rope tows
Advanced
1x rope tow
Pistes
1880m
Main Lifts
1450m
Learner Lifts
Glacier Basin is one giant terrain park
Top Elevation Bottom Elevation Terrain Park
Accommodation Rates
4WD (2WD to bottom carpark)
Night Skiing Access Day Pass Rates Website Menbership Location Draw Card
2x rope tows 1820m 1425m
2 x catered lodges, 1x un-catered lodge, kitchens, showers
Accommodation
A: $50, S: $40, Y:$40, C: $25 skiawakino.com To find out more on Waitaki Ski Club membership go to http://www.skiawakino.com/ membership.php Kurow—14km Mtn Ph : +64 21 890 584 (John Hamilton) Stay in the lodge and ride all weekend.
50%
3x rope tows
A: $30, S: $30, C: $20
Occasionally by arrangement
Lessons
45%
Canteen, licenced
Accom Ph: +64 21 0243 9273 (David Campbell)
Ski Hire
5%
Beginners area and some slopes groomed
30 bed lodge, kitchen, showers & toilets
On Mountain Food
Phone
12.
Awakino
Yes Conditions permitting 2WD with chains when required A: $75, S: $50, U18: $35 (U11 and 70+ FREE!) brokenriver.co.nz SH73, Castle Hill +64 3 318 7270 Holds plenty of snow with two main basins to ski.
Craigieburn 55%
45%
Fox Peak 10%
Hanmer Springs 60%
30%
1811m
Beginner and Intermediate groomed (Plus some higher trails)
1310m
3x rope tows
Café, licenced
1x platter, 1x beginners’ tow
60 bed catered lodge, showers, licenced bar
1990m
3x rope tows
A: $95, S: $80, U18: $50. Rates include dinner, bed and breakfast Accom and Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 8711 Yes (and guiding) Conditions permitting (BYO headlamp and skins) 2WD with chains when required A: $75, S: $50, Y: $35 (U13 & 70+ FREE!) craigieburn.co.nz Cheaper accommodation and day pass rates for members. Join at craigieburn.co.nz/ members/join/ SH73, Castle Hill From wide open powder bowls to steep and challenging terrain accessible straight from the lift.
1410m Snacks (Choc bars, drinks, etc.) 40 bed lodge, kitchen, showers $25 per person per night Accom Ph: +64 3 684 7358 Can be arranged with a local Conditions permitting (Can be arranged with a local on full-moon) 2WD with chains when required A: $60, S: $35, Y: $10, C: $10 (U7 FREE!) foxpeak.co.nz Go to foxpeak.co.nz/field.php to join the club. Fairlie, Sth Canterbury Mtn Ph: +64 3 685 8539. Snow Ph: +64 3 688 0044 Surprisingly large and rarely tracked.
10%
60%
30%
Beginner and Intermediate groomed 1x poma, 1x rope tow 1x fixed grip rope tow 1769m 1460m Build your own jumps! Canteen 60 bed lodge, kitchen, showers $30 per person or $70 family—note our Chill pass stay for free offer Accom and Mtn Ph: +64 27 434 1806 in season Yes Yes 2WD with chains when required A: $60, S: $50, Y:$30, C: $20 (U10 free) skihanmer.co.nz Go to skihanmer.co.nz/ about-us/membership/ for membership rates and many great benefits Jack’s Pass, Hanmer Springs Ski two days on a CHILL Pass and stay for FREE! Great family mountain.
13.
Ski Areas Cheeseman 15%
50%
Mt Dobson 35%
50%
25%
30%
40%
30%
Main runs groomed
Main runs groomed
Main runs groomed
2x T-bars
1x chairlift, 1x T-bar
1x rope tow, 1x T-bar, 2x platters
1x rope tow
1x platter, 1x rope tow
1860m
2110m
1540m
1695m
Cockayne Café, licenced
Café
68 bed catered lodge, 38 bed self-catered lodge, kitchens, showers
Yes
Snowline Lodge—A: $99, S: $79, Y: $69, C: $59 (including dinner, breakfast and lunch the following day). Forest Lodge—A: $30, S: $24, Y: $18, C: $15
2WD with chains when required
Accom and Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 8794
Yes
A: $78, S: $57, Y: $44, C: $28 (U5 FREE!) mtdobson.co.nz SH8, Fairlie
Yes
Mtn Ph: +64 3 685 8039
Yes
Terrain for all abilities.
2WD with chains when required A: $79, 65+: $39, S: $59, Y: $39, C: $20 (U10 and 75+ FREE!) mtcheeseman.co.nz To become a member go to mtcheeseman.co.nz/ membership SH73, Castle Hill Family friendly, excellent terrain for learning, uncrowded open slopes.
14.
25%
Mt Lyford
1x fixed grip 1750m 1420m Café Base of mountain— log chalet village Yes Yes 2WD with chains when required A: $75, S: $55, C: $35 (U7 and 70+ FREE!) mtlyford.co.nz 20km north of Waiau on SH70, inland road Mtn Ph: +64 3 315 6178 Sunny slopes and often the first mountain to open.
Mt Olympus 15%
50%
Porters 35%
30%
Rainbow 30%
40%
25%
55%
20%
3x rope tows
Main runs groomed
Main runs groomed
1x rope tows
1x chairlift, 3x T-Bars
1875m
1x platter, 1x Sun Kid carpet lift
1x T-bar, 1x intermediate platter, 2x fix grip rope tows
1425m Café, licenced (day visitors order hot lunch by 11am at ticket office) 52 bed catered lodge, 14 bed self-catered lodge, showers A: $110, S: $90, Y: $80, U10: $60; E: bookings@ mtolympus.co.nz Yes Conditions permitting (Booking essential)
1x fixed grip rope tow
1980m
1758m
1302m
1540m
Yes
Yes
Café, licenced
Café
42 bed catered lodge, showers and outdoor baths
Yes
See portersalpinelodge.co.nz
Yes
Accom Ph: +64 3 318 4011
2WD with chains when required
Yes
A: $75 S: $55 C: $35 (U7 FREE!)
4WD with chains when required
Yes
A: $70, S: $45, Y: $35, C: $20 (U10 FREE!)
2WD with chains when required
mtolympus.co.nz
A: $89, S: $64, Y: $45 (U7 and 75+ FREE!)
Find out more about the Rainbow Sports Club Inc. on skirainbow.co.nz/club/ rainbowsportsclub.aspx
Join the Club at mtolympus. co.nz/become-a-member.html
skiporters.co.nz
SH63, Nelson Lakes
Harper Road, Lake Coleridge
SH73, Castle Hill
Mtn Ph: +64 3 521 1861
Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 4002, Snow Report Ph: +64 3 379 9931
Sunny faces, spectacular views and uncrowded slopes.
Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 5840 Espresso coffee with ski in-ski out mountain lodge accommodation.
skirainbow.co.nz
Extensive snowmaking and grooming, family friendly and fantastic café with free wi-fi.
15.
Ski Areas Round Hill 20%
45%
Temple Basin 35%
25%
50%
Treble Cone 25%
45%
Main runs groomed
3x rope tows
2x T-bars, 1x rope tow
1923m
1x 6 seater chair, 1x 4 seater chair
1x poma, 2x rope tows
1493m
2133m 1350m Beginner to Intermediate Two-Thumb Café and the von Brown licenced cafés Yes Yes 2WD with chains when required A: $78, 65+: $39, S: $57, Y: $46, C: $36 (U6 FREE!) roundhill.co.nz Lilybank Road, Lake Tekapo Mtn Ph: +64 21 680 694 Largest vertical drop on the CHILL Pass and terrain for the whole family.
Canteen, plus hot lunches on order for day trippers 120 beds, catered and self-catered lodge, kitchen, showers, licenced bar A: $95, S: $85, Y: $80, C: $70; dinner, bed, 2x lunch and breakfast. $43 bed only. Accom and Mtn: +64 3 377 7788 Yes Yes Conditions permitting 40-60 minute hike A: $70, S: $55, Y: $39, C: $25 (U10 FREE!)
45%
1x platter, 1x magic carpet 1960m 1260m Yes 2 Cafés and a licenced bar Yes Yes 2WD with chains when required A: $106 ($90 when purchasing a 5 Day ‘Flexi’ Pass ), 65+: $62, S: $78, C: $52 ($48 online) (U5 and 70+ FREE!) www.treblecone.com
templebasin.co.nz
Snow Ph: +64 3 443 7443
For big discounts and great weekends plus events join the club at templebasin.co.nz/ join_us.htm
Wanaka
SH73, Arthurs Pass Remote alpine setting with great riding.
16.
10%
Main runs groomed
South Island’s largest ski area, and the longest vertical in the Wanaka and Queenstown region.
Map & Travel Times 60
6
Rainbow
1
Nelson
Pg 30
63 6
Reefton 6
Greymouth
Mt Olympus Roundhill
Pg 44
Pg 70
8
Lake
8
Ohau 8
Tekapo Twizel
77 1
79
Akaroa
Pg 72 Pg 68
Aoraki Mt Cook Heli
82
Cromwell
Fox Peak Mt Dobson
83
Oamaru
Queenstown Alexandra
Awakino
1 1
1
Methven Heliskiing Pg 59
Geraldine
1
Wanaka
Pg 49
Ashburton
Timaru
Omarama
Pg 48
Pg 42
Christchurch
80
Fairlie
Pg 35
75
Mt Somers
Haast
Hanmer
Pg 32
Temple Basin
Porters
Sheffield Darfield Methven 1 77
Arrowsmiths
Mt Cook Village
6
Mt Lyford
Cheeseman
1
Springfield
73
Mt Hutt
6
Cheviot
Castle Hill 6
94
7
Arthur’s Pass
Pg 54
Ohau
Kaikoura
70
Pg 46 Hokitika
Craigieburn Broken River
Hanmer Springs
7
Pg 73
Treble Cone
Pg 74
Dunedin
Ski Areas. km Christchurch to:
hrs
Awakino
280
3.5 hrs
Broken River
110
1.5 hrs
Craigieburn
110
1.5 hrs
Fox Peak
195
2.5 hrs
Christchurch to:
km
hrs
Arthur's Pass
150
2 hrs
Hanmer Springs
155
2 hr
Castle Hill Village
100
1.25 hrs
Cheeseman
105
1.5 hrs
Fairlie
180
2.25 hrs
Mt Dobson
206
2.5 hrs
Hanmer Springs
135
1.5 hrs
Mt Lyford
146
2 hr
Kaikoura
187
2.5 hrs
Mt Olympus
135
2 hrs
Methven
120
1.5 hrs
Porters
100
1.25 hrs
Springfield
70
0.75 hrs
Rainbow
370
4.75 hrs
St Arnaud
350
4 hrs
Roundhill
261
3 hrs
Tekapo
226
2.5 hrs
Temple Basin
155
2 hrs
Wanaka
425
5.5 hrs
Treble Cone
445
6 hrs
17.
Snow Transport ew Zealand alpine highways are sealed and well maintained during the winter. However, the ski area access roads are all unsealed and vary greatly from one ski area to another. Large campervans are not suitable for the majority of the small club field access roads. Check access suitability before you leave.
Chain Supply
Snow chains must be carried at all times, including in 4WD vehicles. Chains can be hired from Gnomes Alpine Sports in Darfield, McEwings in Christchurch, Alpine Sports in Methven and The Ski Shack in Fairlie.
Unit 1, 1 Cass Street, Christchurch P: +64 3 366 1528 E: sales@chainman.co.nz www.chainman.co.nz
N
Chain Man Specialist suppliers of snow and traction chains to suit all vehicles. Comprehensive range, comprehensive service. Specialised free fitting service to ensure your safety to and from the mountains.
Bus Services
Ex Christchurch
Hanmer Connection: 0800 242 663 West Coast Shuttle: +64 3 768 0028
Christchurch−Wanaka Intercity: +64 3 365 1113 Naked Bus : 0900 62 533
Mountain Transport
Train
Hanmer Adventure Centre
Transpacific (Picton−Christchurch): 0800 872 467
This is your one stop adventure shop. Ski hire available, with daily departures to Hanmer Springs Ski Area from 8.30am. Booking recommended. 20 Conical Hill Road NZ Free P: 0800 368 7386 After Hours P: +64 21 225 2292
Car Rentals Touchdown Car Rentals Touchdown Car Rentals Christchurch offer the very latest model 4wd’s. Book on their website with the promo code “CHILL” and receive complimentary chains and ski rack for your ski holiday. NZ Free P: 0800 736 849 AUS Free P: 1800 628 357 www.touchdowncarrental.co.nz New Zealand 4WD Hire Whether your 4WD rental is for going skiing, snowboarding, fishing or some sporting adventure, New Zealand 4WD Hire has the vehicle to get the job done. Book online now. NZ Free Ph: 0800 929 333 E: info@newzealand4wdhire.co.nz www.newzealand4wdhire.co.nz
Camper Rentals
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from a 5, 7 or 10 Day Anytime Pass, or a long term hire and 30 Day Consecutive Pass. For more info check out the travel page at www.chillout. co.nz or www.mightycampers.co.nz
Transalpine (Christchurch−Greymouth): +64 4 495 0775
Township to Local Mtn Mt Lyford–Kaikoura: +64 27 629 8083 Hanmer Adventure Mtn Transport : 0800 368 7386 Smylies Transport−Springfield: +64 3 318 4740 Black Diamond Safaris−Methven: +64 27 450 8283
Wanaka to Treble Cone
Alpine Connexions: +64 3 443 9120 Flying Bus: 0800 359 754
SMYLIES MOUNTAIN
TRANSPORT Porters Broken River Mt Cheeseman Craigieburn
Mighty Campervans
1 to 100 passengers
are super affordable and make freedom travel easy. Combine a Chill Pass with a Mighty Camper—choose
www.smylies.co.nz
Wearing out tyres for 20 years! P: +64 3 318 4740
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Snow Tour: Fresh Descents Photo: spinifexnz.com.
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ew Zealand’s mountain weather is either good or really bad. It’s either bluebird or blizzards with everything closed. There’s not a lot of middle ground in our winters. Fresh Descents is a small snow tour company which offers shorter itineraries to fit the weather cycles (commonly 4-6 days between poor weather) with an emphasis on developing backcountry skills. They have a Snow Chaser Tour and Snowkite or Splitboard clinics which can be combined into a tour. Here’s a sample of a combined tour: Day 1: Picked up, geared up and heading for the mountains. The snow pack is firm with a light 20km south west wind and bluebird. First is a Snowkite clinic at Mt Dobson with a warming hike up West Peak. As its cold, it’s a great time to learn to use crampons and an ice axe. Later in the day you ride the T-bar to hike along the ridge, drop down for some transceiver drills, and more kite handling.
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Photo: Mt Dobson
Overnight is in Fairlie with an awesome meal, a good yarn, and into sleeping bags, ready for another day of kiting.
practicing your switch moguls or just cruising. Back down to Forest Lodge for more yummy fare and the possibility of a closed day...
Day 2: Roundhill. The snow pack is still firm, winds are 35-40km westerly with clouds increasing. Today’s about solidifying kite handling skills, moving on snow, wind windows, safety release systems, chicken loops, donkey dicks, untangling bird nests, and trying not to cut the kite lines. Kiting is done well away from the ski area.
Day 4: Closed. Time to recharge batteries and bodies, wax the board and sharpen those edges, or work on the art of riding a rope tow. Fresh Descents always allows for a closed day due to bad weather.
If the Heritage Tow is open you can ski and ride the 783m vertical. Back to Fairlie, yet another amazing meal, and the excitement of a coming storm... Day 3: There’s a southerly storm approaching, early start and it’s off to the Craigieburn Range to squeeze in a day at Mt Cheeseman. Finding ribbons of windblown snow and
Day 5: Pow day, finally! A South Easterly front has dropped 20cm of NZ’s finest on Broken River. Chains on the 4wd, up the Stairway to Heaven then punish the powder ‘til it hurts your hips too much to ride the tow anymore. Load up the truck and head for home, high fives, Facebook exchanges, gear sorting, and lots of tired happy people. Sound like you? Get in touch and book a tour with Fresh Descents. freshdescents.nz
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Snow Tour: The Neon PomPom
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elcome to The Neon PomPom for the 2015 ski season! In addition to their usual hosted excursions to the Canterbury club fields, they have a couple of exciting new ventures to announce for the coming season. The first of these is High Peak Heliski. This combines the all-inclusive Neon PomPom transfer, lodging and transport service with the world-class heliskiing offered by Methven Heliski. For one simple package price they will pick you up from Christchurch, transfer you to our chalet, feed you top-quality gourmet meals and transport you to Methven Heliski’s staging area on a daily basis for New Zealand’s finest heliskiing. They will arrange fat skis if you need them. If the helicopter can’t fly, there is the backup option of the club fields with the best lift-accessed off-piste skiing in New Zealand.
What makes Methven Heliski so good? They have been operating every season since 1986 and their experience in the industry is unmatched. They have exclusive access to the Arrowsmith and Ragged mountains, some of highest skiable glaciated terrain in the Southern Alps. These mountains are located near the Main Divide and get their snow from the South Island’s prevailing westerly storms. With landings over 2500 metres, the runs are longer than those in the Southern Lakes region with some of them offering well over a vertical kilometre of skiing. 22.
Methven Heliski.
With over 60% of their customers returning every year, their reputation speaks volumes. The Neon PomPom is stoked to be able to pair their lodging and transport services with Methven Heliski to create the only all-inclusive, airport-to-airport heliski experience in New Zealand. hpheliski.co.nz
Their second venture is The Neon PomPom Freeski Academy. This is something they have been working on for a while, utilising the skills co-founder Tom Dunbar developed during his professional skiing career. For 2015, Tom will be offering private coaching for up to four skiers at a time over a minimum of four days, but longer courses are encouraged. Lodging will be at The Neon PomPom with the option of staying up in some of the club field huts, while skiing will take place at the club fields with the option of heliski days for those with the means. Skiers can expect to learn such skills as off-piste travel, line selection, snowpack assessment and airing cliffs. The aim is to develop skiers’ skills to make their freeskiing safer, better and more enjoyable. neonpompom.co.nz
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Snow Tour: Craigieburn Haute Route
Photo: Mark Bridgwater.
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hamonix is famous for its Haute Route, a great ski tour with fine links between lodges and ski lifts. In 2015, Licence to Chill and Anna Keeling Guiding have teamed up to offer the Craigieburn Haute Route, World Famous Down Under. The Craigieburn Range has 4 separate mountain lodges with ski area access. The Haute Route will link these ski areas by traveling across the top of the range. Assisted by a professional mountain guide, the tour starts at Craigieburn ski area and travels over the mountain peaks to Mt Olympus. You’ll see the entire range and endless basins linking the ski areas with plenty of skiing on all aspects. “We’re stoked to be offering the Craigieburn Haute Route, not only will the terrain offer some superb skiing, each of the club fields and mountain lodges are different. This a great way
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to get a taste of the atmosphere of club skiing and mountain environment” says Chill’s owner Stu Waddel. Day 1: Spend a day skiing Craigieburn Valley ski area, getting used to conditions, familiarizing yourself with your equipment and learning to ride the rope tows. Stay at the Craigieburn ski lodge. Day 2: Ride lifts to the top of Craigieburn and tour to Broken River ski area, adding some bowls along the way. Allan’s Basin links the two ski areas to provide a large backcountry ski playground. Day 3: Leave Broken River and access the ridge to tour along the range to Cheeseman ski area. Depending on conditions, it is possible to ski spectacular west-face corn or northeast powder from Mt Wall. Stay at Snowline Lodge, Cheeseman.
Day 4: Ride the Cheeseman lifts back to the ridge and ski classic Tarn Basin and the even grander Ryton Basin en route to Mt Olympus ski area. Stay at Top Hut, Mt Olympus, and enjoy New Zealand’s highest hot tub! Day 5: Use lifts to tour around the classic basins of Mt Olympus. This tour can also be reversed and may be preferable in this direction, depending on snow conditions. Prices are $1985/person (group of 4) or $2285/person (group of 3) Get a group together and book! Customized tour also available. Cost is inclusive of transfers, lift access, guide, accommodation and food. One Tour is offered in 2015 (maximum group size is 5). Date: Wednesday 19 August–Sunday 23 August 2015 chillout.co.nz
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Southern Alps Opens to Adventure
Snowboard: Sam Moore. Photo: Mike Wigley.
By Kyle Miller
I
grew up in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State and have always had an interest in exploring New Zealand through the use of my splitboard. The layout of the Southern Alps isn’t all too different from my home mountains and I liked the sound of long rugged approaches, dramatic scenery, ridiculous weather, and mountains with not another person anywhere around. It sounded perfect to me, so in 2013 I bought a ticket and was on my way to Aotearoa. Like many first-time travellers I found myself initially ski touring in Otago. This allowed me to get used to the weather, work up familiarity with the topography and meet other like-minded splitboarders. It wasn’t long at all before I was accepted into the scene, sharing the skin track with Kiwis and enjoying the keas’ appetites for destruction. My
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trip spanned August to December of 2013, during which time I got to enjoy staying at friends’ places and exploring the DOC and NZAC hut systems. The hut system was something completely new to me, and it changed how I approached planning missions by having access to over 900 shelters, most of which were empty during the early spring months. I already knew that I would have to come back and spend more time in the Canterbury and Arthur’s Pass areas and check out the club field culture. I arrived back in Christchurch in late July 2014 and after stopping by the Licence to Chill HQ in downtown Christchurch to say hello and pick up my pass, I started checking out the club fields and figuring out the weather. Over the next three months I rode pow laps at Cheeseman on sleeper days, experienced a late season storm that turned the terrain at Craigieburn from no to go, became a local at Dobson, practiced my rope tow etiquette at Mt
Olympus and discovered why they call Temple Basin ‘resort accessed backcountry’.
“I found people to always be in high spirits and willing to hike to certain aspects to find good snow” Although the 2014 season was rough by anyone’s standards, I found people to always be in high spirits and willing to hike to certain aspects to find good snow. I was also fortunate to hear many stories that really show the hard work and dedication that make this country so special. One day I found myself chatting with the owner of Dobson and hearing his legendary story of building the road up to his ski field. Another day I was hearing the story about people hiking the first rope tow up to Temple Basin in the late 1930s. Then I would hear stories about how people were skiing the Tasman Glacier in the 1880s. The Kiwi sense of pride is well deserved. The club field mindset is something that is unique to New Zealand and it is inspiring to see such strong communities and hardworking individuals. Not only do they have the work hard ethic but they are doing it all for the love of the outdoors. From the early morning parking lot conversations to tow-line shenanigans, everything was laid back and had a really chilled vibe. I quickly felt at home riding powder laps and drinking Milo up at the Temple Basin Lodge or soaking in the hot tub at Mt Olympus. I tasted the finest of flat whites, got addicted to meat pies, and had enough fish ‘n chips to keep me alive for a year. When conditions were less than desirable at the club fields I would take my splitboard out and explore the surrounding terrain, doing traverses between Roundhill and Dobson, the Craigieburn Range (with an overnight stopover at Mt Olympus), and covering some ground
Photos: Mike
Wigley.
around Temple Basin. With the use of the Licence to Chill pass I was finding great snow within a few minutes of skinning. This lasted all the way until early October when a surprise nor’wester hit and dropped almost a metre of snow at Temple, where I shared the slopes with ten others who had paid close attention to the forecast and hadn’t given up on the season. When spring hit I was ready to try my luck at allowing the weather to dictate my trips, and it paid off big time. I went from one mission to the next with quick stops at the local Four Square to pick up food and Whittaker’s chocolate. By the end of my second six-month trip I had done multiday trips in Aspiring and Nelson Lakes National Parks, with the highlight being an 18-day traverse from Aoraki/ Mt Cook National Park to Westland National Park. As I invested more and more time in the South Island, I started seeing just how special it is. It has the perfect balance between humans and nature, and you quickly learn how Kiwi ingenuity—combined with isolation from the rest of the world—has preserved this place as a diamond in the rough. Though I have spent almost a year of my life exploring the valleys of the Main Divide I have only scratched the surface of what is out there. I’ll be back for more this upcoming season, and I have my eyes set on Fox Peak and Awakino. They seem to be the perfect blend of resort accessed goods and endless terrain to be explored by splitboard.
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Rope Tows Down Under
Mt Olympus. Photo: Geoff Browne.
By Ben Warner
I
moved to Christchurch from the UK in November 2010. I flew direct from Singapore and as the plane crossed the Southern Alps I was lucky enough to have a window seat and was blown away by the seemingly endless mountains. I’ve got about a hundred blurry iPhone photos to prove it! Sadly I knew that I was going to have to wait quite a while before I got to play in the white stuff. Before coming out I’d read an article in a UK snowboard mag about the club fields and they seemed too good to be true. Friendly people, no queues and more ski areas than you could shake a ski pole at. While waiting for the snow to start falling I excitedly watched every YouTube video I could find with some club field action in it. I ordered my Chill Pass on the day they came out and read the Chill Manual from cover to cover, planning where I’d go first. I also bought a harness and nut cracker which I immediately put on and paraded around our house in, don’t judge me! I’d found out about Snowpool and as I was new to Christchurch I didn’t have a lot of people to go riding with so not only could I meet like-minded people but I could let someone else deal with the access roads! The season started slowly with cover a bit thin so I eased myself in with a couple of trips to Porters. I wanted to be sharp for my first time on a rope tow. The Chill Manual
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gave handy hints about which areas to go to if you hadn’t ridden a rope tow before and wanted a mellow introduction (Hanmer Springs and Roundhill). I stupidly ignored that advice and hooked up with some people on Snowpool who were heading up to Mt Olympus.
Back to school Now I’m not the best snowboarder in the world but I’ve done a season in Canada and I’m qualified as a snowboard instructor (proudest day of my life, apologies to my wife) so I thought I’d be straight up the rope tow first go. Reality kicked in and luckily for me we went on a weekday so no one else saw me being humiliated by the rope tow.
“Once you get the hang of it rope tows are a really quick way of getting up a mountain.” Later on over lunch someone told me that even the pros from the World Heli Challenge who had been there a week before had found them really hard. I didn’t really believe the guy, but it made me feel a bit better! Initially I thought that was it. I’d have to sell my harness, stick to rope-tow free club fields and forever hang my head in shame. But after I’d pretty much ruined a glove (buy a glove protector!), shredded my jacket sleeve and used up all my favourite swear words something clicked
and I was being whisked up the mountain. I’d by no means mastered the tow but I was now able to actually explore the club fields. Once you get the hang of it rope tows are a really quick way of getting up a mountain. My advice to snowboarders who haven’t ridden a rope tow before? Bend your knees a bit more than you normally would to help you absorb the yank as the rope starts pulling you forward. Also, when you grip the rope, slowly apply pressure as this will hopefully get you moving gradually and give you a chance to attach your nut cracker once you’re up to speed.
A whole new world Now that I was confident on the rope tows I could pick and choose where I went based on which mountain had the best snow.
Season highlights Hiking up Little Alaska at Mt Olympus and being rewarded with pow turns all the way down. Great sunny days on the deck at Broken River. Putting some sausages on the grill then fitting in a couple of runs while they cooked. Enjoying the spring slush at Porters with friends over from the UK.
This season? With a baby on the way I’m not going to be able to rack up the hours I used to but I’ve got a brand new shiny splitboard that I’ve just got to break in. Hopefully I’ll see you up there as I’m always looking for touring partners. Here’s to a great season!
At the time I was working online from home and my hours were pretty flexible so I religiously checked the snow forecasts, webcams and Snowpool to see who was heading where. I met some great people who showed me their favourite spots and made me really feel part of the scene. By the end of the season I was giving lifts on Snowpool as often as I was taking them. I even rescued someone in my little old Mitsubishi RVR after they killed their car on the Mt Olympus access road (tip: avoid the massive rocks, your transmission will thank you). The club fields are absolutely full of really fun and challenging terrain. If you ride these mountains regularly you will progress so fast. Everyone wants to ride pow all day in Japan but any idiot can ride pow. Hone your skills over the course of a season in the club fields and when you get a powder day you have definitely earned those sweet turns.
Broken River. Photo: Geoff Browne.
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Rainbow
Check List For everyone: Go there, it’s one of the new mountains on the Chill Pass. For a great picture: Take the access tow to West Bowl and ski to the ridge for views of Nelson Lakes National Park and Lake Rotoiti below. For all abilities: Jump in the park, there are mini features for groms and the ‘too old’ alike.
CHILL Tip
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t the top of the South Island, the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions are blessed with the Nelson Lakes National Park and Rainbow Ski Area. It’s a seriously fun and friendly ski area, with facilities to match a medium-sized commercial operation. There’s extensive snowmaking, a terrain park (with its own tow), 5 tows including a T-bar and platter, with plenty of grooming. The terrain caters for beginners, intermediate and advanced. If rock drops and off-piste are your thing, this expansive field has plenty to keep you challenged. Located in the St Arnaud Range, the ski area is approximately 1½ hours drive from Nelson or Blenheim and only 40 minutes from St Arnaud township, nestled on the edge of the spectacular Lake Rotoiti and the Nelson Lakes National Park. Carry chains and put them on if directed. There’s also a regular shuttle service from the bottom of the access road. A series of well-groomed pistes ensure there are plenty of trails down and great skiing even when there has been a
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Keep an eye on those weather maps, as Rainbow is the most northern ski area on the Chill Pass and it often catches heavy westerly snow that can miss the mountains further south. dry spell. Once you leave the on-piste, the terrain ranges from jibby features to wide open powder bowls. Accessing significant backcountry terrain from Rainbow is possible in both directions along the St Arnaud Range, be sure to check in with their snow patrol to share your intentions. For those that wish to lap the Rainbow Community Park (a growing facility supported by local businesses) there are varying lines of features with 3 jump terraces providing progressions for all to ensure you can stomp that new trick daily. The base area is home to the rental shop, car park and awesome Rainbow café. The delicious fare on offer is all made in-house with fresh ingredients, plenty of organic goodies and awesome coffee.
Accommodation Nelson Lakes Motels and Sabine Lodge are open for the whole season—wellappointed motel units, cabins and backpackers. Alpine Lodge—for fully serviced, quality accommodation open from mid-July. An architecturally styled lodge in a natural setting, situated at the very edge of Nelson Lakes National Park.
Dining Cooking for yourself or eating out? St Arnaud has the local Alpine store with all of the supplies you need with a new swanky café inside serving delicious coffee and cakes. If you’re wanting to find a log fire and great hearty food The Alpine Lodge is where to go and also has a good range of craft beers and wines from the local region.
Event Profile: Annual Slush Challenge Rainbow finish the season with a bang, creating an icecold lake for the Slush Challenge event. Participants blast across on an assortment of sliding devices dressed in a diverse range of attire from wetsuits to Hawaiian shirts.
Programme Profile: Ski School Rainbow Ski Area will be providing their 11th year of the Development Programme for kids aged 8 years and older who are keen to improve. Their aim is to provide a fun, supportive, and challenging atmosphere to develop competent, confident, and enthusiastic skiers and riders who can enjoy all that the mountain can offer. Rainbow is running 3 programmes this season with race and free-ride focuses for both skiing and snowboarding.
Look out for great off-peak deals, long private lessons at great rates, free-ride camps and 2015 special packages.
Terrain and Weather Tip Any westerly provides the best snow for Rainbow, while the sunny east-facing slopes always make for enjoyable skiing no matter what the snow conditions are. Look for the opening of the West Bowl access tow, it’s awesome for off-piste skiing. After a fresh dump of snow head to East Face for steep powder action.
2015 News •
• •
They have extended their snow-making pipes towards the top and have increased their pumping capacity for maximum snow coverage from the get go! They have a brand new TechnoAlpin snow gun to provide more of the white goodness. The groomer shed will have been re-built and is sure to look swanky.
Key Contacts Website: www.skirainbow.co.nz facebook/skirainbow Mtn Ph: +64 3 521 1861
St Arnaud - Nelson Winter Accommodation Lakes National Park Nelson Lakes Motels Studio, 1 & 2 bedroom units and family cottages
Travers-Sabine Lodge Share twin/double & family rooms, log fire, drying room Ph: +64 3 5211 887 - E: info@nelsonlakes.co.nz - www.nelsonlakes.co.nz 31.
Mt Lyford
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ocated on State Highway 70, smack bang between Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura, Mt Lyford is a fun and friendly family operated ski area for all abilities. The upper slopes bask in sunshine and in recent years it’s consistently been the first to open. It’s an uncrowded mountain and a favourite of locals and Christchurch residents alike. A fleet of groomers keep the piste in great condition and wide open faces let you open up your riding on powder days. A variety of lifts service the area, including a long fixed-grip rope tow for first timers. Two platters service either side of Paradise Valley and a T-bar opens up plenty of sunny groomed slopes. For those wanting a powder fix the Terako rope tow offers 450m of vertical drop. From the top of Mt Terako there’s a choice of an intermediary sunny slope which is a great pick in spring or the slightly more challenging shady side leading back to Paradise Valley. If you make the mistake of leaving home without your skis never fear, the rental centre can kit you out. The Terako Day Lodge and Chamois Café provide a great spot for lunch and oozes character with the exposed timber beams a focal point. The access road ascends through native Black Beech and Totora Forest, providing amazing views over the Amuri Plains. A 2WD with chains and a competent driver is all
Check List For beginners: Carve up the groomed slopes down Cloudy T-bar. For overnighters: Stay in the village and make the most of 2 days riding. For rope tow virgins: Master the art on their mellow tows.
CHILL Tip Wax your skis and snowboards preseason ready for an early opening. Be prepared for mountain driving with a quality set of chains. It is worth spending the extra bucks to not having the hassle of chains that fall to bits.
that’s required, but if you’re unsure you can jump on board the low cost shuttles leaving Mt Lyford Lodge and Reserve (by the access gate), booking is essential.
Accommodation Mt Lyford’s accommodation options include the two nearby townships, Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura; alpine log chalet holiday homes available for hire in the Mt Lyford Village, located at the bottom of the access road; and the Mt Lyford Lodge. One of New Zealand’s largest log buildings, it’s a cosy and character filled accommodation option with a great restaurant and bar. Mt Lyford Lodge is also your stop for a flat white on the way up the hill. Visit mtlyford.co.nz for accommodation options.
Event Profile: Mt Lyford Masters The one highlight event of the season is the ‘not too serious’ masters spring racing. If you fancy yourself going downhill quickly, sign up on the day, there’s no charge and there are plenty of divisions to compete in, the only prerequisite is age, open to all aged 30 years or more. 32.
Programme Profile: Never Evers
Terrain and Weather Tip
If you’re looking to learn how to ski Mt Lyford is a great option as it’s perfect for car loads with a diverse mix of abilities. Let the experts off their leash and the beginners can head for the learner’s slopes. A ‘Never Evers’ learner’s package includes full lift pass, equipment rental and lesson.
Mt Lyford is one of New Zealand’s sunniest ski areas and even though it’s the second northern most mountain on the Chill pass, it receives plenty of snow. Watch out for early winter south/south-easterly storms that head up the east coast and unload on Mt Lyford, while missing many of the other mountains.
Key Contacts Website: mtlyford.co.nz Mtn Ph: +64 3 315 6178 Mt Lyford Lodge (Saints) This place has it all! Accommodation options to suit your budget, hot spas, cold beers and great food. Like their Facebook page for their latest deals—facebook/ saintsmtlyford. 10 Mt Lyford Forest Drive, Mt Lyford P: +64 3 315 6446 E: stay@mtlyfordlodge.co.nz mtlyfordlodge.co.nz Mt Lyford Holiday Homes Self-contained holiday homes in Mt Lyford village. Unique log chalets and eco-lodges. Prices from $130/2 people. Book online 24/7. Easy access to skifield shuttle stop from the centre of village. P: +64 3 315 6523 E: info@lyfordholidayhomes.co.nz LyfordHolidayHomes.co.nz
Best Coffee & Where to Eat Mt Lyford Lodge.
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Hanmer Springs H
anmer Springs Ski Area, formerly known as Amuri, is a small club ski area with a tonne of personality and terrain suitable for all abilities. A long poma lift and a rope tow accesses wide-open runs, both groomed and ungroomed. Beginners are well catered to and a fixed grip rope tow provides the perfect stepping stone to the longer lifts. If you’re travelling or new to the sport they have on mountain gear rental and lessons for all abilities. A cosy on mountain lodge provides the perfect spot for lunch if it’s too cold to sit on the sunny deck overlooking the slopes. The ski area is only a 17km drive on a well maintained gravel road from Hanmer Springs. Remember your togs for a relaxing soak at the hot pools on the way home.
Accommodation Self-catered backpacker accommodation is available on the mountain. Bring your own sleeping bags and dinner, there’s a full kitchen at your disposal so there’s no need to rough it. Ski in/ski out, it’s the best way to score first tracks and we haven’t even mentioned the best bit—ski two consecutive days on a Chill Pass and stay for free!
Check List For everyone: Enjoy a barbeque on the deck. For rope tow newbies: Make it to the top, Hanmer’s a great place to learn to ride rope tows. For the weekend: Ski all day then soak in the world famous village thermal pools in the evening.
CHILL Tip Take them up on their ‘ski two days on a Chill Pass stay for free’ offer, it’s awesome.
Programme Profile: Beginners Package Hanmer’s fixed grip rope tow is perfect for beginners. If you’re a competent skier or snowboarder why not drag friends along who have expressed an interest in hitting the slopes for the first time. Hanmer’s beginner package includes boots, a sliding device, a 45 minute group lesson and all day use of the learner’s area.
Terrain and Weather Tip Situated on a north/north-east facing basin means the mountain receives plenty of sunshine. There are also south-east aspects so it can receive snow from many directions. Traditionally the best snowfall is received from southeast fronts. If you are equipped and proficient in side country exploration there are longer runs either side of the mountain that lead back to the road and either a short walk up or a hitching spot low down.
2015 News They’ve been busy carrying out maintenance on the access road and on the buildings. There’s also new signage on the access road.
Key Contacts Website: skihanmer.co.nz Accom and Mtn Phone: +64 27 434 1806 35.
John O’Malley
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Sue O’Malley, Porters Slackcountry
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Christchurch
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hristchurch is the South Island’s largest city and the gateway to the Southern Alps. Both domestic and international travellers who visit Christchurch become charmed by the resilience and culture of the city. The whole city is in transition and has plenty of great snow sports stores, quality accommodation and eatery options on offer and there is an amazing collection of creative quirks throughout the Central Business District.
CHILL HQ Open 7 days during winter with regular updates from the ski areas. Purchase and pick up your CHILL pass, hire or buy rope tow harnesses, backcountry safety equipment such as transceivers and
brand . strategy . design web . print
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classic vintage bikes to explore the city. New address! Studio 7/75 Peterborough Street P: +64 3 365 6530 E: hq@chillout.co.nz www.chillout.co.nz
Where to Stay Commodore Hotel The Commodore is an ideal place to start and finish your Mainland snow experience. Located moments from Christchurch Airport, with free 24 hour shuttle service. Book online with promo code “CHILL” to receive a complimentary breakfast. P: +64 3 358 8129 E: info@commodorehotel.nz www.commodorehotel.nz
• Hourly • Full Day
• Long Term • Weddings
www.vintagepeddler.co.nz
03 365 6530. 7/75 Peterborough St, CHC.
we design you chill
create@chillstudio.co.nz www.chillstudio.co.nz
Best Coffee C4 Coffee HQ² C4 Coffee is a specialist local coffee roaster. They are the home of coffee beans, machines and all things caffeine. Join them on the quest for espresso perfection! 278 Tuam Street P: +64 3 366 7370 www.c4coffee.co.nz
Other Suggestions Vic’s Café, Black Betty, C1, Lume, Addington Coffee Co-op, Hello Sunday, Coffee Traders.
Where to Eat King of Snake, Mexicano’s, Brick Farm, Boo Radley’s, Indian Sumner.
Things to Do Hire a bike at Vintage Peddler and explore our vibrant city before you head up to the mountains. The friendly staff at Chill HQ will give you the lowdown of the city’s must sees and will have some great long term hire rates on offer. If you are looking for more neat places to go to, download the free mobile app on neatplaces.co.nz.
Snow Sports Bivouac Outdoor 100% New Zealand owned and stock the best specialist outdoor brands from around the world so you can stay dry, warm and safe either in-bounds or backcountry this season.
Unit 3, 81 Clarence Street, Tower Junction P: +64 3 341 8062 E: tower@bivouac.co.nz www.bivouac.co.nz Cheapskates Christchurch Cheapskates on Lincoln Road. Canterbury’s number one specialist skate and snowboard store. The best brands, best selection and quality service from people who ride… guaranteed. Full snowboard hire available in store. 386 Lincoln Road, Addington P: +64 3 377 2942 E: chch@cheapskates.co.nz www.cheapskates.co.nz
Snowride Sports From Skis to the most important accessory, they offer an unrivaled selection of products covering the full spectrum of skiing needs for every budget and for every ability level. 386 Lincoln Road, Addington NZ Free P: 0800 7669 7433 E: info@snowride.co.nz www.snowride.co.nz
Other Services Riccarton Clinic
Get to Snow and Surf on Tuam Street for the best deals in town on snowboards, skis, boots, clothing and all accessories or check them out online.
Suspected fractures? Strains? Bruising? Riccarton Clinic is open every night until 8pm and welcomes walk-in patients suffering from the typical outcomes of a day pushing the limits.
85 Tuam Street, CBD P: +64 3 366 7351 E: snowandsurf@xtra.co.nz www.snowandsurf.co.nz
4 Yaldhurst Road, Church Corner P: +64 3 343 3661 E: info@riccartonclinic.co.nz www.riccartonclinic.co.nz
Snow and Surf
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Selwyn Arthur’s Pass Where to Stay
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tretching from the main divide of the Southern Alps, across the Canterbury plains to the Pacific Ocean Selwyn district is a great playground for all outdoor enthusiasts. Starting 10 minutes from Christchurch, you will find yourself driving through small rural and alpine townships offering great accommodation, cafes, restaurants and snow sport stores.
Darfield Home of the Gnomes Alpine Sports Darfield is the gateway to Selwyn’s outdoor playgrounds. It is located 45kms west of Christchurch on route to Methven and the Craigieburn Range.
Snow Sports Gnomes Alpine Sports Gnomes Alpine Sports is located on Alpine Highway 73 on route to all Canterbury ski areas from Christchurch. Gnomes have an extensive ski and board rental fleet and a large retail department. 57 South Terrace, Darfield, Canterbury P: +64 3 318 8433 E: info@gnomes.co.nz www.gnomes.co.nz
Best Coffee Darfield Bakery & Cafe
The Bealey Hotel
Springfield Springfield is a popular stop for skiers and snowboarders heading to and from the Craigieburn Range. It’s on the Great Alpine Highway about 45 minutes from Christchurch.
Where to Stay Smylies Accommodation—YHA Looking after snow lovers for 29 years, shared rooms, private super king ensuite. Dinner, bed, breakfast. Book online. 5653 West Coast Road P: +64 3 318 4740 E: stay@smylies.co.nz www.smylies.co.nz
Warm and welcoming atmosphere. Cosy log fire, hearty homestyle meals. Happy friendly people, classic alpine bar, idyllic views to wake up to. Family units, studio, rooms in Moa Lodge. SH 73, 12km east of Arthur’s Pass P: +64 3 318 9277 E: bealeyhotel@xtra.co.nz www.bealeyhotel.co.nz
Best Coffee The Bealey Hotel
State Highway 73, Springfield
Flock Hill Station Flock Hill Station offers a full range of accommodation options, from spacious cottages to a fully equipped backpacker complex, restaurant and bar. Situated within close proximity to all ski areas. SH 73, Cass. P: +64 3 318 8196 E: mail@flockhill.co.nz www.flockhill.co.nz
From budget to all inclusive. Daily mountain transport. Ski rental, tuneup room, drying room and internet. Delicious food, Japanese bath, heaps of movies, books and fully made beds with heaters in the room to keep you cosy.
Vehicle Services Springfield Service Centre Filling up: Springfield Service Centre is the last stop before the Craigieburn Range for fuel, food, snow chains and full breakdown service. Open 7.00am-7.00pm. Main West Coast Road P: +64 3 318 4845
Where to Eat & Best Coffee Station 73 Café and Information Centre, Yelloo Shack Café.
www.smylies.co.nz E. stay@smylies.co.nz P: +64 3 318 4740 41.
Cheeseman
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heeseman has a distinctive family friendly atmosphere as well as offering diverse terrain for all abilities and loads of great facilities. The main runs are accessed by 2 T-bars lifts and there are easy trails down courtesy of extensive grooming. Located only 90 minutes drive from Christchurch on the Great Alpine Highway just past Castle Hill Village, the access road is suitable for 2WD vehicles with chains. You can drive right to the base of the ski area where you’ll find the day lodge with the licenced Cockayne Café, ticket office, gear hire and plenty of storage for bags etc. The sunny deck out front is perfect to watch the on-slope action from. The learners rope tow is located immediately in front of the day lodge, so the deck is also a great spot to watch the kids once they’ve found their feet while you enjoy a fresh espresso coffee. The top of the Main T-bar lift has plenty of wide open groomed slopes ideal for practicing your technique. The Ridge T-bar lift takes you to the top offering challenging off-piste skiing with spectacular views. Those after a powder fix can head to the shaded face below Mt Cockayne or along Ridge Run to Sunny Face. For the adventurous, the Ridge T-Bar lift also offers access to Tarn Basin, a popular touring option outside the ski area boundary for backcountry enthusiasts.
Accommodation You’re a little spoilt for choice when it comes to a night on the slopes at Cheeseman. You can stay on the field in the Snowline Lodge which offers ski-in ski-out accommodation. Enjoy a hot shower before relaxing in 42.
Check List For the weary: Grab a quick fix with an espresso from the Cockayne Café. For a great picture: Take the access tow to West Bowl and ski to the ridge for views of Nelson Lakes National Park and Lake Rotoiti below. For a laugh: Strip down and enter the quirky Undie 500 where everyone who enters is guaranteed an awesome prize.
CHILL Tip Make a weekend of it and stay overnight at Snowline Lodge for first tracks in the morning!
the lounge while your meals are cooked by the chef. For those on a budget there’s Forest Lodge, a self-catered backpacker accommodation option at the bottom of the access road. Here you’ll find one of Cheeseman’s trump cards – the ice skating rink!
Event Profile: Pirate Day Every parent knows the key to ski weekend happiness is keeping the entire family amused. Cheeseman have it covered with Pirate Day, a free event for all the family with loads of free fun ‘n games ‘n prizes for Pirates ‘n Wenches of all ages. For those who make a weekend of it, the fun
continues into the evening at Snowline Lodge. See ye there, if ye dare. Arrr!
Programme Profile: Ski Weeks & Kea Kids Club Programmes Cheeseman has a superb ski and snowboard school with the My #1 Ski Weeks and Kea Kids Club programmes proving popular. Your kids receive quality lessons from internationally qualified instructors and while they’re having a blast you’re free to ski wherever you please!
Terrain and Weather Tip Mt Cockayne provides plenty of powder during winter and you can keep scoring fresh tracks by sacrificing a little vertical and heading wide. Come Spring, Sunny Face softens early and provides a long run back to the Cockayne Café. For those that like natural features the mountain is scattered with heaps of hips that make for
creative lines. Check out Elephant Holes for some natural kickers and Noggy’s Garden for some rock features. Cheeseman’s east facing basin has north and south aspects that ski well after fronts from either direction.
2015 News They now have mobile reception on 100% of the mountain. Great for instant photo updates on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchatting your friends.
Key Contacts Website: mtcheeseman.co.nz Accom and Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 8794
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Broken River
Check List For the chef: Cook a burger on the hot plate. For the stressed: Grab a BR Lager and bask in the sun on Palmer Lodge deck. For the romantic: Take your lunch to the main ridge and soak in the views of endless mountain ranges to the west.
CHILL Tip
Photo: spinifexnz.com
BR
, as it’s known to the locals, has a friendly atmosphere, social and sunny day lodge and great terrain. Add to that the quirky access via an alpine railway and you’ve got something quite unique. The day lodge is a great place to relax and watch the action. There is some beginner terrain and plenty of variety for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders. From the main road, the access road takes you up through picturesque beech forest to the main Hanomag car park. There you can choose to walk up the foot track or take the express route skyward. The Tyndall Tramway, New Zealand’s only alpine railway, quickly transports you and your gear up through the beech forest to the ticket office and accommodation. The 4 minute ride up not only saves you a 20 minute walk but provides fantastic views across to the Torlesse Range. You will need to bring your own ski or snowboard gear but you can rent a tow belt or ski harness at the Ticket Office. From there you’ve got a short hike up the
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If you’re safety equipped, follow Allan’s Basin below the ski area boundary to the summer road and after a good snowfall ride all the way down to your car. What an awesome finish to your day! ‘Stairway to Heaven’ to the access tow. This tow is a little sporting for beginners but it’s worth a crack and it can be slowed down at the press of a button. The main field is a feature-filled basin with plenty of great intermediate and advanced terrain. There are also two learner tows near the day lodge. The Access/Rugby Tow can be floodlit for night skiing. Strong skiers and snowboarders will find great terrain off the ridge and even more in the adjoining bowl. Allan’s Basin is accessed by a ridge tow and once you’ve enjoyed its thrills there is a track back to the main field via the saddle above the access tow. When it’s time to refuel either pick up a snack from the canteen or join other amateur chefs on the communal hot plate located on the sunny Palmer Lodge deck. Even if you don’t have the gourmet burger, wild venison or some other mouth-watering morsel for the hot plate you can at least purchase Broken River’s own boutique lager to make your lunch feel gourmet.
Photos: spinifexnz.com
Accommodation Broken River offers two styles of accommodation in three lodges. The self-catered option is great for those on a budget, whereas the catered option provides a welcome break after skiing. Enjoy a drink while your meal is prepared by the chef. The best part about staying on the mountain is getting the jump on the day trippers and possible night skiing!
Event Profile: Powder 8’s & 11’s See how far can you go in a straight line in the Powder 8’s, or battle it out with your mates in the Powder 11’s and see who can go further on their skis or board in a straight line downhill.
Programme Profile: Telemark Off-Piste Skills Ideal training for backcountry touring and amping up the fun factor. Past participants made amazing progress with their skiing. This excellent course is run by a NZSIA Telemark Examiner (12-14 August).
Terrain and Weather Tip The sheltered ski area’s east facing position results in plenty of powder days during winter and great corn snow in spring. Adventurous beginners will have a blast outside the day lodge while the rest of the mountain is an off-piste paradise.
2015 News: They’ve introduced some fun new events for 2015 —the Powder 8’s, Powder 11’s and the Snow Shovel Downhill Race.
Key Contacts Website: brokenriver.co.nz Accom and Mtn Phone: +64 3 318 7270
Motels, Cottages & Backpackers Accommodation Warm and Welcoming Restaurant and Bar to relax in after a big day on the mountain. GREAT ALPINE HIGHWAY CRAIGIEBURN VALLEY, CASS PH +64 3 318 8196 MAIL@FLOCKHILL.CO.NZ WWW.FLOCKHILL.CO.NZ
Within close proximity to Porters, Mt Cheeseman, Craigieburn and Broken River skifields. Thirsty Thursday throughout the winter from 5.30pm with specials, spot prizes and great food specials. 45.
Craigieburn Valley
Check List For those new to Craigieburn: Successfully navigate the ‘shish kebab’. The first rope tow rounds a slight corner and a spinning cone that resembles a kebab rotisserie. Just roll with it, it works and is nowhere near as intimidating as it looks. For those getting into backcountry travel: Make the trip to Broken River and back. CV ticket office looking to the Remarkables. Photo: Sander Kriek.
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ccessed from the Great Alpine Highway 73, Craigieburn Valley Ski Area (CV) is a skiers and snowboarder’s paradise. It consists of two large basins that encompass a diverse range of intermediate and advanced terrain from wide open powder bowls to steep and technical chutes. The terrain on offer is equal to some of the best in the world. The 6km beech clad access road is as scenic as it is easy to navigate. A 2WD with chains can drive all the way to the car park most days. You’ll find the first rope tow just a short walk from the on-mountain accommodation, car park and ticket office. Without having to unclip or unbind, two more rope tows take you all the way to the ridgeline. The tows are easy to master but a little rope tow experience is a definite advantage. While the bar at the main lodge (Koroheke) provides the perfect spot for a post-skiing drink, the on-field day lodge (Whakamaru) provides both shelter from a storm and on a fine day a sunny deck where you can enjoy lunch.
Whether you’re looking for a canteen snack or kitchen fare the cafe caters for both. Whakamaru Day Lodge 46.
For those who want to smile: Ski Middle Basin Chutes and down Middle Basin all the way to Big Bend on a powder day.
CHILL Tip Look at the weather forecast. If it looks like snow, make the effort to get up to the mountain after work and arrive for dinner at the lodge (call ahead to let the chef know!) and a nice warm bed. Wake up in the morning to a powder day and no driving hassles with the masses. Then ski yer heart out. Staying in the snow line is a unique experience that is not to be missed.
sits between the two basins, providing a great view of the whole ski area. Following the ridge behind the lodge leads to the Kea Chutes which are often overlooked but regularly offer some of the best skiing on the mountain. Craigieburn is the only mountain in New Zealand to offer inbound tree skiing, it’s not quite the same as the Northern Hemisphere but it definitely provides a change of scenery and unique lines to explore.
Ben Curtis. Photo: Sander Kriek.
Accommodation Koroheke is the main alpine lodge at Craigieburn, nestled amongst the beech forest and only a 3 minute walk from the access tow. It offers bunkroom accommodation, private twin share rooms and family specific rooms. Koroheke also contains a large dining room and a wellstocked bar upstairs with amazing views of Middle Basin. Relax, eat, drink, and enjoy the surroundings!
Programme Profile: Guiding at CV
routes down are easier routes than others. Craigieburn Valley receives most of its snow from easterly storm systems, as well as large westerly systems when they cross the main divide.
2015 News
This year is the year of ‘How Many’. The challenge is on. See who can ski the most laps from North Peak to Big Bend in a single day (lift access —no skinning). Claim bragging rights with Après-ski in the Koroheke Lodge bar.
Make the most of your time at Craigieburn with a ski guide to show you the best terrain and best snow conditions on the day. Talk to the ticket office in the morning on arrival.
New menus at the day lodge and regular happy hour specials at the bar in the Koroheke lodge will keep everyone well fed and happy.
Terrain and Weather Tip
Key Contacts
Craigieburn is a natural snow trap and holds snow well, even on lean snow years. When snow conditions permit, The Remarkables offer some of the most easily accessed gnarly terrain in the world. It’s steep and tight but some
Website: craigieburn.co.nz Accommodation webpage: craigieburn. co.nz/accommodation/book Accom. and Mtn. Phone: +64 3 318 8711
Skier: Sander Kriek. Photo: Ray Singer.
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Temple Basin L
ocated on the Main Divide of the Southern Alps, Temple Basin is a ski area like no other. Temple Basin provides total detachment from ‘life in the fast lane’ but with all the comforts of home. If you’re thinking of taking a backcountry or avalanche course there is no better place to immerse yourself in a learning environment. Temple Lodge has a fully equipped lecture. Temple Basin is a rewarding and exhilarating place to stay, ski and ride. Like any good reward with skiing there is usually a hike involved. A ‘gondola’ (goodslift) can be found at the base, on the main highway, but it only carries your gear. There’s no access road so the 50-60 minute hike up will get the blood pumping and legs ready for skiing and riding. Three rope tows service the ski area. Cassidy Tow is a great option for beginners and those of intermediate ability. Temple Tow is right in front of the main accommodation lodge and has night skiing. A short traverse from the top of the Temple Tow leads you to Downhill Tow, which is nestled under Mount Temple and accesses a large sunny basin. The entire ski area is ungroomed so natural features and impressive rock formations make the skiing both challenging and rewarding.
Accommodation Ferrier Lodge at the start of the Temple Tow provides a social meeting point with a licenced bar, shelter, and accommodation with renowned restaurant quality meals. There is also a self-catered lodge and the two alpine lodges can sleep 120 people. Both lodges are equipped with drying rooms and hot showers.
Event Profile: Splitfest 2015 The event includes ski touring as well this year. There are prizes for the best line, creative line, creative new gear inventions and a photography competition. There will be demo gear to try, workshops and of course quality company, music and food on Saturday night. Be in quick
Check List For the ravenous; stay the night. The meal and dessert are worth it! For first timers; don’t pack your ski poles on the goods lift, they’re handy for the walk up. For all abilities: Jump in the park, there are mini features for groms and the ‘too old’ alike.
CHILL Tip Walking up on a Friday evening makes the most of the weekends skiing and it’s hard to beat waking up high in the mountains ready to ski after a good dose of fresh coffee. Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.
for a bed and to join workshops throughout the weekend. It is a gathering of like-minded people that you do not want to miss out on whatever your touring level (Friday 11th to Sunday 13th September).
Programme Profile: Snow Safety Temple Basin has a culture of snow safety and ski touring/ mountaineering education. The New Zealand Snow Safety Institute holds snow safety courses for everyone from beginner courses through to intense 7 day mountaineering courses. All taught from Temple Basin’s lecture theatre and the surrounding area of Temple Basin and Arthurs Pass. Course dates can be found on www.nzssi.com.
Terrain and Weather Tip Temple Basin can be particularly sunny so pack your sunglasses and sunblock along with your drink bottle and a day pack.
Key Contacts Website: templebasin.co.nz Accom and Mtn Ph: +64 3 377 7788 48.
Porters P
orters is one of the larger commercial ski areas on the Chill Pass and a long-time favourite of Christchurch residents. There’s a chairlift and 3 consecutive T-bars to take you skyward with views to Lake Coleridge and Mt Olympus from the top. Not only is Porters the closest ski area to Christchurch (89km) but the access road is also short, well maintained, and suitable for 2WD vehicles. If snow’s fallen and chains are required there’s a free shuttle that operates from the bottom of the access road, booking is essential, see skiporters.co.nz for details. Once at the top there are all the facilities you’d expect at a large commercial ski area including a fully licenced café with espresso coffee, full equipment hire and a range of professional lessons. Porter’s terrain park is one of the best on the Chill Pass and provides features for everyone from new comers to seasoned jibbers. A few regulars are given the honour of ‘Mountain Hosts’ and are more than happy to help out if you’re looking for some local knowledge. If you want a few tips from them keep an eye out for the orange jackets.
Accommodation Those who want first tracks often stay at the on-mountain lodge located 5 minutes’ drive down the access road. The lodge offers catered accommodation with a games room and drying room.
Event Profile: Oktoberfest Oktoberfest is an event Porters has run for a number of years, in homage to Porters ski area manager Uli Dinsenbacher. Strap on your Lederhosen, German frock and come up for some fun in the sun, gourmet German food and beer, and great German tunes.
Programme Profile: Porters’ Kids Camp Running every day in the second week of the July school holidays and every Sunday throughout the season, Kids Camp is designed for 4-6 year olds and offers a fun and progressive platform for kids to learn to ski. At just $50, the programme includes a 2-hour morning lesson, rental ski equipment, and lift access. Leave the kids to learn the right way with their talented instructors while you enjoy the rest of the mountain!
Terrain and Weather Tip Those looking for Porters’ best snow should check the snow reports after southerly, south-east and nor’west
Check List For beginners: Progress from the Ski-Mat magic carpet to the Platter and beyond. For the rusty: Lock in an early/late private 1 on 1 lesson for just $80.
CHILL Tip Hit the slopes early and cruise over to Big Mama for the morning sun.
fronts. The main basin generally faces east, although there’re a range of aspects that receive snow from all these weather patterns.
News 2015 A brand new quad chairlift has been installed on the south side of the valley. No longer is there a T bar cutting the run in half. The new Easy Rider lift has 93 chairs and can carry up to 2000 people an hour. A new beginner’s area has been created next to the existing intermediate lift. This will be serviced by a Sunkid carpet lift and offer fantastic terrain progression for beginners. A new high-tech RFID lift pass system has been introduced.
Key Contacts Website: skiporters.co.nz Mtn Phone: +64 3 318 4002 Snowphone Report: +64 3 379 9931 Accom Phone: +64 3 318 4011 Accom Website: portersalpinelodge.co.nz 49.
Sam Worsp
Tidy Kitchen @ Palmer Lodge Nick & Tashi, Ground Training
Harry on the deck
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Andi Hardegger, Flutes, BR
Nic Chinn, clipped on tight on Rugby
Seth Piercey flying in Allan’s, BR
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Interview: Matt Johnson
P. Thomas Stephe
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Name: Matt Johnson Position: Club Captain When did the Windwhistle Winter Sports Club start up? Windwhistle Winter Sports Club (the club that runs Mt Olympus) started in 1932, primarily so that Harold and Freda Richards (founding members) were able to enter a skiing competition being held at Ball Hut, Mt Cook. This makes it one of the oldest ski clubs in New Zealand. What is your role as Club Captain? I believe that as Club Captain I assist in the provision of skiing, promotion of the club ethos and encouraging people to take advantage of New Zealand’s unique environment for recreation. The reality is that I’m here to do the jobs no one else wants to do. What is the most rewarding part of the role for you? The most rewarding thing is seeing the club thriving, with good member participation, when other club fields are under a lot of pressure largely because of the time pressures on their members. Recently, there has been a large amount of work at the club. What has this entailed? We have had a major project underway at Mt Olympus over the last five years. It started with a plan to improve the bunkrooms; it ended up (as these things have a tendency to) as a major redevelopment of the lodge. We broke the project up into four stages over four years and 52.
it has resulted in a completely new accommodation block including new ablutions, staff quarters, locker room, drying room, laundry, first aid/ops room and bunk rooms. We even had to move our hot tub to make room! The first year we took out the old air-lock and built the day locker area, ops room for staff and toilets for day-tripper use, and created the foundation for the rest of the build to come. In the second year we built three new bunk rooms, drying room and laundry.
“It started with a plan to improve the bunkrooms; it ended up …as a major redevelopment” In the third year we added two more bunk rooms and toilets, and walled in the rest of the foundation. In the fourth year we added two more bunk rooms, showers, staff accommodation, staff bathroom and locker area. This has resulted in Mt Olympus having the best lodge in Canterbury (if not New Zealand), situated, of course, in the middle of the field for ‘ski in, ski out’ access. None of this could have been achieved without the efforts of the members, and over the course of the project there were 4,000 voluntary workdays put in by the members. I can’t imagine an organisation anywhere that could claim that sort of commitment. It’s quite an achievement, of which we are very proud.
Did the wider community pull together to help? Most of the time and materials donated by businesses were from those owned by or associated with club members, and although we receive support from a community trust towards the running of the club (especially in relation to the provision of safety equipment) they didn’t contribute towards the building of the lodge— this was a club member effort. What challenges did the project present for the club? The main challenge is always getting the initial buy-in, getting agreement on plans and the scope of work. The key is having a team committed to managing the project. Once you get started, the benefits to the club go way beyond a new lodge: you build a stronger club, a club who works together and plays together, a club where lifelong friendships are formed. What can we expect when staying at Mt Olympus? Staying at Mt Olympus is a unique experience. Being located in the middle of the field, you need to ski in, and once there you are immersed in the full mountain experience. Of course the lodge is very well appointed with quiet, warm and comfortable bunkrooms, a friendly, spacious day lodge area complete with great coffee and full bar, and healthy, delicious meals cooked by our resident chef. All that said, of course the main attraction is outside with a south facing basin trapping deep powder snow on a variety of terrain including everything from learners’ slopes directly in front of the lodge to steep, back country pitches. After a hard day on the mountain you can relax and soak sore muscles in the hot tub.
Tell us about one of our most memorable days at Mt Olympus? Difficult choice, there have been a few, but one that comes to mind is being there on Truants ski week during August. One morning we got a particularly big dump of dry light powder, around 60cm deep. As it was Truants week and a lot of the children were young at the time, there were only about 15 adults able to assist in tracking out the field as the road was impassable, so we did our duty and attempted to track out the bottomless powder. After a bit of a meal break it was back to work under the light of a full moon. The road was opened later the following day, and it was priceless to see the expressions on the faces of the new arrivals seeing us relaxing in the hot tub with all this fresh powder still to be skied. Our exhausted bodies could not have been encouraged into another run. “Playground of the Gods”. Where did this come from—the snow, location, people, terrain? Mt Olympus is also a mountain in Greece and, according to Greek mythology, was the home of the 12 Olympians or Greek gods. I would like to claim that all Mt Olympus members have some god-like qualities but that might be pushing it a bit. But there is no doubt that a trip to Mt Olympus can be a religious epiphanylike experience!
Can anyone join the club? Anyone can apply to the committee for membership with nomination from a current member and a committee member. To get an idea of what’s involved and meet members, put a weekend aside and go up on a work-party weekend. The club has members of all ages and backgrounds. There is a strong contingent of families, and children under ten join free on their parents’ membership. What is a themed club ski week? Dog Tucker, Wrinkle Free, Truants…? Well spotted! Our ski weeks are themed and appeal to different ages and stages. ‘Dog Tuckers’ for our more mature members, ‘Wrinkle Free’ to our not-soold (although this soon could be renamed ‘Developing Wrinkles’) and ‘Truants’ to families that prioritise skiing above schooling, and so on. There is a ski week for everyone. They run from Sunday to the following Saturday, and are very popular, with a lot of the weeks selling out well in advance. A ski week is a fully inclusive package and includes seven days’ skiing, six nights’ accommodation and daily lessons. It’s a great way to experience Mt Olympus and can be a life changing experience. 53.
Mt Olympus
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t Olympus, run by the Windwhistle Winter Sports Club (WWSC), is one of those ski areas with an impressive reputation. The terrain is amazing, the access road an adventure, the coffee is good and it boasts the highest hot tub in New Zealand. The ski area is proudly groomer free so it’s best to keep an eye on the weather to ensure you take the correct weapons from your quiver. The rope tows are nestled within a south facing basin which ensures it receives plenty of powder days. Getting there will take the unprepared by surprise. The road to the bottom hut is manageable in a 2WD vehicle but often requires chains. The road from the bottom hut to the ski area car park is a little sporting and a high-ground clearance 4WD with chains on board is required. If your car, or nerves aren’t up for this final leg, simply wait at the bottom hut and catch a ride with one of the regulars. The terrain at Mt Olympus is suited to intermediate snow lovers through to the advanced. There’s a great learners area but it requires an adventurous beginner to conquer the access tow or complete the hike there. Those prepared to go for a hike or ski tour are rewarded the most as there’s plenty of terrain to explore.
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Check List For all: Raid the dress up box and ski/ride in new attire. For the hungry: Enjoy a chef’s cooked lunch and a drink on the deck (order before 11am). For the indulgent: Have a soak in the hot tub.
CHILL Tip If you’re staying the night don’t forget your togs (Aussies see: swimmers) for the hot tub.
Accommodation The true Mt Olympus experience is found by booking a night or two in the Top Hut. The included dinner, bed and breakfast is sure to please the most discerning diner and the toasty warm lodging ensures a comfortable sleep. For those feeling social, the bar and sound system often run late into the night.
Programme Profile: Ski Weeks Mt Olympus is renowned for its ski weeks. Why stay one day when you can stay for six? Each week is themed so you ski/ride with like-minded individuals. Make sure to go online and book your space early.
Terrain and Weather Tip Tucked away high in the Craigieburn Range, Mt Olympus receives snow from south and nor’west storms. It’s also a good pick during strong nor’west days because in the valley it might seem like you’d be blown off the mountain, but once you’re up on the ski area you’ll be surprised how sheltered it is, the wind often blows over top.
2015 News Event Profile: Farmers Cup The Farmers Cup is a long standing tradition at Mt Olympus. For over 50 years the rivalry between Amuri Ski club and WWSC is well founded. Once a year the clubs come together to battle it out on the slopes, each club hosting the event on alternate years. It’s a great day for inter-club mingling and some good old fashion fun. WWSC are the current winners of the cup but due to some cunning tactics on Amuri’s part, they actually hold the cup. Come along this year to see the next instalment. At the top of the main tow sits a tarn that’s frozen in winter. Here the club put on a great DIY curling event. This includes helicoptering a modified ride-on lawnmower, ‘Zamboni’, to groom the ice and creating an outdoor ice bar.
After 4 years of renovating the Top Hut it’s time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labour. The new accommodation part of the hut has more than met everyone’s expectations with warm, comfortable, and quiet sleeping areas with hotel quality shower and toilet facilities. This year they’re planning on refurbishing the iconic Bottom Hut. Built in 1953, this much loved hut has served them well for more than 60 years but like any lovely old lady she is due for a makeover.
Key Contacts Website: mtolympus.co.nz Accom: bookings@mtolympus.co.nz Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 5840 55.
Methven Heliski
Mt Hutt – photograph by Tony Harrington
Brown Pub – photograph by Jamie Robertson
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Methven J
ust over one hour from Christchurch, Methven is the perfect escape for snow lovers. The alpine-themed village nestled close to the Southern Alps is a tranquil, yet exhilarating, relaxing yet vibrant place for all tastes and budgets. Mt Hutt is the local’s choice for convenience and capacity. The ski area caters to the very novice right through to pro-athletes. Extensive grooming and snowmaking ensures you have plenty of skiable terrain. The family friendly Porters Ski Area in the Craigieburn Range is only one hour drive and offers easy access, uncrowded slopes and great vertical. Mt Olympus lies even closer. The ski area turn off is 20 minutes from Methven. With its fast rope tows it is suited for the more adventurous skiers and snowboarders. With Methven Heliski departing daily from Methven Heliskiing is a popular activity for locals and tourists. Black Diamond Safaris, also based in Methven, offer daily guided services to Craigieburn, Broken River and Mt Olympus. They are located at Big Als’ Snow Sports store, Main Road.
Where to Stay Brinkley Resort Award Winning self-contained Qualmark 4 Star Methven Resort on mountain bus route. 80 apartments and rooms, laundry facilities, restaurant, outdoor spa pools, BBQ, tennis courts, Wi-Fi, Sky TV and helipad. 43 Barkers Road NZ Free P: 0800 161 223 E: info@brinkleyresort.co.nz www.brinkleyresort.co.nz
Methven Heli
Blue Pub
Big Tree Lodge Methven
The place to be with a wicked bar, sunny verandah and outdoor dining. Their upstairs accommodation is easy, convenient and warm for those nights when you just can’t leave!
Backpacker Hostel with selfcontained unit. Dorm beds from $38, Twins/Double rooms $79. Clean, homely, self-catering, free WiFi, coffee/tea, laundry, 3 minute walk to town centre. Please mention Chill.
2 Barkers Road P: +64 3 302 8046 E: info@thebluepub.co.nz www.thebluepub.co.nz Brown Pub
25 South Belt P: +64 3 302 9575 E: info@bigtreelodge.co.nz www.bigtreelodge.co.nz
Comfortable clean beds, great bars and awesome food. Eat or stay at the Brown Pub this winter and there will be no charge for kids 10 years and under! Cnr Main Street & Forest Drive P: +64 3 302 8045 E: info@thebrownpub.co.nz www.thebrownpub.co.nz Pinedale Lodge Our stylish homestead and apartment, your FRIENDLY base: RELAX around the sunken fire, PLAY games, READ a book, WATCH a film, TUNE your skis, BARBEQUE your steak, ADMIRE the countryside. Clare & Adrian Fairless: P: +64 22 681 7816 www.pinedalelodge.co.nz
Rental Specialists World Famous in Methven since '86
www.bigals.co.nz
P: +64 3 302 8003
Self contained accommodation resort & conference centre just two minutes walk from the Alpine heartland village of Methven. 43 Barkers Road, Methven 7730, NZ P. +64 3 302 8885 Freeph. 0800 161 223 E. info@brinkleyresort.co.nz W. www.brinkleyresort.co.nz 57.
Methven continued Snow Sports Alpine Sports Methven
Fri 5 Jun
Trinity Roots (album release tour)
Mid Canterbury’s premium snow sports store. Located in the European Chalet on Main Street. Check out their EASYFLOW rental and RETAIL on their virtual shop tour! Drop on in!
Sat 6 Jun
DJ Chris Cross
Sat 13 Jun
Assembly Required
Fri 19 Jun
Doppler Duo
Sat 20 Jun
DJ Chris Cross
Sat 27 Jun
Brewers Band ft. Amelia James
Sat 4 Jul
DJ Chris Cross
Sat 11 Jul
Sammy J & the Cucumbers
Fri 17 Jul
DJ Chris Cross
Sat 18 Jul
Brewers or Method Band
Sat 25 Jul
Method or Brewers Band
Sat 1 Aug
Live Band
Sat 8 Aug
DJ Chris Cross
Sat 15 Aug
Sammy J & the Cucumbers
Sat 22 Aug
Method Band or Brewers Band
Sat 29 Aug
Live Band
Sat 5 Sep
Sammy J & the Cucumbers
Sat 12 Sep
Live Band
Sat 19 Sep
Brewers Band or Method Band
Sat 26 Sep
Live Band
87 Main Street P: +64 3 302 8084 E: info@alpinesports.co.nz www.alpinesports.co.nz Black Diamond Safaris— Guided Tours & Transport Want to experience New Zealand Club Field skiing? Let BDS take you to the best powder spots in Canterbury. Single and multi-day guided adventures for all levels. Daily from Methven. Transport available.
The Mighty Blue Pub is the place to go in Methven during the winter—Live Bands, Duos, DJs and Jam Nights every Thursday, Saturday and some Friday nights! See www.thebluepub. co.nz/gig guide for more information on each gig.
P: +64 27 450 8283 E: info@blackdiamondsafaris.co.nz www.blackdiamondsafaris.co.nz Methven Heliskiing Founded in 1986, Methven Heliski operations are guided by the internationally renowned Alpine Guides (Aoraki) Ltd. Methven Heliski has arguably the best range of heliski terrain in New Zealand including 250+ named runs in the Arrowsmith, Ragged, and Palmer Ranges. Groups rarely cross lines after leaving the helipad at Glenfalloch Station, only meeting up for a gourmet lunch, or drinks at the end of the day. The terrain features glaciated runs, views of both the Pacific Ocean and
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Tasman Sea—and drops exceeding 1,000 vertical meters! P: +64 3 302 8108 E: methven@heliskiing.co.nz www.methvenheli.co.nz
Where to Eat The Last Post, Dom’s Pizza & Kebabs, The Brown Pub, The Blue Pub.
Best Coffee Primo e Secundo Café, Arabica Licensed Café.
Don’t Miss
Cinema Paradiso and Methven Heritage Centre’s collection of snow memorabilia.
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Interview: Brett Evans The Tai Poutini Polytech Ski Patrol Course was a great experience and the perfect stepping stone towards a career in the mountains. Mt Olympus helped improve my avalanche control skills, as most of the ski area is dwarfed by avmountalanche paths. The experience gained at Mt Olympus enabled me to work many consecutive seasons around the world, growing my skills and qualifications, before taking over Black Diamond Safaris five years ago. Tell us about Black Diamond Safaris. What does BDS Offer?
Where did you start skiing? And at what age? First slapped on a pair of sticks when I was about five years old, riding the baby tows while the rest of my family skied the bigger slopes. We skied mostly around Canterbury and an annual ski week at Cheeseman, getting up to mischief with the other ratbags. Favourite pair of skis? Black Diamond Zealots. Early rise with a long side cut. Current setup? Black Diamond Revert. Awesome light ski and perfect for most NZ days and conditions. I have the Dynafit Radical FT bindings, which make the uphill so much better whether on the pack or underfoot. Last season I grabbed a pair of Dynafit Vulcan boots - these were a complete game changer. Stiff and light. Where are you based? We are based in Methven, Canterbury and spend all of our time skiing the Canterbury club ski fields. You have plenty of experience working in the mountains. Chill first met you when you were on an internship with Mt Olympus while training to become a ski patroller. What did you take from the training?
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BDS has three main guys who take the tours in our fully equipped 4x4s, ready to tackle the worst (best) conditions the Canterbury high country throws at us: there’s Mark who is our snowboard maestro, and Sloppy who’s an absolute legend around the clubs, and me. We offer single day or multi-day guided trips from Methven to the Canterbury club fields. The club fields offer entertaining 4x4 trips up the access roads, limited skiing numbers and an awesome club vibe with friendly people. The best aspect (and definitely our favourite) is the access to entire off-piste mountains with no groomed run in sight. This feature, along with limited skier numbers and the BDS crew showing you the powder stashes, is unmatched. What is a classic day in the mountains with BDS? Jumping in a BDS rig in Methven with your host who will suss out the best area to visit based on your ability, preferred terrain and current conditions. The hour’s drive will take you through scenic high country backroads before arriving at your home for the day. A quick brief of safety and tow gear, then we are into it! We will introduce you to the staff and show you around the facilities. Club field terrain is anything from the nitty gritty chute to wide open bowls suitable for any type of skier or rider. We stop for a hearty meal then head out for more, targeting your preferred terrain. The day ends with spent legs and a cheeky cold one. We are yet to have an unsatisfied customer!
Who would be interested in riding the small ski areas with BDS? Anyone who wants to get away from the crowded chairlifts and lattes to see how the other half ski. The club fields are the truly unique thing about skiing in New Zealand and sets us apart from the rest of the world. We cater to all ability levels and personalise the day to suit. Do you guarantee you’ll get ‘the person new to rope tows’ up the tow? Ha-ha! Yes, the nutcracker will be your best friend by the end of the trip. Hold her close, whisper sweet nothings to the rope and brush the pulleys. Each club’s tows differ slightly and we have different techniques to suit each one. It usually takes an attempt or two to grasp the hang of it but you will be a pro in no time. What’s special about skiing at… Craigieburn? Deep, steep and dirt cheap. Craigieburn boasts a huge skiable area with numerous steep, tight chutes and wide open bowls for those long turns. The day lodge shows off spectacular views of the ski area and beyond, while the lodging is tucked away lower down in the native beech forest. Broken River?
The Snowhunter sounds a treat for any skier/ boarder keen to make the most of local knowledge and good riding. What’s involved? The Snowhunter is our deluxe package and is the best way to ski in New Zealand. We start with a group of like-minded skiers and riders (minimum of two), grab a chalet at Castle Hill Village then hunt out the best snow in the range. We visit each club and ski the best they have to offer without the time constraints of returning to town. This allows us to ski longer and enjoy a more sociable experience with the club members. Each night we return to a well- earned feed before waking up and doing it all again. Each Snowhunter is completely customised to your needs as in food, skiing preference, dates, accommodation and budget restraints. All you have to do is turn up at Christchurch Airport; we will pick you up and show you the time of your life. Too easy!
BR lager and the best homemade pizzas are on offer on the sunniest deck in the range (closely disputed by Cheeseman). The ski area has two huge basins that offer wide turns. BR commonly has the best snow in the range especially after a north west storm. Mt Olympus? A hiker’s paradise and the only south facing ski area in the country, Mt Olympus has an awesome access track that uncovers the hidden gem after the memorable drive. The hut is situated at 1,600m and offers ‘ski in, ski out’ accommodation. The ski area itself is smaller than BR and CV but the hiking terrain opens it up with sustained vertical slopes.
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Ashburton
Photo: Methven Heliski.
T
he Ashburton District stretches from the Alps to the ocean and is bordered by impressive braided rivers, Rakaia River being the largest. The district encompasses Ashburton, Methven, Rakaia, Mt Somers and surrounding high country areas. All together an impressive contrast of New Zealand scenery. After arriving at Christchurch International Airport or prior to departing, Ashburton Township’s proximity to Christchurch makes it an ideal location to stop and stay overnight. The township combines modern city facilities with rural town friendliness. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll find in terms of accommodation, shopping precincts, restaurants, bars and cafes and many other hidden treasures.
Local Ski Areas: Mt Olympus: 1 hr 30min Mt Hutt: 1 hr 10 min Fox Peak: 1 hr 40min Mt Dobson: 1 hr 40min.
Where to Stay Hotel Ashburton The perfect place to stay on the way to or from the airport, and only 20 minutes to Methven, with plenty of free parking for cars, campers and mobile homes. Racecourse Road NZ Free P: 0800 330 880 www.hotelash.co.nz
The Somerset Grocer The Somerset Grocer a cafe & gourmet deli serving good coffee & great food. We take pride in bringing you the best in local and international produce, in a relaxed and funky atmosphere. * $1 cheese rolls when purchasing a Bach coffee or Harney & Sons tea with a valid ski pass. Cnr East & Burnett Street P: +64 3 307 5899 www.somersetgrocer.co.nz
Where to Eat Braided Rivers Restaurant & Bar
Local ski areas are within travelling distance, allowing for a full day of alpine adventure. Mountain biking is also a very popular activity and there are numerous bike and walking tracks to explore.
Modern Qualmark 4+, 12 unit motel. 3km south of Ashburton. Their affordable, self-contained and serviced luxury units are double glazed, air conditioned with high quality beds for a great night’s sleep.
Versatility and vibrant atmosphere, along with delectable cuisine from a range of menus is offered at Braided Rivers. Try their ‘gold standard’ juicy steaks cooked using the only Montague Steakhouse Broiler of its kind in the South Island. * 10% off your total bill when dining at Braided Rivers Restaurant &Bar with a valid ski pass.
Best Coffee & Where to Eat
Main South Road, Tinwald NZ Free P: 0800 846 9253 www.tinwaldmotels.co.nz
246 Burnett Street P: +64 3 307 2541 www.braidedrivers.co.nz
The Somerset Grocer and Nosh.
Tinwald Motel
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5980 308 308 5980 03St // 03 St // tt Burne 245 Burne 245 tt
Photo: Methven Heliski.
Speight’s Ale House If it’s good hearty portions of Southern food matched with local beer you’re after then Speight’s Ale House is for you. There is a full range of Speight’s beers on tap. * 1 free child’s meal ordered from the Child’s menu per each adult main meal with a valid ski pass. 245 Burnett Street P: +64 3 308 5980
Mountain Bike Trails Short and Sweet Ride: Ashburton−Lake Hood
A short ride along Ashburton River to Lake Hood. The track is wide and well formed to allow for dual way traffic. Take your time and enjoy a break at Lake House Restaurant and Bar overlooking the lake. The car park and start of track is at the south side of the Ashburton River Bridge, SH 1. Suitable for all abilities. 21km loop.
One Day Ride: Ashburton Hakatere River Trails The River Trails starts at the car park on the north side of the Ashburton Bridge. The trails follow the river east, all the way to the coast, approximately 25km. There are also some trails that have spread 10kms west of the bridge.
Local Bike Shops Cyclerama Cyclerama is owned and operated by Paul Wylie, a well known cycling figure in Mid Canterbury. Paul provides the wider Ashburton district with bike mechanical services and quality bike sales. 211 Burnett Street P: +64 3 307 6443 E: paul@cyclerama.co.nz www.cyclerama.co.nz
Relax in style Dine & relax en route to & from the mountains.
10 % Discount+
246 Burnett St // 03 307 2541 +
Braided Rivers Restaur
ant & Bar.
On the run Grab an early morning coffee & a light bite to eat en route to the mountains.
$1.00 Cheese Rolls Cnr East & Burnett St // 03 307 5899 See listing for conditions.
See listing for conditions.
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Mark Bridgwater
Remarkables, Craigieburn
Jared Akerstrom @ Temple Basin
Charlie Lyons @ Awakino
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Mt Sibbald
Mt Sibbald
Awakino
Awakino
Daniel Price, Mt Sibbald
Cheeseman
Awakino
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Mackenzie
Photo: Methven Heliski.
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*Fast IAC Internet *Cabins & Motels *Online Deals
ome to majestic landscapes and the kiwi spirit of adventure Mackenzie is a true winter wonder land located in the centre of New Zealand’s South Island. Experience the breathtaking contrast between the grand, open tussock terrain with turqoise blue lakes, snow-capped mountains and New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mt Cook. Fairlie, Tekapo, Twizel and Omarama are small and unique rural towns. Aoraki/Mt Cook Village is an iconic New Zealand destination.
Fairlie
Where to Stay Pinewood Motels, Fairlie An affordable alternative to Tekapo, our Studio and two-bedroom units are modern, clean and comfortable. Free Wi-Fi. 5 SKY channels. Off-road parking. Walking distance to the bakery, pubs and restaurants. 25 Mount Cook Road NZ Free P: 0800 858 599 E: pinewoodmotels@xtra.co.nz www.pinewoodmotels.co.nz
Photo: Ski the Tasman.
Fairlie is the eastern gateway to the Aoraki/Mt Cook Mackenzie region located en route from Christchurch to Tekapo. The beautiful landscape
with its rich green rolling hills and mountain vistas is a feast for your eyes. Fairlie is home to The Ski Shack Snowsport, offering gear hire and sales.
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Photo: Wilderness Heli
Photo: Ski the Tasman.
Wander Lodge, Fairlie Self-contained 2 bedroom cottage nestled in private forest. Sleeps seven. Cosy log burner. Outdoor fire pit. Relaxing outdoor bath. Linen supplied. Only 30 minutes to Dobson carpark. 67b Strathallan Road, Ashwick Flats P: +64 21 029 34633 E: info@wanderlodge.co.nz www.wanderlodge.co.nz
Best Coffee Eat Deli & Bar.
Where to Eat Eat Deli & Bar, Fairlie Bakehouse and Farm Barn Cafe SH79 north of Fairlie.
Tekapo The fresh turquoise blue water of Lake Tekapo is created by “rock flour”—the glaciers in the headwaters grind the rock into fine dust. These particles and the reflecting sunlight create the Lake’s unique color.
ski.
Tekapo is the closest town to Roundhill and home to Earth and Sky observatory. Make sure to stop over for a few days in Tekapo. It has plenty to offer and will not disappoint with it’s great selection of restaurants, the hot pools, excellent accommodation and plenty of star gazing.
Where to Stay Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort Located in the village centre with restaurants nearby, they have quality studio and family units with great views, also budget/backpackers, linen provided. Free Wi-Fi. NZ Free P: 0800 118 666 E: stay@laketekapo.com www.laketekapo.com Tailor Made Tekapo Backpackers Drying room and bench for grooming your skis and boards. Present Licence to Chill book to receive $5 off any private room and $10 WiFi free! P: +64 3 680 6700 E: tailor-made-backpackers@ xtra.co.nz www.tailor-made-backpackers.co.nz
Best Coffee Run 77, Astro Cafe – Mt John.
Snow Sports Ski The Tasman An extraordinary ski experience for ordinary skiers. Flying 01 July-30 Sept in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Includes 3 ski plane flights, lunch, and the 2 longest ski runs in New Zealand. P: +64 3 435 1834 E: mtcook@alpineguides.co.nz www.skithetasman.co.nz Wilderness Heliskiing Exclusive access to the mind-blowing big alpine terrain of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, and beyond... this is New Zealand’s best heliskiing experience. Why not discover for yourself this winter? P: +64 3 435 1834 E: mtcook@alpineguides.co.nz www.WildernessHeli.co.nz
Discover Tekapo Experience Tekapo in comfort—you don’t have to clean and linen is provided! From ultra-modern to 70’s retro, suit all budgets, they have the ideal home for your holiday.
“One of the best stargazing sites on Earth”
Bob Park, Ed. International Dark Skies Assn.
Book a tour:
P: +64 3 680 6942 E: accommodation@ discovertekapo.co.nz www.discovertekapo.co.nz
Where to Eat Tin Plate, Kohan Japanese Restaurant.
www.earthandsky.co.nz 67.
Mt Dobson
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or those in the know Mt Dobson is an under-rated gem. Firstly, it’s big. A triple-seater chairlift and a T-bar access two massive valleys and come powder days a short traverse or walk will ensure you score fresh tracks all day long. It’s also high, boasting the highest car park in the Southern Hemisphere at 1725m. The road is an engineering feat that has been lovingly crafted and cared for by one man, Peter Foote. It’s wide and suitable for 2WD’s with chains.
Check List For the audience: Wipe out underneath the chairlift. For those on the T-bar: Hike to the top of Dobson Peak (2095m), see if you can spot Fox Peak. For the last run: Ski Sunny Run all the way back to your car.
CHILL Tip Chair lifts are fairly rare on the Chill Pass so if you’re an intermediate skier or rider or just need a break from rope tows and T-bars then Mt Dobson is the ticket. The ski area itself is made up of wide pistes, gullies, rock outcrops and natural features. For those that like to get a little jibby you’ll find some boxes, kickers and rails scattered around the place. For learners the deal is even sweeter, the fixed grip rope tow is free! Once you’ve mastered the fixed grip rope tow there’s a learner’s platter to provide a stepping stone to the chairlift accessed cat tracks. If you’re travelling and are looking to score some tracks in the Mackenzie Region there’s no need to hire elsewhere, they have gear rental available on the mountain. They also offer a range of group or private lessons and learner packages. If hunger sets in and you haven’t brought lunch, head for the hut at the bottom of the field. A cafeteria provides hot and cold food, drinks and snacks. Despite being a 68.
commercial operation, Mt Dobson has an intimate, friendly feel. The chairlift, great terrain, easy access and extensive grooming combine for a great all round experience.
Accommodation The closest accommodation to Mt Dobson is located in Fairlie. The Top 10 Holiday Park is always a favourite and the crew have been long-time supporters of Chill. The best part, they have a pétanque pitch! In Fairlie you’ll also find the Mount Dobson Motel, Pinewood Motels and Wander Lodge so there’s something for everyone. There are also approximately 2000 beds in Tekapo, a 30 minute drive away on State Highway 8.
Event Profile: Dobson Dash The Dobson Dash is a ski/board, bike and run event. Starting from the top of the chair lift the finish line is at Kemble Pub. It’s a great event and worthy of giving a go.
Programme Profile: First Timers Learn to ski or snowboard in all day sunshine on a huge learners/intermediate slope. Mt Dobson is a brilliant ski area for first timers to learn how to ski and snowboard. There’s a range of lift, lesson and rental packages for all abilities. Being a quieter ski area with fewer queues, there’s no pressure to make it to the platter lift on your first time.
Terrain and Weather Tip Mt Dobson is a large south-west facing basin with sunny and shady aspects. Look out for those big southerly fronts. With Mt Dobson’s altitude, fronts can bring deep and dry powder. The steeper off-piste slopes are found between the two main lifts. Two gullies provide a natural half pipe to play in and the pistes ensure great skiing and riding in all conditions. The West Valley, accessed from the triple chair lift, has a variety of runs popular with most novice skiers and boarders.
Key Contacts Website: mtdobson.co.nz Mtn Ph: +64 3 685 8039
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Roundhill RICHMOND RANGE 2133m
Terrain Park Car Park Snowmaking Oz zi’ sW ay
n
T2
Fu
1620m
n
LIF
Ru
Tobogganing
T 1500m
Ski Patrol
Von Brown Hut
Toilet FIS
Café/Refreshments Rental Equipment
Base Area 1350m
Check List For first-time families: Introduce all members of the family to snow! For rope tow enthusiasts: Ski/ride the Heritage Express on a powder day. For those over 18: Enjoy a thirst quencher and views at the Von Brown Hut.
R
enowned as one of the best family fields in New Zealand, Roundhill caters to all levels of skiing/riding. Roundhill captures all day sun and has some of the best views you’ll find in NZ. Two T-bars provide plenty of groomed intermediate terrain and the park provides features for beginner/intermediate abilities including a variety of boxes, rails and jumps. Those looking for a challenge will enjoy the Heritage Express rope tow which is the longest, steepest and straightest you’ll find, bar none. The reward at the top is 783m of vertical, the longest in Australasia. A scenic drive around the eastern side of Lake Tekapo leads you to one of the easier mountain roads in the country. A 2WD with chains will have no issue reaching the car park which seems to have no shortage of space. The mountain is rich in facilities and the huge beginner slope and instruction programmes make the transition to the T-bars nice and easy. Then when you’re ready to tackle the Heritage Express, hire yourself a tow belt and head on up. For young ones not quite ready to don the boots, a specifically groomed toboggan course will give them
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CHILL Tip Wax your skis or board if you’re riding The Wall on a sunny or warm day. With so much vert you’ll be surprised how much the snow changes as you descend.
a memorable introduction to snow. When the stomach starts rumbling or those boots start to ache the sunny deck and licenced café provide just the remedy.
Accommodation You wouldn’t be blamed for wanting to spend a few days at Roundhill and there are plenty of accommodation options in Tekapo township including backpackers, holiday homes and luxurious villas. Between the lake, hot pools, ice rink, hydro canals and protected night sky there are plenty of other activities to keep you occupied. Cafes and restaurants along with a local tavern will keep you entertained at night too.
Event Profile: 80s Day An event not to be missed! The atmosphere is huge and the outfits are truly awful! Crack out the lycra pants, fluro sweatshirts, leg warmers and blue eyeshadow. Watch (or participate in) the hilarious water jump and enjoy all the entertainment of 80s Day.
Programme Profile: Kids Ski Race Training Roundhill runs a kids ski race training programme on weekends throughout the winter. It’s open to children aged 8 and over, kids must be of an intermediate ability or above and be capable of skiing through gates. Training begins at 12:40pm and runs for 2 hours at a cost of $25 per session. Booking is essential either at the ticket office on the day or by phoning 021 680 694. Space is limited.
Terrain and Weather Tip The ski area itself faces the south-west so fronts that pass up the country are the ones to look out for powder awaits!
Key Contacts Website: roundhill.co.nz Mtn Ph: +64 21 680 694
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Fox Peak
F
ox Peak is one of the smaller ski clubs on the Chill Pass, but one of the largest when it comes to its terrain and suitability for all skiing levels. Located 35 minutes from Fairlie, along the spectacular Two Thumb Range, the ski area boasts amazing views of South Canterbury and the Mackenzie Country. Three easy-to-ride rope tows access 500 hectares and 580 vertical meters of uncrowded terrain. There is also a groomed platter lift for beginners at the base of the ski area. The terrain ranges from big wide-open faces, which are great for beginners and intermediates, to the more challenging runs in South Basin and along the North Basin Ridge. For the more advanced, or those prepared to hike or tour, the options are boundless. Head to South Basin or up to the Peak and drop off towards the Tarn. Definitely talk to the locals, you may just find yourself on a guided tour. The car park is located at the base of the tows allowing easy access to the beginner slopes and greater ski area. The field is run by a dedicated club and is open only on weekends. The access road crosses farm land, so be sure to leave gates as you find them.
Accommodation Nestled amongst the trees halfway up the access road is Fox Lodge, backpacker style-mountain accommodation. It’s self-catered but there is a modern kitchen with everything you need to rustle up your yummy dinner. Don’t forget your sleeping bag, pillowcase, food and drinks.
Programme Profile There are no official programmes but if you’re looking for the best skiing on the day be sure to ask a clubbie, they’re a friendly bunch and don’t mind sharing an untracked run with you. Be sure to check the two great mountain webcams on the club’s website.
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Check List For touring: Summit Fox Peak, you can either ski into the South or North Basin and back to the ski area or explore some amazing back-country including Fox Peak summit. For beginners: Once you’ve mastered the platter give the moderate speed Meadow Rope Tow a go.
CHILL Tip Go explore, there’s a huge amount of terrain on a variety of aspects that make for great skiing and snowboarding.
Terrain and Weather Tip South Basin is often overlooked and regularly contains the best snow. For sunny spring skiing North Basin is the pick. Be sure to keep an eye on those southerly systems as they tend to deliver the goods to Fox Peak.
Key Contacts Website: foxpeak.co.nz Accom Ph: +64 3 684 7358 Mtn Ph: +64 3 685 8539 Snow Ph: +64 3 688 0044
Awakino
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wakino is a club-operated ski area located high up the St Marys Range, near Kurow in the Waitaki Valley. When you arrive you get the impression that it’s a little different, some use the term ‘old-school’. In essence there’s a place to stay, a mountain to ski and two tows to gain easy vertical credits, what else does one need? The beauty of the ski area is its club charm, touring options and how remarkably unchanged it’s remained over the years. For the mechanically minded you’ll get a kick out of the main tow, it’s a tractor in a container and has been shuttling people up the mountain since Adam was a cowboy. If you’re not equipped with a 4WD it’s best to phone in advance and one of the clubbies can come down and pick you up. The best part, it’s quiet. A busy day means that you’ll be sharing the mountain with no more than 20-30 people. For those in the know, Awakino is renowned for deep wind-blown powder; fantastic terrain suiting intermediate to advanced riders; and its pioneering spirit. As it’s generally only open on weekends any snowfall during the week remains untracked, ready to be ripped when your working week is over.
Check List For the prepared: Book the accommodation, it’s essential to getting enough numbers for the field to open. For the early season skiers: Pray for the big easterly dump. For the curious: Pack your touring gear and skin up Te Kohurau, the highest point on the St Marys Range at 2010m.
CHILL Tip Keep an eye on their website for updates on long weekend openings.
Accommodation
Terrain and Weather Tip
Awakino operates a 30 bunk alpine lodge that dates back to NZ’s earliest days of skiing. The lodge sits at 1170m, 300m below the base buildings. During winter it’s usually possible to ski down to the accommodation lodge via two side gullies. The lodge has all the usual amenities you’d expect, including hot showers and an east-facing deck for early-morning sunrises.
The field has many aspects, meaning you can ride in all sorts of snow conditions on one day. Grooming is limited to an occasional firing up of the vintage 1980s Kassbohrer, so don’t expect corduroy runs. Club members are happy to show you the best places to go, but bring full avalanche gear because much of the good terrain is out of bounds.
Event Profile: Book a Ski Area
News 2015
Some big weekends are already booked in by groups and they may even run some good old fashioned ski races!
Programme Profile: Ski Area Improvements A big push over summer sees the ridge tow another step closer to being operational, so here’s hoping it will be cranked up this season. With some summer grooming and snow fencing, the main tow line will have a better chance of holding snow and Glacier Basin will have a better exit trail.
The narrow bridge over the creek has been replaced with super culverts to make for a cruisy crossing. They’ve beefed up the heating and comfort in the lodge with new mattresses and a grunty fire to replace the antique coal range.
Key Contacts Website: skiawakino.com Accom Phone: +64 21 0243 9273 (David Campbell) Mtn Phone: +64 21 890 584 (John Hamilton) 73.
Treble Cone Treble Cone Summit 2088m
12 The Diamond
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COMPLEX AND CHALLENGING TERRAIN. ONLY OPEN WHEN SNOW AND WEATHER CONDITIONS ALLOW. ENTER THROUGH GATES ONLY AND ALWAYS SKI WITH A COMPANION.
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Mt Aspiring 3027m
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Fog Peak 2240m
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RENTALS
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RESTAURANT
DISABLED ACCESS
CAR PARK
Check List
Pack the camera as Treble Cone provides some of the world’s best alpine views overlooking the beautiful Lake Wanaka and peaks of the Southern Alps.
TREBLECONE.COM
For the advanced: drop into some of the country’s most extreme inbound terrain in the Motatapu Basin.
CHILL Tip
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ocated 35 minutes drive from Wanaka and 90 minutes from Queenstown, Treble Cone (TC) is the largest ski area in the Queenstown and Wanaka Lakes District, boasting the longest vertical rise. The unique mix of large groomed slopes, high capacity chairlifts, stunning views and legendary off-piste terrain makes TC a favourite field to many. The Home Basin is accessed by the six seater Home Basin Express chairlift, which offers on and off piste routes varying from easy green to challenging black. For intermediate plus skiers and boarders, head skier’s right to reach the celebrated terrain of the Saddle Quad chairlift. From here experts can access the renowned Motatapu Chutes while intermediate skiers and riders will enjoy the long and uncrowded groomed terrain, including 3 new intermediate trails for 2015, before adventuring into the natural pipes, steeps and Jazz Terrain Park. Those new to skiing are welcomed at TC, so much so that the Beginners Magic Carpet lift and Nice ‘n’ Easy platter are free! The learner’s slopes are sheltered and sunny, much like the café courtyard where everyone can enjoy treats prepared in house and delicious coffee. If you’re travelling and don’t have your own gear or make the
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Enjoy the rest you get on the chairlifts, they’re a bit of a novelty on a Chill Pass. Burn your extra energy lapping the unique terrain of the Saddle Basin or searching for pow on the Summit or Motatapu (expert only) hikes.
ultimate mistake of leaving your boots behind, never fear; TC has a full rental department with regular and premium skis, free helmet rental for kids and an equipment workshop. Those with children will be pleased to hear that they also have a full and half day Snow Sports programme offering options on and off snow. Access to TC is via a well-maintained gravel road suitable for 2WD vehicles carrying chains. Chains aren’t for hire at TC so make sure you pick some up on the way. Alternatively you can catch a ride on a bus from Wanaka or Queenstown, or leave your car at the mountain’s base and book a ride on one of the TC Mountain Shuttles.
2015 News
Dine at altitude with the new Allpress @ Altitude Pizza & Espresso Bar located up at 1750m
With its reliable natural snow cover and playful runs, the Saddle Basin is introducing 3 new intermediate trails in 2015.
Key Contacts Accommodation
Website: treblecone.com Mtn Ph: +64 3 443 7443
Wanaka comes alive in winter with bars, restaurants and off-snow activities offering plenty of alternatives for families and groups of mates alike. The compact town provides easy access to a wide variety of accommodation within walking distance from the city centre. There’s a bed for every style and budget, but you’re best to leave the camping for the warmer months.
Event Profile: PUMP Mini Mountain A freeride weekend (5-6 September) for kids aged 13 years and under. The weekend starts with a coaching day featuring Team TC and guest coaches, and finishes with a freeride format competition giving kids the opportunity to show off some new skills in front of mum and dad.
Programme Profile: Intensive Private Treble Cone’s signature Intensive Private is tailored to the skier or snowboarder wanting to maximise and maintain their improvements. In an intensive 2.5 hour Private Ski or Snowboard Lesson, two of Treble Cone’s top level instructors will highlight your strengths and weaknesses through video analysis and map the path to reaching your personal skiing or snowboarding goals.
Terrain and Weather Tip With so much skiable terrain and snowmaking, there’s always plenty of white stuff to slide on. Those in the know, who are looking for face shots will certainly visit after a cold nor’west system.
Cheapskates Wanaka Cheapskates is your only core specialist snowboard and skate shop in Wanaka. The best brands, best selection and quality service from people who ride…guaranteed. Best brands, best selection, best service, guaranteed. Spencer House Mall, Dunmore Street P: +64 3 443 5548 E: Wanaka@cheapskates.co.nz cheapskates.co.nz Wanaka Holiday Homes Holiday Home accommodation and property management to suit the needs of guests and homeowners. Come and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in the most magnificent and unforgettable part of New Zealand. P: +64 21 280 0912 E: wanakaholidayhomes@xtra.co.nz holidayhomeswanaka.com
Best Ice Cream Black Peak Gelato (Wanaka)
Best Coffee Federal Diner (Wanaka) Vudu Cafe (Queenstown)
Where to Eat Kai Whakapai (Wanaka) Lone Star Café & Bar (Wanaka & Queenstown) Motogrill (Queenstown)
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Joe Harrison
76. Jared Akerstrom, Temple Basin Slackcountry
Wes Blaney @ Broken River
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Backcountry Snow Safety T
he Southern Alps have shaped the South Island’s landscape, their daunting natural beauty, snowcapped peaks and powerful presence, makes them very special. From the air, the Alps are a mass of interconnected ridges, valleys, braided rivers and mighty peaks. On the ground the terrain is huge, both inviting and unknown, with life-threatening hazards and risks. All of Chill’s mountains access great backcountry terrain. A number of ski area tows finish at a peak or the ridge line, opening a variety of terrain choices. Inside the ski area boundaries, the ski area snow safety crew are responsible for managing snow stability and controlling avalanche risks. Outside of the ski area boundaries, the responsibility is with the skier/rider. If you exit the ski area boundaries you and your party must be ready and prepared to handle a rescue situation on your own.
Do not travel on your own
Travel with a buddy who knows how to use their gear Leave your intentions with someone
Tell someone your plans and leave a date and time for when to raise the alarm if you do not return, including ski patrol Be prepared
Know your limits and take sufficient supplies Report it and Share it
Tell others what you are seeing at avalanche.net.nz avalancheforecasts.com
Avalanches are a natural part of the mountain environment. Snow safety knowledge helps to minimize your chances of getting caught in a slide. Know before you go. Carrying the right gear, and knowing how to use it also saves lives. There are some key elements to maximizing your safety when entering these un-controlled areas: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Plan and prepare for a safe trip by following the Outdoor Safety Code Take a snow-safety course
A First Aid course is also recommended Do some research
Check avalanche.net.nz for their assessment of the current snow conditions. Know the weather forecast and talk with local ski patrol
This winter you will be able to keep track of the latest avalanche conditions with the Avalanche Forecast app from avalancheforecasts.com - the easiest way to see avalanche conditions at a glance. The New Zealand Avalanche Centre has teamed up with the International Avalanche Forecast app to make New Zealand forecasts available on the map-based platform. You choose which region the map will open in, and it’s easy to scroll to see other areas. The map displays the regional avalanche danger level, and you can tap on the region of your choice to see a more detailed forecast.
Get permission
The app also caches data that you’ve looked at, so it is still available when you’re offline in the mountains and ongoing developments mean you will soon be able to share local conditions with the forecasters.
Get to know your gear
The regional maps and data links are scheduled for an official launch in early June 2015.
Obey all closed signs at ski areas, and ask permission on private land Always carry technical equipment, plus spare warm clothing. Run regular games with your transceiver and watch the battery life, remove during long periods of non-use
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The app is free and available on IOS and Android.
Chill Snow Safety Courses
Snow Safety Courses Broken River Courses Broken River are hosting two courses this season, both include accommodation. Avalanche Awareness Course: 26-28 July 5 Day Backcountry Avalanche Course: 28 Jul-1 Aug To book a course and accommodation email bookings@brokenriver.co.nz The New Zealand Snow Safety Institute (NZSSI) Located at the world renowned Temple Basin Ski Area, The New Zealand Snow Safety Institute offers a variety of specialist courses tailored to a range of alpine activities including mountaineering, rock climbing and avalanche awareness for skiers and snowboarders. All courses include accommodation and meals. 2 Day Avalanche Awareness Course: 1-2 Aug This course is taken by Taichiro Naka NZMGA. $550 pp Includes two nights’ accom and all meals and any tow use. 5 Day Backcountry Skills for Skiers and Snowboarders Course: 27-31 July $1250pp. Includes six nights’ accom and all meals. For more info on these courses or mountaineering courses visit nzssi.com Private and tailored courses, developed to suit your requirements and to meet your specific needs available upon request. Ph: +64 3 377 7788 E: info@nzssi.com nzssi.com
Chill’s snow safety courses provide an introduction to some, or recap for others, of avalanche formation and release, terrain identification, route finding and decision making along with equipment selection as well as use and companion rescue. Spaces are limited, four sets of T/S/P available for hire. 2-Day course w/ Anna Keeling An introduction to the avalanche phenomenon and companion rescue techniques. The interplay of weather, snowpack and terrain plus decision making in the face of tempting powder is the focus of the weekend. Day one: learn to use transceivers and stage a rescue, using the MSC Avalanche Forecast Advisory and techniques for evaluating the stability of the snowpack. Day 2: travel through and learn about avalanche terrain on a day tour. *Minimum of 4 participants required to run the courses. Cost: $325/2 days Dates: 17-18 July, 7-8 Aug, 14-15 Aug Other dates and one day courses are dependent on demand. One day course $225pp. Full course details and registration available at chillout.co.nz Ph: +64 3 365 6530 E: hq@chillout.co.nz Otago Polytechnic Avalanche Training The Avalanche Programme is designed for those working in the mountain environment in a professional capacity. Avalanche One: 4-10 July & 19-25 July, Treble Cone, Wanaka Avalanche Two: 20-24 July - Field Training, Wanaka 2-10 Sept - Integrated Practical Assessment, Wanaka Ph: +64 3 445 9932 E: barbara.emmitt@op.ac.nz avalanche.ac.nz
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How to Survive an Avalanche By Andrew Hobman
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t may sound obvious, but the best way to survive an avalanche is to avoid getting caught in one. Most people who get caught in an avalanche started it themselves. If we can learn to recognise the terrain and conditions that create avalanches, we can make good decisions about where to go to avoid the danger. From a risk management perspective, avalanches are high-risk, low-frequency events, the worst combination. People’s ability to recognise a danger and deal with it is closely linked to the amount of times they have experienced a situation. Low frequency events are
Caught in an avalanche If you or your friends are caught in an avalanche, you only have minutes to rescue them. If you are travelling outside a ski area boundary it is critical that everyone in your group is carrying the right equipment to perform a rescue and knows how to use it. A transceiver will locate the vicinity of a buried victim, a probe will pin point the exact location and a shovel will dig through the firm snow faster than your hands. If you are caught in an avalanche, here are some simple things you can do to increase your chance of survival.
Yell and wave to others in your group. Deploy any avalanche safety equipment (airbag or Avalung). Attempt to get out of the avalanche flow. Angle out to the side. Roll onto your back with your feet facing downhill, swim hard and fight to remain on the surface. Discard any equipment.
ones where we don’t experience these potentially fatal incidents regularly enough to inform good decision making processes. In fact, we can further compound this by convincing ourselves we are making great decisions in the backcountry because we haven’t caused any avalanches. However, was it good decision making or good luck?
“The best way to survive an avalanche is to avoid getting caught in one.” A significant tool for surviving in avalanche terrain is to have a system, a consistent approach to making travel decisions. A checklist is a great, simple and effective tool used by surgeons, airline pilots and firefighters every day in high-risk, low-frequency situations. Always take time to discuss the terrain and conditions within your group before you commit to a slope. Ski areas do a lot of work to ensure their runs are safe from avalanches, but everything changes the moment you leave the ski area boundary. You are on your own and need to have the skills and knowledge to travel safely. Take an avalanche education course and learn how to interpret the signs of avalanche conditions, and how to develop a system and stick with it. 80.
As the debris starts to slow, attempt to create an air pocket in front of your face. As the debris stops and sets hard, remain calm and breathe evenly. Now it’s up to your friends to dig you out.
Gear for Going Backcountry By Shane Orchard
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n recent years we’ve seen an increase in backcountry skiing and riding and there is great access from many of our ski fields. For both newcomers and the more experienced an essential first step is getting your gear together. Because a key concept for backcountry is self sufficiency, it’s good to know your kit is in one place and ready to go the day before you need it. It’s also good to know your safety gear well just in case you need it in real situation, not to mention the common problem of leaving something behind!
down jacket. It goes in the bottom of the pack alongside a space blanket. A spare pair of gloves is also a must have. Other good choices are a lightweight balaclava and a pack liner which can double as a bivvy bag. Again it’s a trade off against weight and some things to keep in mind are how warm your outerwear is, how many other layers you are wearing, and whether your extremities are prone to the cold. I also tuck a square of closed cell foam into my pack which doubles as a splint and extra insulation while weighing basically nothing. You’ll also need some first aid gear, repair items and a head torch. Talk with your crew and work out who has got what. Share some items around but make sure you have any personal meds you might need and let others know. Don’t forget the sun and wind, meaning sunnies, lippy and sunblock. A fail on any one can really upset your day! Spare food and water are almost in the first aid category. A muesli bar or power gel that you never plan on using is a good idea, and to help with hydration keep an eye out for any snowmelt along the way. Spare straps, some cord, soft wire and duct tape are the standard fix-alls, but also think about the parts of your set-up that can break and have spares.
Starting with the backpack, there are a lot of options but not just any pack will do. It needs to be big enough for all your gear, comfy enough to give you a good ride, and tough enough to not break! If you’re into saving weight you’ll want different packs for different sized missions. Before heading out check your straps, fasteners and basically anything that can break. It pays to have a spare strap in your bag too.
“A spare pair of gloves is also a must have.” Next you’ll need a transceiver, probe and shovel. These days, all modern transceivers work really well with the more advanced models being designed to handle multiple burials better. Don’t be fooled by claims about range, as around 40m is realistic in practice. Getting familiar with your chosen brand is the biggest factor for fast search times, so practice is the key. For both probes and shovels it’s a trade-off between strength, weight and size. 2.4m probes are about the minimum and for shovels check the handle length. Try digging a 2m deep hole with a short handle and you’ll probably decide to go that little bit heavier and get a two-stage telescopic handle which helps a lot. Next let’s talk about some essential safety extras and remember that there’s no ski patrol to save you. Extra warm stuff is advisable in case of a delay but deciding how much is a difficult call. The best single item is a
Communication is a tricky question and it really depends on where you’re heading. Options are cell phone, sat phone, mountain radio, EPIRB (Emergency PositionIndicating Radio Beacon) or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). Consider how you could get a message out if you had to when choosing. Leaving your intentions also works very well so long as your backup person knows the time they will call you in overdue. The last major item is some good information on the terrain and snow, and likely some navigation gear to help find your way. But that’s another story! Get out in the backcountry this winter, but remember to go well and stay safe every time. 81.
Overnighting in the Southern Alps
Photo: Aspiring Guides
By Whitney Thurlow
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ki touring is perhaps New Zealand’s best-kept secret. The challenging nature of New Zealand terrain means that, historically, backcountry skiing was very limited. Finding the right place to do multi-day ski touring in New Zealand has always been difficult. There are many options, most of which require local knowledge and the cunning of a stoat. There are oceans of snow up there, but how do you get to it? Farm tracks can get you into some locations but these only get you to lower elevations where the snow is crap or you need to hike for hours just to get some turns. Ski area access roads get you to the snow but then you are limited to terrain close to the ski lifts and there are no huts to use. Helicopters can get you into huts but, not only is it expensive, most snowy huts are on glaciers where you need to deal with the weather and crevasses that come with the territory. To simplify the choices, I like to think of there being three options, like the gears on my old Schwinn bike. Here are three different backcountry huts that cover the possibilities.
1st Gear: Pioneer Hut, 2,200m This is where all the heavy lifting is done: big mountains, big snow, big cost, big risk. Unless you are a cross between Ed Hillary and Steve Gurney, flying in and out with a helicopter is generally the only viable option. Located on the West Coast at the top of Fox Glacier, this is one of the seven wonders of the ski touring world. The surrounding glaciers require a level of mountaineering 82.
skill to deal with the crevasses and avalanche hazard. Ice axe, crampons and harness need to be carried as well as avalanche transceiver and shovel. Exposed to the elements at 2,400m, there is no shortage of snow but wind can be the main determiner of snow quality. But hit it when the weather is right and you will be skiing some of the longest runs in New Zealand while the snow turns pink from the sun setting in the Tasman Sea. This is big country: Mt Cook and Mt Tasman are your next door neighbours and a quick skin up to Marcel Col brings you to the Main Divide where you can look down on the length of the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand. The skiing is best just after low pressure weather systems pass and the wind is from the south or east. Plan your trip carefully and it will be the ski tour of a lifetime. Get it wrong and you can enjoy the ambience of the Cook Saddle Café and Saloon in the Fox township.
“The hut (Robrosa) is located in a high cirque protecting the valley from wind.” 2nd Gear: Black Peak Hut, 1,750m The going is a little less technical if you step back from the Main Divide onto the eastern side of the Southern Alps. Black Peak (2,289m) in the Matukituki Valley near Wanaka represents a ski touring location with ‘big mountain attitude’ but without the need for ice axe and crampons. Black Peak Hut, on the south face of Black Peak, is located on private land and is owned by Aspiring Guides. The terrain at Black Peak offers sheltered valleys
and a wide variety of aspects; you can almost always find good snow somewhere. There’s also some of the steepest skiing and riding in the Southern Lakes, so if you want to step up your backcountry skiing or riding to the next level, this is the mountain for you! Strong backcountry touring and avalanche awareness skills are essential on Black Peak. Access to the hut needs to be booked through Aspiring Guides who offer professionally guided multi-day trips staying at Black Peak Hut as well as residential backcountry avalanche courses for advanced skiers and boarders.
3rd Gear: Robrosa Hut, 1,750m Now you are really cruising, with long distances and easy-going accessible terrain. Located on the east side of the Cardrona Valley, Robrosa Hut is the only private hut in New Zealand where you can easily ski in and ski out all winter. At 1,750m it is higher than any ski area base lodge, which means reliable snow from July to October. The road leading to the Snow Farm cross country ski area is the key. This maintained access road lets you drive to over 1,500m above sea level, well above the snow line. For experienced ski tourers, it is about five hours of gentle uphill to get to the Robrosa Hut. The hut is located in a high cirque protecting the valley from wind, and the combination of shelter, south aspect and altitude make this a winter snow paradise. For beginners, the hut is located next to a frozen lake which provides the perfect place to make those first steps on touring skis. For experts, look no further than the obvious steep narrow couloirs staring you in the face when you arrive at the hut. Access to the hut is largely free of avalanche danger, making it possible to ski in and out in less than favourable conditions - an unusual bonus for New Zealand. But don’t underestimate the weather; these mountains are high and if you get caught out without good navigation skills you can end up lost in a very white world. There are actually two huts sleeping four to six people each. Either or both huts can be rented privately, meaning you don’t have to worry about sleeping next to a snoring stranger. For people with a tight schedule or even for a non-skiing high-altitude birthday party with a view, the helicopter access is easy (and short) from Wanaka airport. If you are nervous about pushing your limits, a guided option may be what you are looking for. There are trips for everyone from first-time beginners to skiers looking for steep and deep.
Useful Resources alpineguides.co.nz doc.govt.nz - Westland
snowfarmnz.com alpineheli.co.nz
Robrosa Hut
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Fresh Tracks - Powder Bowl By Amanda Power
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he Craigieburn Range accesses a plethora of slackcountry runs and with a number of ski areas dotted along the range, access to these areas can be almost ridiculously easy. Porters has slackcountry on the back of all of its faces, some requiring hiking and touring while other runs can take you right back to the ski area access road. Crystal Valley is probably one of the more popular slackcountry valleys accessed from Porters. But in the future this valley will become part of the greater Porters ski area with the proposed development of a gondola. At the top of T-3 there are a few south facing lines directly off the back side, all which require a decent hike out, but if you traverse along the ridgeline across the top of Big Mama (Blue Hill) you will find a wide-open valley, aptly named Powder Bowl. You can drop in anywhere along the Big Mama Ridge or elsewhere along the ridgeline of the bowl. Powder Bowl holds the snow really well and if you have touring gear it’s possible to spend a whole day in there. In a really good snow year you can traverse skiers left at the bottom of the bowl and ski right back to the access road, otherwise it’s a hike or skin back up to the ski area.
“The fall line of Ridge Run is convex in places offering a whole different sensation of skiing.”
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Another great option from the same ridgeline is to traverse along to the end before it drops down towards Big Mama. Here you will find Sugar Bowl. You can either choose to make a few turns and traverse out skiers left to the knoll on Big Mama and back into the ski area, or if it’s a good snow year, drop down lower and traverse skiers left around to the access road. Sugar Bowl is south facing so a good choice when other faces are sun affected. One of my favourite runs off Porters is the 900 meter vertical Ridge Run. Ridge Run can be accessed directly from Big Mama. The fall line of Ridge Run is convex in places offering a whole different sensation of skiing. Even better, you can leave a car at the bottom and do laps all day. You can also choose to drop down Dome Face to the old Dome café. Dome Face is technically out of bounds but brings you directly back to the ski area. All of these areas are out of bounds and avalanche prone so make sure you check in with ski patrol before heading out, and don’t forget to check back in before heading home. Always travel with a buddy, carry the correct gear (transceiver, shovel and probe) and attend a backcountry course if you haven’t already.
Aoraki/Mt Cook to the West Coast
By Kyle Miller
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s we took off from Mt Cook village the contrast of the ice and tussock caught my eye. It was mid October and our crew of six were flying in a ski plane across Aoraki/Mt Cook, watching glacial waterfalls as they poured down its steep slopes. By the time my ears had adjusted to the sound of the plane’s engine, it dropped us off on the Murchison Glacier for a week’s exploring. On arriving at the six-person hut we put together potential trips for the next few days and got some sleep. On the first day of good weather we made our way to Mt Sydney King, looked down at the Godley Valley then descended to the Cass Glacier and climbed back up to Whataroa Saddle, from where we rode back to the Murchison Hut. It was a great first day. The next day we rode the Tasman Saddle Headwall before heading over Starvation Saddle to the Mannering Glacier and finishing our day with a descent off the sub summit of Mt Cooper back to the hut.
For the next three days the hut was bombarded with 100km/h winds and snow coming in sideways as we read every book in the hut and kept ourselves entertained by playing games and waiting for good weather. When the storm finally broke, three people in our team went back to the village. I decided to stretch my food cache and join the two others for a potential traverse to the West Coast over the next two weeks. Once the helicopter had picked up our friends, Christina, Peter and I decided to move to the Kelman Hut, but only after a quick lap on the Mannering Glacier and once again descending Mt Cooper back onto the Murchison. By the time we made it up to the hut and unloaded our gear the sun was starting to set so we climbed to the Hochstetter Dome and took in the alpenglow before making turns back towards the hut.
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“Minutes turned to hours then to days as we read books, drank coffee and played games.” When the storm broke we rode down the Tasman Glacier to De La Beche corner and boot packed on moraine until we found snow where we could start skinning up the Rudolph Glacier. We were decently intimidated as we made our way to the crux of the trip. We climbed around the icefall of the Rudolph on a hairraising sidehill with firm 50 degree slopes then got back onto the glacier and walked through a chasm of seracs towards Graham Saddle.
We were happy to stretch our legs. Another storm was approaching, and it pinned us down for the next three days. Minutes turned to hours then to days as we read books, drank coffee and played games to keep our sanity until the storm finally broke. Leaving the Kelman Hut with the next day’s rising sun, we rode down 1,200m of low angled powder then made our way up the Hochstetter Dome and found powder for our first lap, slushy snow for the second lap, and then called it a day.
The winds picked up as we arrived at the saddle, ripping over from the West Coast, which made transitioning a challenge but we hunkered down and descended onto the Franz Joseph Glacier. There was a sense of calm as we arrived at the Centennial Hut and celebrated passing the crux. But it was cut short when the radio warned of a nasty front hitting the South Island for the next three days. With only one day of good weather we knew it was time to get out. Christina and Peter had a plane to catch back to North America and I had plans to head to the North Island to spend time on Mt Ruapehu.
The next day we rode down the Tasman Glacier to the Darwin Glacier and climbed to the sub summit of Mt Hamilton before riding down to the base of the Bonney Glacier where we triggered a remote slab fracture and decided to turn back. Once back on the Tasman Glacier we made a side trip up Darwin Shoulder, getting an additional run in the corn. We were pinned down again by a storm the following day and decided to head towards the West Coast the day after that.
On our final day on the Glacier we watched the sunrise from our balcony before skinning over West Hoe Pass and descending the Fox Glacier beside seracs. When we climbed a side moraine onto solid ground, the sights and sounds of dry land were almost overpowering — it had been more than two weeks since we had smelled tussock and heard the distant call of a kea. In the Chancellor Hut that final night we ate the last of our food and reminisced about our adventure.
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We choppered to Fox township the next day and dropped off our gear at the NZAC house. Tourists stared in disbelief as we chatted with the locals telling of our adventure and the conditions up high. In the end we spent 18 days in the alpine. If it wasn’t for the amazing hut system and respect for the weather, this trip could have easily turned into a disaster. But in the end it became the accidental highlight of my season. In a country full of breathtaking landscape, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Westland National Parks are places that any and every ski tourer must experience at least once if they make their way to the South Island of New Zealand. 87.
Speed Riding DownUnder By Christoph Doerfel
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new winter sport with a growing worldwide following, speed riding combines elements of free skiing and paragliding for the ultimate downhill thrill. It achieves faster speeds than skiing alone and allows the rider to proximity fly and ski the mountain terrain on a fabric wing similar to that of a paraglider or skydiver. The fusion of skiing and flying allows riders to hurtle down slopes at speeds of up to 150kph, flying through the air and carving up the powder in turns. Hardcore riders hire helicopters to drop them on mountain tops that would otherwise take days to reach, and then ride out in a matter of minutes.
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Palmer Lodge. P: spinifexn
In the last decade wings have been getting smaller and the control needed to take off and land has become more precise. These small speed wings are being used at ski areas and backcountry areas all over the world. Speed wings are used for both speed flying and speed riding, and vary in size. Smaller ones are easier to ski around with and are around 8-11m2; larger ones for flying are around 1315m2. The size of a normal paraglider is over 20m2.
“Many good skiers can pick up the riding under canopy quite easily.� Since the first official speed riding competition was held in France in 2007, free skiers, skydivers, base jumpers and paragliders have flocked to the sport. It is estimated that there are more than 10,000 riders worldwide. For anyone who wants to speed across the snow and soar through the air, the speed riding experience is a must. Along with the dizzying speeds riders can achieve, there is almost no limit to the elevations that can be conquered. In 2008 Francois Bon launched from the 6,960m pinnacle of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere, famously riding the 3,000m south face in just under five minutes. Every snowy mountain on earth is now a target for keen riders. Like any adventure sport, learning the ropes from an experienced professional with the right gear and the right training is essential. Equipment such as specially designed speed wings, helmets, body armour and an avalanche beacon are vital, and rides should be undertaken under the guidance of a professional trainer having thorough knowledge of the conditions and hazards of the ski field. Over the last three years Australia and New Zealand have caught up with the sport’s increasing popularity in France, Switzerland, Austria and Norway. Christoph Doerfel and Asher Zalchendler, the founding partners of SkiandFly.com, are facilitating the development of speed riding in Australia and New Zealand but are also running International Progression Camps during the European winter season. Their speed riding camps cater for beginners through to advanced skiers and flyers with or without paragliding and skydiving backgrounds. Camps are held in relaxed and comfortable surroundings with a community living style that guarantees an exciting, supportive experience for beginners and intermediate flyers alike.
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For those keen to add another dimension to their skiing adventures, SkiandFly will host an Entry Level Speed Riding Camp at Broken River Ski Area in New Zealand at the end of August.
skiandfly.com
Asher said: “Most people who are getting started with speed riding come from either a skiing, skydiving or paragliding background. As a hybrid sport it requires a combination of skills. Many good skiers can pick up riding under a canopy quite easily, while paragliders or skydivers are usually more comfortable in the air and therefore need more training on the ground. We can get any intermediate skier flying, but those who are great skiers will have a head start.” With a variety of slopes and highly experienced riders on hand, safe progress and lots of high velocity downhill is assured.
with their local speed riding community, offering designated areas to practice. These areas are shared with other skiers and winter sport enthusiasts. All Advanced Camps require relevant paragliding or speed riding licences and high-level skiing ability as well as experience and confidence with speed wings.
Useful Resources skiandfly.com Facebook - KingOfSpeedBoogie
Intermediate Camps are available for those with some speed riding experience who are looking to take their skills to the next level. Broken River and Temple Basin are the most accessible and diverse places to speed ride in New Zealand. Porters and Olympus allow speed riding outside ski area boundaries. There is an almost endless amount of backcountry to fly and ride, but as the risk increases participants need to mitigate risk by being licensed paragliders, and having adequate mountain knowledge and skiing ability. The equipment detail becomes as important as in any backcountry access. Proper preparation and self assessment is a real priority. Some places in New Zealand and overseas have banned speed riding at ski areas due to accidents involving inexperienced riders, unsuitable conditions and poor equipment. Asher said: “Nowadays we have much safer wings that are easier to ski and safer to fly, access to information on where to fly and proper training.” There is a safe and progressive way to experience this sport. SkiandFly not only hopes to educate responsible speed riders through their training and Progression Camps, but also aims to change the image of the sport amongst Southern Hemisphere ski area operators and users. Many countries overseas have great relationships 89.
Throw & Tell - Disc Golf By Kenzie Morris
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isc golf is the après-ski activity which involves more than simply a drink or a joystick. This activity covers the interval between boots leaving your feet and sitting in a bar. It requires skill, talent, practice and a chilled perspective … much like the game of golf minus the dress code, metal rods, course fees and drink carts. Well, actually, drink carts would be a huge plus. The game of disc golf is an activity that anyone can enjoy. The only cost is the discs which range from $20 to $40, and in most locations shoes and shirts are optional. The game consists of 18 holes including starting tees and targets. Between the tee and target are a variety of obstacles including forests, rivers, ponds, dirt, paths, rocks, lawn and sand. Scorekeeping is similar to golf in a set course par and the number of throws count towards your final score. Disc golf involves precision but is still laid-back and in time everyone can bring a little competition to the table. What makes this different from your typical team frisbee ‘catch and throw’ game is the individuality of the sport: you can play alone or with as many friends as you like. The precision and skill elements of disc golf—the accuracy of throws and putts—also bring a constant challenge to the game. This creates the opportunity to continue the fun with your mates after challenging each other on the mountain, and possibly even a comeback with a victory after a few yard sales and missed grabs.
“You can play alone or with as many friends as you like!”
Disc golf locations are sprouting up everywhere from Wanaka to Christchurch, all with varying levels of difficulty. In the Otago region two courses stand out as prime après-ski destinations. Similar to how the Cheeseman ski area pairs well to beginner and intermediate skiers with a great open field and mellow terrain, the chilled vibe of the Wanaka course is an open lawn with great learning terrain for the new disc golfer. One can work on new skills here or perfect the old ones, or challenge mates for the lowest score. This course is predominantly open, with four short holes amongst the trees and obstacles adding a new level of difficulty. Similar to how skiers love Mt Olympus and Temple Basin ski areas for their difficult and challenging terrain, disc golfers seeking a challenge will like the Queenstown course. There are tighter trees and more accuracy is required to navigate the variable terrain. Beginners can play this course and still enjoy themselves but the learning curve is much steeper. The most difficult aspect on the Queenstown course is the downward slanting hill on the first three holes and the breezy location which propels some discs towards Lake Wakatipu. This could mean a quick swim is required to retrieve your equipment. Overall, Queenstown is good fun and a great course design makes it a prime après-ski disc golf destination. Disc golf as a sport is also hitting the scene in New Zealand. There are unofficial obstacle courses using trees and rocks as targets, and you can even create your own if inspired to do so. Although the sport has a laid-back feel, it does not come without rules. There is even an official website citing all the ins-and-outs of the legacy. The PDGA—yes, the Professional Disc Golf Association—is a great reference to learn about rules, different types of discs and how to throw a proper drive. There is even a local page for New Zealand with some useful information and explanations of different course locations. This page explains each course and has printable scorecards available with hole descriptions for those without established tees and targets.
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Much like the variety of skis and boards available today, from powder to race and all-mountain, the differences in drivers and putters and even mid-range discs seem to become more offputting the more you learn. Drivers, like race skis, are for long range distance with speed. Some will fly more straight and some will curve creating the desired “S” shape while flying through the air. Like allmountain skis designed for most conditions, mid-range discs provide a great all-in-one disc for most players, while other discs provide a great floaty straight shot, similar to a powder ski. For more information speak to your local disc stockist. More opportunities are also popping up for friendly community competition. Poster boards on established courses show weekly competitions with buy-ins and winner takes all. There are even some larger annual competitions, open to everyone, playing for a small trophy and bragging rights. With this casual atmosphere, if you are eager enough you can always create your own by simply posting a date and other local enthusiasts will join up. Disc golf is a great way to stretch out your ski legs after a great day on the slopes or is an option for down days when the weather closes the mountain. Although nothing can compare to the rush of sliding down a mountain on wooden planks, watching a beautiful drive disappear into the sunset and land next to a basket of metal has a great feeling in itself and can be just as fun with a good crew.
Jargon Birdie: Scoring 1 point below par Bogie: Scoring 1 point above par Mulligan: A redo shot (relaxed rules will often allow one Mulligan per game) “S” Curve: When the disc creates an “S” shape whilst flying through the air Nut Sack: Bag of discs, only worn by the hard-out of hard-outs Object Course: A course designed with targets as natural objects
Locations Queenstown: (Difficulty: medium-hard) On the waterfront in the park adjacent to downtown. First hole starts just past the gazebo. Wanaka: (Difficulty: easy–medium) Lismore Park, Beaumont Street. Start behind Urban Grind and lead up to first hole on the top of the hill by the bike park. Twizel: Object Course (Difficulty: easy–medium) The lawn parallel to the main State Highway 8 by town centre.
Useful Resources pdga.com – Official rules, memberships, information. discgolf.co.nz – Local competitions, courses and locations, plus disc information. 91.
Elliot Smith
Charlie Lyons, Remarkables, Craigieburn
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Mark Bridgwater & Cam McDermott, Craigieburn
Charlie Lyons, Remarkables, Craigieburn
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Spring Skiing in the USA By Amanda Power
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tah is the legendary land of cowboys and powder, and was the destination for Thomas Cloudesley and I last March. As Murphy’s Law would have it, the States were having one the leanest seasons on record, but we were lucky enough to arrive after a couple of days of fresh snow and, as we say in New Zealand, any skiing is good skiing. We arrived in Salt Lake City, and (with Anna Keeling and Scott Simper, who do back-to-back winters between the USA and New Zealand) stayed close to the local ski areas. It usually takes a couple of days to acclimatise to the altitude and shake off the jet lag but we didn’t suffer too badly and were on our skis the day after we arrived. If you can’t have waist deep powder you might as well have bluebird days, right? Well, that pretty much summarises our trip. Based out of Salt Lake City we skied four days straight, before taking off on a Western-style roadie covering four states. This is how it went down. Alta Ski Area, Utah: North Americans like to do it big—big cars, big houses, big burgers and big ski resorts. For
Thomas Cloudesley
the ’50-cent mixture’ that cost US$77 (lift pass). We got every type of snow condition in one bag: a mix of 30cm pow, dry packed pow, moguls, a little yellow snow, mashed potatoes, and at 3:00pm the snow set up and we finished the day with clatter. My favourite run of the day reminded me of the Snake Pit at Temple Basin, except it was a snake pit through trees. Beaver Mountain, Utah: On our fourth day of skiing we bid our hosts at Salt Lake goodbye and headed north to Beaver. This mountain was like taking a bit of a time warp; people of all ages and sizes were donning the full range of ski fashions from all decades. A family-operated mountain, it had the feel of a club ski area and I got served up the best tuna steak sandwich of my life. The temps were
little-old Kiwis from Canterbury, Alta seemed massive and a little overwhelming for a first day. Luckily, this is one of Scott’s local resorts and he showed us around. We managed to find some freshies in the trees and some steep lines, and with bluebird skies we had a pretty epic start to our trip. Brighton Resort, Utah: On our second day we took the plunge and drove ourselves on the wrong side of the road up to Brighton. Another big resort, Brighton backs onto Solitude, our next day’s destination. We had fantastic views of the surrounding mountains with another perfect bluebird day and great dry powder tree skiing.
“I got served up the best tuna steak sandwich of my life.” Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah: We spent two days at Solitude because it was so much fun. We called Solitude 94.
warming up and the snow was softening, but the shade of the trees held some untracked snow and we got in some good turns. Jackson Hole, Wyoming: We stayed in Logan for a night before heading north to Wyoming and up to Jackson Hole. I’d heard a lot about Jackson Hole, that not only was it epic in terrain but also that it was epically expensive. But the money was definitely well spent and we ended up skiing there for three days. Jackson Hole was by far my favourite resort of our trip. There was so much to explore and the steep tree skiing was spectacular, even without deep pow. The snow conditions were similar to New Zealand spring skiing, with firm in the morning and softening in the afternoon. The area is so vast that you can find yourself skiing a 1,000m vertical double black diamond tree run without a soul in sight. Jackson township (about 20 minutes from the ski area) was the full-on cowboy country scene. Walking down the main street you could honestly visualise a gang of cowboys riding into town, heading into the saloon through the swing doors which are still swinging. We met a bunch of interesting characters during our time in Jackson and highly recommend it as a ‘yee-ha’ cowboy destination. Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming: After skiing at Jackson Hole we travelled up to Driggs in Idaho, a smaller town
for breakfast before, and don’t think I ever will again, but Justin and his crew were great fun and they took us to some great secret spots up at Grand Targhee. After eight straight days of skiing we were getting a bit tired, so we called it a half day and headed north to West Yellowstone.
Big Sky Resort, Montana: Unfortunately, Big Sky was looking a little more like ‘cookies and cream’ than anywhere else we had skied, but the massive scale of the mountain made up for the snow quality. It took half a day just to get from one side of the ski area to the other. We cAugustht up with patrollers Doug (BR) and Irene (Porters) and spent a night in their condo. We had another half day at Big Sky and found some great steep chutes before heading back down to Jackson. After three more days at Jackson and more steep skiing we headed back to Utah, staying in Kemmerer for the night. Snowbird Resort, Utah: On our way back to Salt Lake we stopped at Snowbird, a family friendly resort with some big open runs and magnificent views of Salt Lake. In total we managed to ski 15 days at eight different ski areas and travelled through four states. And even if we didn’t get 15 days of powder, the skiing was amazing by New Zealand standards and we were satisfactorily exhausted by the end of it.
Here are a few tips if you heading over:
and somewhat more ‘hick’ than Jackson. Again, we met some crazy characters at the local saloon and ended up having breakfast the next day with Justin, a professional duck/anything hunter. I can’t say I’ve ever had duck tartare
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Carry cash for tipping.
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Take care when driving of the left side of road and watch out for wildlife.
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Be ready to embrace Western music.
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Talk to the locals for good tips on lodgings and restaurants.
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There are plenty of second hand shops in Salt Lake City to top up your gear requirements. 95.
Icefall Lodge - British Colombia By Margot Bohanon and Ben Savill
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fter four weeks ski touring in British Colombia around Rogers Pass and Nelson on an EQC repair holiday in 2013–14 we had the intel for a return trip and we knew exactly what we wanted for the following year: ski touring big uncrowded mountains, deep snow and long runs. The answer? Backcountry lodges in BC. There are many backcountry ski touring huts in Canada. Not all are created the same. Some are older, some are newer. Many are available only fully guided and catered, while some allow self-guided groups, which was what we were after. The one common thing they all offer is the dream of untracked, light powder snow and a lack of crowds. Icefall Lodge stood out due to its remote location, situated in a rugged corner of the Rockies 70 km north of Golden, BC. Access is only possible by helicopter. You will not see or hear anybody else during your visit; no helicopters, no snowmobiles, just the ski tour group that you fly in with. Situated on the western side of the divide, the high peaks to the east provide the lifting that results in huge snowfalls and a deep, reliable snowpack. Icefall Lodge is a 30-minute helicopter ride from the Trans-Canada Highway, and is located at an elevation of about 1,950m on a knoll surrounded by 400m tree runs. Within a day’s trip there are 3,000m peaks, no less than seven named glaciers (and several that are unnamed), runs that drop 1,200m or more all the way to valley floor,
and two other satellite lodges. To sum it up, Icefall Lodge’s distinguishing feature is that it offers insane alpine terrain in a setting where you can be unguided. Hitching a ride from Golden to the helicopter staging area with the Icefall Lodge owner and mountain guide, Larry Dolecki (who has guided in NZ), we got the low-down on the set-up and snow conditions, and the group we would be sharing the Lodge with for the next week. The Lodge sleeps 18 and we were just a party of two. Fortunately the rest of the group was an experienced party from Seattle. Everything is flown in and out on a weekly roster—food, gear and rubbish. Taking off into a storm at sunrise after the helicopter has been de-iced added to the excitement of flying through the Rockies. At times the pilot dropped low into valleys to navigate through limited visibility. Popping out of the cloud we cAugustht our first glimpse of the Lodge at the treeline and the snow laden landing pad right in front. Being the first group to fly up we had the advantage of scoping out the Lodge and talking with the group flying out about snow conditions. Bad weather had hindered them from touring far from the Lodge into the alpine, but with snow over the last two days and an improving forecast, it looked like we were going to score an epic week. One look at Icefall Lodge’s run map is guaranteed to blow your mind. It shows all the potential lines in the area; the scale and possibilities beggar the imagination. Simply put, Icefall’s terrain is huge. Enormous. Gargantuan. There are skiable aspects on all points of the compass. There are huge open faces, tight couloirs, fluted spines, and light powdery faces next to glistening blue-iced seracs. There are tree shoots further than the eye can see—again, on all manner of aspects. Frankly, the only knock against the terrain is that there are almost too many choices; where do we begin? There is a large amount of terrain in close proximity to Icefall Lodge. It was possible to start the day with a mellow descent down a gladed tree run, or a two-hour skin up Espresso Ridge offering a range of tree and alpine lines back to the Lodge. Many of the alpine objectives have longish approaches and extensive glaciation and a whole day could be spent just touring, navigating and negotiating the terrain rather than putting in ski laps.
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We split up into small groups to tackle different objectives, staying in touch throughout the day via hut radios so we could report on snow conditions, stability and safety. This communication proved invaluable when one of our party broke his pelvis and we had to coordinate a self-rescue response before the heli-evac arrived. The Icefall package included all meals prepared by a chef and, much like clubbies, guests pitch in with clean up. The standard day was breakfast before sun-up, make a packed lunch for the day and out the door at first light. We were outside touring all day and back to Lodge by 4:00pm, as sundown was 4:30pm; first group back was in charge of firing up the sauna wood burner for the evening sweat session and debrief.
“You won’t see or hear anybody else during your visit.” We dealt with a standard snowpack for the region for that time of the year with a persistent weak layer which was being reported as reactive leading up to our trip. We treated this cautiously with slope testing and safe travel. Super cold temperatures after the storm cleared—-20°C at the Lodge for three days and -27 °C in the alpine— meant the skiing was amazing on all aspects. Some alpine aspects were wind affected midweek, making the trees a good option. Fortunately we were treated with fresh, light and dry snow for the last two days and we ended our stay at Icefall very satisfied and primed for our next leg at Snowy Mountain Ski Touring Lodge in the Caribou Mountains. Useful Resources icefall.ca – Icefall Lodge
Espresso Glacier
Espresso Ridge. P: Alex Ford
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Japan Easy By Richard Stalker I travelled to Japan recently with five friends, and came back with good memories and plenty of gusto for more skiing both here in New Zealand and on a return trip to Japan. Our aim for skiing in Japan was to check out something different and get into the seldom-skied offpiste and backcountry of the Alps, all within five hours’ drive from Tokyo. We hooked up with our guide, Iawao, who has worked as a ski patroller at Craigieburn Valley ski area. We travelled in a ten-seater 4WD van and took his advice on where we’d ski, eat and stay. We were spoilt for choice with skiing options, and local knowledge made access to good terrain a huge highlight. All the ski areas on our trip were accessible with easy travel. In Japan, every moderately sized town seems to have a sushi restaurant, a 7-Eleven and a ski area! The first stop was Houdaigi, a local ski area where Iawao grew up. While small by Japanese standards, the seven chairlifts provided plenty of easy access to off-piste, kneedeep powder.
The skiing was amazing and it just kept snowing. The terrain was varied, with some excellent off-piste in open bowls which finished in tree covered valleys. Long gondolas and high speed lifts took us everywhere, yet it still seemed to be undiscovered by anyone except the Japanese. Three days here finished the trip off perfectly, and we returned to Tokyo on the high speed train.
The next day, the nearby Hakkaisan ski resort offered a single ropeway (cable car) to access many untracked slopes just beyond the ski area boundary. This was another resort where westerners were a novelty, and school children would practice their English on us, before running giggling back to their friends!
Aside from the skiing there were a number of highlights. Dining was a serious focus of the trip. The mushrooms looked like they could induce hallucinations, the ginger and sauces made the taste buds tingle and the Wasabi had real kick. The food was wonderfully different; fish was a staple part of our diet, and, while sitting on the floor trying to get the aging legs to stay crossed was a challenge, the flavours were superb.
We stayed in the ski town of Hakuba, where the more mainstream resorts offered big mountain skiing and limitless off-piste. After one backcountry adventure from Cortina, we had to race across snow covered rice fields, ski down the sides of seldom used winter roads, and run in our ski boots to catch the last train back to the ski resort base!
“Hakkaisan ski resort offered a single ropeway (cable car) to access many untracked slopes.” Our coldest day was at the sprawling resort of Shiga Kogen. Unable to ski off-piste due to the weather, we packed up early and visited the mountain monkeys bathing in their very own hot spring onsen. While it was tempting to put our hands in the water with them to warm up, the number of visible monkey ‘code browns’ quickly put us off. The little village we stayed in at Shiga Kogen was themed, surprisingly, on a French chalet model, with French food to match. After sushi and seaweed everywhere else, it seemed strange to be sitting at a table eating toast, butter and jam. The last resort of Nozawa Onsen had it all. The town was a traditional Japanese town, with character and appeal. 98.
Bathing in Japan is completely different to what we were accustomed to back home. Bathing together (onsen) was not for everyone. Each morning, we would slip on Japanese slippers designed for size 6 feet, take a towel just larger than a flannel and head off to the communal baths. Nakedness with strangers doesn’t come naturally to Kiwis. After a few days, though, washing with a handheld showerhead while sitting on a tiny plastic stool that stuck to your rear end when you stood up became the new normal, and the soak in the baths was essential to soothe the tired muscles. A ski trip to Japan appeals on many levels. With no jet lag (as long as you stay off the Cloudy Bay wine provided by Air New Zealand), Japan provides a place where you can still be a novelty as a Westerner, experience a culture shock and be welcomed by very friendly people. Japan really surprised us. On a rare half day, we visited wild monkeys and later visited the Buddhist temples of Nagano. We skied eight fields on ten days, and accessed great side and backcountry terrain.
Useful Resources snowjapan.com
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Antarctic Dreams into the head of the Fox Glacier I climbed Mt Tasman and skied down the Fritz Range—a very memorable trip. I went down the New Zealand Mountain Guides pathway and did my first course in 2000. Leading up to the course was very intimidating, having never experienced a twoweek long guiding course. I had also heard that there were two grumpy old assessors running the course, and I was the youngest by about ten years. Anyway, it turned out to be fine. This was the start of many courses and many dream guiding jobs.
By James Hamilton
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s a mountain and ski guide and I spend more time than most exploring the South Island’s high country on skis, and recently I have been working summers in East Antarctica for the Australian government run Antarctic Division as a field trainer and field guide. Winters are spent in New Zealand working somewhere on the snow. I have worked in the ski industry for 20 years since leaving school. My training started as a student on the inAugustural Tai Poutini Polytechnic Ski Patrol course and I haven’t looked back. Working as a ski patroller/road clearer at Broken River in the mid 1990s started a succession of dream jobs. I went and worked at The Remarkables in Queenstown where I was offered the opportunity to go on a work exchange to Colorado, USA. I’ve got very fond memories of Colorado; we were a large ski patrol team of 80 people, treated very well and not worked too hard. When American ski patrollers came to New Zealand for their exchange they were flogged as all ski patrollers are; this is because of the small patrol teams we have in New Zealand. In the late 1990s I spent my summers guiding on the advancing Fox Glacier, which was a very interesting time for tourism in New Zealand and the West Coast. The growth in tourism from the mid 1990s to the early 2000s was incredible, as was the constantly changing glacier environment. Guiding on the Coast—with the help of empty seats in the helicopters operating in the area and flexible bosses— gave me the time to explore the upper reaches of the Fox and Franz neves by ski and foot. The first time I went
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Some of the most memorable guiding jobs were away from New Zealand, in places like Canada, Iceland and Japan. Canada had the great deep snow which is legendary, with fantastic backcountry lodges in BC where I guided backcountry ski tour clients. Iceland was a summer gig and consisted of taking people up the country’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnjúkur, eight people at a time on glaciated terrain, and for three months coming back ‘home’ each night to a tent. But the New Zealand guiding jobs were just as memorable, like bivvying out on top of Aoraki/Mt Cook or ten days of epic skiing in the Murchison Glacier with clients that could actually ski! The last five years have been spent between Antarctica and winter work back in New Zealand. In 2013 I managed Mt Olympus, for something different. I really enjoyed getting back to grass roots skiing in Canterbury. The lodge is brand new and they have a great formula to get people to stay for the ski weeks: the place has very good skiing, passionate members and après skiing to die for. Working in the Antarctic as a Field Training Officer (FTO) we are responsible for the planning, scheduling and delivery of Antarctic field training. FTOs lead and provide support to scientific and operational groups working in the field. Field safety and the development of station search and rescue capabilities are also important parts of the role. You spend long periods of time teaching a wide range of field travel and survival skills to fellow expeditioners, many of whom have little or no experience in snow and ice. The main attraction of Antarctica is working in the field with diverse groups of people, seeing all sorts of different wildlife and different landscapes.
Last summer I spent a very rewarding three weeks over the New Year period as a field guide for a Chinese team of geologists who were conducting field work in a very remote part of the frozen continent, the Prince Charles mountains. These mountains are 470 nautical miles away from the base, Davis Station, where there is a summer population of 90 expeditioners, reducing to 20 over the winter. The group spoke little English, they loved noodles (186 packets), carried 700 kilos of rock samples and walked over 180 kilometres. They were genuine scientists with a great work ethic, not to mention their impressive noodle eating skills. I also spent two weeks on the icebreaker Aurora Australis on transit to Davis Station, and three weeks on the way back to Hobart. The novelty wears off after half a day of being rolled around on the Southern Ocean but once you get closer to the continent and arrive on the pack ice the wildlife is extraordinary. That’s where the real work begins.
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Photo Competition Winners Winner Mountain: Elliot Smith
Winner Snowboarder: Tim Joll
Treble Cone.
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Winner Lifestyle: Amber Coubrough
Mount Dobson.
Winner Skier: Elliot Smith
Honours: Lindsay Tallott
Capture the essence of CHILL in the mountains and WIN. The 2014 winners get a $50 CHILL Pass Voucher and CHILL T-shirt. To enter this season, email hq@chillout.co.nz with your photos. The categories are Mountain, Lifestyle, Skier and Snowboarder. 103.
Rulers of the Snow Comp Winners Winner: Kohei Iguchi
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Honours: Anna McIntosh
Honours: Luke Cumberworth
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Wizards of the
Snow Snowed in? Doodling isn’t just for kids. Get your creative juices flowing and show us who has the magic on the snow. Send us (hq@chillout.co.nz) a copy or photo of your masterpieces and we’ll put you in the draw for a 2016 Licence to Chill Pass!
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NEW GEAR 2015
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1 UTAG PERSONAL ID DEVICE
When you can’t speak for yourself UTAG can. It provides vital medical information to medics and emergency services. Designed to be worn as a wristband or dogtag great as a keyring. RRP: $49.95 www.utag.co.nz 108.
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BCA TRACKER3
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K2 PNNACLE 105 SKI
Tracker’s legendary ease-of-use in a smaller package. The Tracker3™ has Tracker2’s renowned ease of use and instantaneous realtime display – and it’s 20 percent smaller and lighter.
A freeride ski that is light enough for touring without sacrificing any stability or power on hard charging descents. This is the perfect ski to rip though crud, float in powder and carve the chalky wind pack. 137/105/121.
RRP: $699.99
RRP: $1199.99
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CHALKYDIGITS WOMEN’S HENNA TOP & FESTIVAL PONCHO
A cute winter combo to keep you cosy! Our Henna Top has striking printed arm detail making it a beautiful layer piece underneath our warm Festival Poncho. RRP (Top): $139 RRP (Poncho): $149 chalkydigits.co.nz
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CHALKYDIGITS MEN’S GEOTECH WOOL JUMPER
A geometric designed jumper made from the cosiest of wool blends, this jumper comes in two colour combos and adds a bit of funky grandpa style to your winter wardrobe. RRP: $239 chalkydigits.co.nz
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FISCHER RANGER 98TI WITH ATTACK 13 BINDING
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Carbon Nose, milled AirTecTi core & Aeroshape construction make for the lightest ski in its category. Added stability, reduced swing weight in the rocker tip, and camber underfoot means you can tackle any conditions. wwv132/98/122mm
SMITH I/O 7 WITH 2 LENSES
RRP: $1,499
RRP: $369.99
From the pioneers of the first rimless interchangeable goggles, Smith present the next level in rimless interchangeability with the I/O 7, the ultimate in minimalist performance.
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SMITH VANTAGE
Built for the hardcore, demanding the ultimate in everything. AEROCORE™ construction featuring KoroydŽ simultaneously maximizes full coverage protection and airflow. RRP: $359.99
FRITSCHI VIPEC 12
The only Full Tech Binding with DIN adjustment and toe release Updated for 2015. New toe guides make boot entry a breeze; improved carriage & pin system for better adjustment and problem free skiing .
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PIEPS DSP SPORT
Weight: 980g with brake
The PIEPS DSP SPORT is the dynamic 3 antenna beacon with a big range, ONE single button and the intelligent transmitting system for every situation. An easy to read display, and 50 meter search radius.
RRP: $999
RRP: $599.90
109.
Events Calendar 2015 For all mountain events and for further details on those listed, please visit mountain websites and chillout.co.nz
Broken River June 20 Opening Weekend
Rainbow
Temple Basin
June 27-28 White Star Kick Off the Season Party
July 3 Proposed Rainbow Pre-Opening Day
July 4-5 Opening Weekend
July 4-5 2nd Term First Family Ski Weekend
July 3 Rainbow Free Ride Ski Camp
July 18-19 CUSSC Learners Weekend
July 18-19 Ski Rogaine (Orienteering on skis)
July 4 Proposed Rainbow Opening Day
July 19-20 Surf to Snow
July 25 Family Fun Day
July 26-27 CUSSC Mid-Xmas Party
July 25-26 Dickies Beer & Wine Appreciation Night
July 26 Summit Batty Cup
August 8-9 Fire and Ice Party
August 12 Rainbow Harcourts Inter-Secondary School Champs
August 8-9 CUSSC 80s Weekend
August 22 Rainbow Atomic Masters August 29 Family Fun Day
August 15-16 FIS Kids Weekend August 22-23 Gnomes Freeride Weekend September 5-6 Whitedot Enduro Race
Mt Lyford
September 5-6 CUSSC How’s Your Father Weekend
September 5 Mt Lyford Masters
September 11-13 SplitFest September 19-20 Club Champs and Dinner
Hanmer Springs July 4 Opening Weekend August 1 Family Fun Day August 22 Farmers Cup (with Mt Olympus) August 23 Amuri Club Champs
110.
September 19-20 CUSSC Formal Dinner September 26-27 Surf to Snow October 3-4 Closing Weekend
Mt Dobson September (Date TBC) Dobson Dash
August 1-2 Broken River Powder 8’s & Powder 11’s (Snowboard/MegaFats/Monoski ) August 8 Telemark Week (Including Advanced Skills Course 12-14) August 15-16 Free Heel Fun Weekend August 22-23 BR Club Championships August 29-30 Rider X and After Party August 29-September 6 Speedflyers Camp September 5-6 1st Annual Snow Shovel Downhill Races and Cocktail Slushie Day September 12-13 King of The Hill Enduro Race September 19-20 Kids Weekend September 26-27 Broken River BBQ Bake Off
Mt Cheeseman
Porters
Pre-Season Date TBC Pre-Season Function
25 July Porters Grom Factor
29 June Opening Day
15 August McNulty’s Supercros
1 August Swiss National Day
22 August Winnie Bagoes Community Park Jam
2 August All Schools Race Practice Day
26 August Dynastar/Lange Independent Schools Racing
Date TBC Corporate Day - Accountants & Lawyers 23 August Primary & Intermediate Schools Race Championships Date TBC Corporate Day - Architects & Engineers 5-6 September Club Champs 12 September Cheeseman Undie 500 19 September Pirate Day
Treble Cone
9 September Dynastar/Lange local schools derby 6 September Speight’s Summit Retro Gear & Air 13 September Beck’s Porters Oktoberfest
Hanmer Springs August 8 80’s Day August 15 The Skidoo Race Event August 22 Karl Burtscher Snr Memorial GS August 29 The Chill Gromfest
June 25 Official Treble Cone Opening Day
September 5-6 Dads’ Weekend at Roundhill
July 11–12 Treble Cone Ice Carving Competition
Mt Olympus
July 15 Treble Cone Cat’s Birthday!
August 15 Alpine Curling
TBC Wanaka Tech Series (SL/GS)
August 29 Club Championships
August 22–23 DB Export Banked Slalom
August 22 Farmers Cup
Craigieburn August 14-16 Chill Series Junior Big Mountain
August 29 Treble Cone Ski Masters (Giant Slalom) TBC FIS Series SL (Snow Sports NZ) TBC FIS Series GS (Snow Sports NZ) September 5–6 PUMP Mini Mountain TBC Community FUNdraising Day TBC Interfield Race September 27 Official Closing Day
Ben Young, Chill Jnr Big Mtn. P: Oliver Young
111.
How to Use a Rope Tow T
he rope tow is a lift system that can be a little tricky to master, once you do they’re a quick way skyward. With a few tips and a little perseverance you’ll soon be on your way, just remember, if you’re having trouble ask a local or a staff member.
Springs, Mt Lyford and Roundhill have a rope tow and other lift systems.
If you’re learning to ski and are a little uneasy on your feet it may be best to build up your confidence on other lift systems before tackling the rope tow. For competent skiers and snowboarders it usually takes half a day to get the knack.
1. A harness or a tow belt 2. A nutcracker 3. A glove protector.
Awakino, Temple Basin, Craigieburn, Broken River, Mt Olympus and Fox Peak solely use rope tows. Hanmer
First things first, you need a little bit of kit to ride them, available for purchase at Chill HQ.
The concept is simple, your nutcracker is attached to your harness or belt by a short rope. The nutcracker clamps onto the rope running up the hill and you are pulled up with it.
Here are a few tips on how to ride the tow safely and easily. Prepare by holding the nutcracker in an open position with your hand that’s furthest from the rope if skiing, or with your uphill hand if snowboarding.
1
A nutcracker looks like a large walnut cracker. It has two handles divided by a clamping area and hinge. Once travelling the same speed as the rope (this bit is key), swing the nutcracker under the rope and allow the free handle to loop back towards you. Hold the two handles together from the top (knuckles up) and remove your other hand from the rope.
3
Wearing a glove protector, grab hold of the rope with your free hand. On icy days this can be a little tricky, if you find the rope keeps slipping you can use two hands to get you started or try leaning back on the rope to give you a little more purchase.
2
To get off the rope tow just let the nutcracker’s top handle go and it will unclamp. Once released from the tow, move away from the track.
4
Sam Masters at Craigieburn. Photos: Geoff Browne.
Handy Tips In Emergencies, a trip cord (thin wire) runs alongside the tow, pull it to stop the tow. There is also a trip cord immediately after the dismounting area. The harness/belt should take all your weight. If you are muscling your way up the hill try shortening the rope between your harness and nutcracker. Beware of loose clothing and long hair. 112.
If the nutcracker starts opening in your hands, pull yourself up the rope with your spare hand (watch out for pulleys) to take tension off the nutcracker, readjust, and proceed as normal. The ropes are designed to run on the pulleys, put the rope back on if you see it off a pulley. Keep your hands clear of the pulleys, remember they look scarier than they are and nutcrackers are designed to run through them.
113.
Contacts 2015 Note: 0800 and 0508 numbers are
free to call in NZ. Local callers, drop the +64 and add 0 before the number.
ACCOMMODATION, ACTIVITIES & ESSENTIALS
Christchurch The Commodore Hotel (to Stay)
+64 3 358 8129
Vintage Peddler Bike Hire Co.
+64 3 365 6530
Riccarton Clinic (Medical)
+64 3 343 3661
C4 Coffee
+64 3 366 7370
Mt Lyford Mt Lyford Holiday Homes
+64 3 315 6523
Mt Lyford Lodge (to Eat)
+64 3 315 6446
Methven +64 3 302 9575
Mt Lyford
+64 27 629 8083
Brinkley Resort (to Eat)
0800 161 223
Hanmer Shuttle
+ 64 3 315 7233
The Blue Pub (to Eat)
+64 3 302 8046
Smylies Transport
+64 3 318 4740
The Brown Pub (to Eat)
+64 3 302 8045
The Chain Man Christchurch
+64 3 366 1528
Pinedale Lodge
+64 22 681 7816
+64 3 521 1887
Springfield Smylies Accommodation (to Stay)
+64 3 318 4740
Springfield Service Centre
+64 3 318 4845
Castle Hill Basin Flock Hill Lodge (to Stay & Eat)
+64 3 318 8196
Snowline Lodge Mt Cheeseman
+64 3 318 8794
Arthur’s Pass The Bealey Hotel (to Stay & Eat)
+64 3 318 9277
Ashburton Hotel Ashburton
0800 330 880
Tinwald Motel
0800 846 9253
Speight’s Ale House
+64 3 308 5980
Braided Rivers Restaurant
+64 3 307 2541
The Somerset Grocer
+64 3 307 5899
114.
Snow Shops & Retailers
Christchurch
Fairlie Fairlie Top 10 Holiday Park
0800 324 754
Wander Lodge
+64 21 029 34633
Pinewood Motels
0800 858 599 +64 3 685 8819
Mt Dobson Motel
Chill HQ
+64 3 365 6530
Bivouac Outdoors
+64 3 341 8062
Cheapskates
+64 3 377 2942
Torpedo 7
+64 3 365 2178
Snow & Surf
+64 3 366 7351
Snowride Sports
0800 7669 7433
+64 3 685 6275
Eat Deli & Bar
Tekapo
St Arnaud Nelson Lakes Motels & Travers-Sabine Lodge
Transport
Big Tree Lodge
Run 77 Café
+64 3 680 6910
Tin Plate (Eat)
+64 3 680 6677
Discover Tekapo
+64 3 680 6942
Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort
0800 118 666
Tailor-MadeTekapo Backpackers
+64 3 680 6700
Earth & Sky Observatory (Cafe)
+64 3 680 6960
Hanmer Springs + 64 3 315 7233
Hanmer Adventure
Darfield Gnomes Alpine Sports
+64 3 318 8433
Methven Alpine Sports
+64 3 302 8084
Big Als
+64 3 302 8003
Wanaka Cheapskates
+64 3 443 5548
Backcountry Heli
Omarama Omarama Top 10 Holiday Park
0800 662 726
Wanaka Wanaka Holiday Homes
+64 21 280 0912
Vehicle Hire New Zealand 4WD Hire
0800 929 333
Touchdown Car Rental
0800 736 849
Mighty Campers
0800 422 267
Methven Heliski
+64 3 302 8108
Wilderness Heliski
+64 3 435 1834
Ski the Tasman
+64 3 435 1834
GUIDED TOURS Aspiring Guides - Wanaka
+64 3 443 9422
The Neon PomPom Windwhistle
+64 3 318 6895
Black Diamond Safaris Methven
+64 27 450 8283
Fresh Descents - Timaru
+64 27 8788 746
NEW ZEALAND RECYCLE THIS GUIDE BY PASSING IT ON TO SOMEONE ELSE! WINTER 2015 - ISSUE #10
ISSN 2381-9960 (Print)