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CHILL multi-mountain pass

CHILL multi-mountain pass

The CHILL pass offers value and flexibility as a specialty snow pass that accesses up to twelve ski areas stretching from Kaikoura in the North, 409km to Lake Tekapo in the South.

The ski areas accessible on the pass include Mt Lyford, Hanmer Springs, Porters, Cheeseman, Broken River, Craigieburn Valley, Temple Basin, Mt Olympus, Fox Peak, Mt Dobson, Roundhill, and Ohau Snow Fields.

Since its inception in 1997, CHILL has grown and expanded over the past eleven years to become internationally renowned for some of the best ski-area accessed back-country skiing and riding in the world. Wide open bowls, spines, chutes, and peaks loaded with untracked powder are regularly available, even days after a snowfall.

The range of terrain offered throughout the CHILL ski areas means that a pass is suitable for any skier or rider of any ability level. From easily accessible learner's slopes to some of the most challenging ski-area accessed back-country terrain available in New Zealand, anyone can challenge themselves as much, or as little as they'd like.

It's the value and flexibility of the licence to CHILL pass that is its strength. With full-season, regional, and mid-week season passes, 3, 5, 7, and 10 day anytime passes, and 30 day consecutive passes available, there is an option for any budget, preference or ability level.

CHILL passes are booked and purchased online, and can then be picked up from one of two CHILL locations - one in Christchurch City, the other in Springfield in the alps - depending on the time of year. A pass-holder then produces their pass at any of the associated mountains, signs in, and is issued with a lift ticket for that day.

For 2009, there are several package options available through Maui, Britz, and Backpacker campervan rentals that are inclusive of CHILL pass access. Organise your South Island NZ snow travel now, with the flexibility of choosing where you ski while on the road!

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Playground of the Gods

Mt Olympus is set deep in the Ryton Valley, 45km from Windwhistle. It's back-country setting gives it a real "middle of nowhere" feel.  The ski area is a wide open, south facing bowl which captures some of the best southerly powder snow in Canterbury. 

Mt Olympus is located in the Ryton Valley, the Rakaia River side of the Craigieburn Range - 128km (1.5hrs) from Christchurch.  From SH 72, or a town called Windwistle, turn off towards Lake Ida and follow Mt Olympus signs from there.  The final part of the access road is one-way! so stop at the bottom hut and call ahead for road clearance.

Ski the Big One

Craigieburn Valley Ski Area has achieved a worldwide reputation for its advanced skiing & snowboarding terrain. There are narrow chutes and wide open powder bowls, including the infamous 600m vertical descent of Middle Basin.

Craigieburn Valley is located in the Craigieburn Range, adjacent to Broken River - 110km (1.5hrs) from Christchurch on SH 73.  Turn off is 500m after the Broken River turn off.  The 6km access road is unsealed and winds gently through scenic beech forest.  From the carpark there is a 5min walk to the first lift.  Please check the snow phone for road conditions before coming up.

 

Ski & Snowboard - Hike

Broken River Ski Area accesses two fantastic, large powder bowls - Broken River Basin & Allan's Basin. They are well sheltered from the wind, hold plenty of snow, and are regularly topped up by Broken River's snow making machine, the prevailing wind.

Broken River is located 90mins from Christchurch along State Highway 73. From the ski area car park, there is a 15-20 minute walk to the accommodation lodges through native beech forest. Your gear is transported in the goods lift, check the website as it will soon carry passengers. From the lodges you carry your ski gear 5-10 minutes up to the first tow - a good warm up. 

Cool Ski Hot Swim 

Hanmer Springs is a friendly, fun and spacious ski area.  From the top of the Poma lift there are great views of the surrounding mountains and if you ski down the back run you can see the distant peaks of the Nelson Lakes National Park.

Hanmer Springs ski area is around 2-2.5 hrs from Christchurch.  From the Hanmer Springs village, take the Clarence Valley Road up over Jack's Pass, turn left when you get to the river and in another few minutes you come to St James Station.  Turn left up the ski road; check the snow report for a report on the road's condition.  A Shuttle runs daily from Hanmer Springs Village.

Friendly family fun affordable alpine adventures

Mt Cheeseman is situated 90 minutes drive west of Christchurch. It is a sunny North-east basin with open rolling terrain. Great beginner and intermediate slopes make Mt Cheeseman perfect for learners and families. Great prices, user friendly facilities and a new day lodge make the ski area fun, accessible and enjoyable. There is a drop-off zone beside the first T-bar and the car park is just a few metres below.

Mt Cheeseman is located in the Craigieburn Range, 99km (90 minutes) west of Christchurch on SH 73, with the access road 2km west of Castle Hill Village. A 12km unsealed access road takes you right to the tows. Caution snow and ice may exist. Follow all road signs, and please check snow report for road conditions prior to travelling.

IT'S DIFFERENT - everyday

Fox Peak is the highest point of the Large Two Thumbs Range, north west from Timaru.  The views you experience from the field reach to the Pacific Ocean, Timaru and Banks Peninsula.  They are simply awesome!  An exhilarating 3?4 hr walk from the top of the tows to the Peak gives you fantastic panoramas with the Southern Alps and Mt Cook. The bonus is an incredible ride back to the ski area. 

Fox Peak is nearest to Fairlie  SW from Christchurch near the highway to Mt Cook and Queenstown.

Great Boarder & Skier Terrain!
Porter Heights is one giant terrain park! We have tons of hits and bumps, and wide open pistes for carving too!
Porter Heights is the closest ski are to Christchurch, only 96km from Christchurch International Airport.

The access road is short and easy and chains are seldom required.

Nestled in the alpine range above the town of Fairlie is Mount Dobson Ski Area. Dobson boasts all day sunshine, and prides itself on offering a fun skiing and snowboarding experience for everyone.

Just off the Christchurch/Queenstown highway, 11km west of Fairlie and 18km East from Lake Tekapo, Mt Dobson is easily accessible and boasts one of the best access roads in the country.

For Mum, Dad & the Kids

Roundhill Ski Area is situated directly above Lake Tekapo  and offers spectacular views of Mount Cook and the surrounding MacKenzie basin. This provides the perfect setting for a relaxing day skiing or snowboarding on the gentle, undulating slopes.

Roundhill is located around the North Eastern side of Lake Tekapo, around 30 minutes from Tekapo village. Travelling time is approximately three hours from Christchurch or Queenstown, or an hour and a half from Timaru.

New Zealand's Sunniest Snow Resort

Mt Lyford Alpine Resort is situated 140km north of Christchurch. The resort is considered New Zealand's first true alpine development, ideal for recreation and leisure. It's an excellent place to ski or ride, and has a wide range of terrain and facilities for all abilities.

1hr 40mins North of Christchurch (140km), 45mins from Hanmer Springs and 45mins from Kaikoura on State Highway 72. Chains should always be carried.

Maui & Britz Campervans and Cars
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Top New Zealand Holiday Destinations for Skiing and Snowboarding:
Mt Ruapehu, Canterbury, Wanaka, Queenstown, CHILL multi-mountain pass
Skiwi also has a great range of Rental Cars and Rental Campervans for hire.
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