Craigieburn Valley

Ski the Big One

Craigieburn Valley Ski Area has achieved a worldwide reputation for its unique and easily-accessed advanced terrain. Here you will find everything from steep narrow chutes to wide open powder bowls, and New Zealand’s only in-bounds skiing below treeline. If you are an advanced or expert rider, then Craigieburn is your holy grail where fresh tracks can be found long after the last snowfall. Craigieburn is not recommended for beginners, although our friendly staff are always at hand to show you the ropes if you are a first timer to the nutcracker.

Craigieburn is also renowned for its numerous backcountry and sidecountry touring opportunities which reveal many untracked basins and chutes, most with an easy traverse or ski tour back to the ski area or access road. Remember there is no Ski Patrol or Avalanche Control, don’t come out here alone. Make sure everyone in your party has an avalanche beacon, shovel, probe and the skills to use them. Check the Backcountry Avalanche Advisory at the Daylodge or Ticket Office before you go and be sure to tell someone where you’re going.

If you need to catch your breath, stop off at Whakamaru Day Lodge beside the top tow. Here you can recharge your batteries on the sunny deck or in the warm lodge and enjoy the breath-taking 300º views of Middle Basin and Hamilton Face.

Facilities

No ski hire
Tow Belts are included for paid lodge guests, otherwise $5 hire with a $20 refundable deposit.
Ski Instruction: Group lesson $25 per hour per person, private lesson $45/hr.
Day Lodge: Whakamaru Lodge is situated beside the top tow supplying fresh coffee, hot and cold food and drinks. Bathroom facilities available.

Accommodation

Fully-catered on-field accommodation at the mountain lodges. Lounge bar in Koroheke Lodge is superb for a relaxing drink after a big day.

Ski Area

Terrain – 55% Intermediate, 45% Advanced Ideal for – Intermediate to expert Tows – 3 rope tows Elevation – 1811m Ski Terrain – over 100ha Vertical – 500m Lift Pass – $70 Adult, $50 NZ Student (with ID), $45 U18 & $35 U13 and 70+ Ski FREE. – No half day rates.

Location and Access

Craigieburn Valley is in the Craigieburn Range, adjacent to Broken River Ski Area – 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 short 5min walk to the ticket office and first lift. Please check the snow phone for road conditions before coming up. All vehicles (2WD and 4WD) carry fitted chains since mountain weather is variable and road conditions can change quickly.