Skiing New
Zealand
New Zealand is an island nation located in the SW Pacific Ocean,
comprising a network of islands and some of the most scenic country
to be found anywhere on earth. The two main islands
which make up New Zealand are the South and North islands which
are separated by the Cook Strait. New Zealand is
separated from Australia to the NW by the Tasman Sea. Because
of the varied climate in New Zealand you can find both sub-tropical
areas and snow-packed ski slopes. The north island
has the major cities of Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton. The
south island has Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin. The population
is mainly made up of peoples of European descent and the indigenous
Maori. The capital city is Wellington and Auckland is the
largest city.
The ski season in New Zealand can vary. The South Island
ski season is generally from the first part of June until October
and the North Island from late June to the middle of November. The
skiing and snowboarding areas in New Zealand all offer wonderful
wide slopes and varied terrain – but no tree skiing. There
are approximately 24 ski and boarding areas including local ski
club areas.
The main ski areas and resorts include: Whakapapa, Turoa,
Mt. Lyford, Porter Heights, Mt. Hutt, Mt. Dobson, Roundhill Ski
Area, Ohau Snowfields,Treble Cone, Cardrona, Snow Farm, Snow
Park, Coronet Peak and Remarkables.
Web site: www.newzealand.com
Travel
Information about New Zealand
Ski New Zealand
An essential part of your ski holiday, Ski Insurance will provide
cover for medical expenses and ski injuries including air ambulance
from the slopes if needed. Click
Here for an Instant Quote.
Cardrona
Cardrona resort is located between Wanaka and Queensland on
the South Island. With the highest elevation at 1,670m
it offers a 390m vertical drop, 320 hectares of skiable terrain,
as well as three terrain parks, rails, jumps, and four halfpipes. Skier
levels are 55% intermediate, 25% beginner and 20% advanced. 7
lifts including 3 quads.
Web site: www.cardrona.com
Whakapapa
MT. RUAPEHU (Whakapapa and Turoa)
Mt. Ruapehu has the advantage of two separate ski area occupying
the sides of its mountain and one lift ticket gives you access
to both Whakapapa and Turoa.
Web site: www.mtruapehu.com
Whakapapa Ski Area
Whakapapa is located on the NW slopes of Mount Ruapehu and
Turoa on the SW side. This is regarded as New Zealand’s
largest commercial ski area with plenty of excellent skiing and
boarding for all levels of skier. There are 30 groomed
trails and plenty of off-piste skiing for intermediate and advanced
skiers and boarders. The also have a terrain park
with half pipe and tobogganing and tubing fun for non-skiers. The
area has a ski school, rentals, shops, cafes and lodging close
by.
Web site: www.mtruapehu.com
Whakapapa Mountain Information:
Highest elevation: 2300 m
Base elevation: 1630m
Vertical drop: 675 m
Skiable terrain 550 ha
Lifts: 14 (2 quad chairs, 5 doubles, 4 T-bars, 2 platters, 1
rope tow)
Skier levels: 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced
Turoa Ski Area
Turoa Ski Area is located on the southwest side of the mountain. This
is a great place for families with a good variety of skiing terrain
for all levels. It is also reported to be the highest
ski area in New Zealand. Whakapapa and Turoa both
have separate ski areas for beginners. There is a
terrain park for boarders and freestylers, as well as cafes,
rentals, lessons, shops, and lodging close by.
Web site: www.mtruapehu.com.
Turoa Mountain Information:
Highest elevation: 2,322 m
Base elevation:1,600 m
Vertical drop:722m
Lifts: 9 (2 quad, 2 triple, 2 T-bar, 3 platters)
Skiable terrain:1200 acres approx. (500ha) plus off-piste ski
areas.
Longest run:4km
Skier levels: 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced
|
