Mt Olympus

Take a walk off the beaten track and you may not want to return. Mt Olympus is tucked away in a wide south facing powder bowl. The southerly aspect means that Mt Olympus traps more light powder than other nearby ski areas. Its powder bowl caters for all abilities with an easy to use learners tow and great ridge access. Accessible terrain is enough to discover new challenges with your riding. Mountain lodge facilities are in the middle of the bowl, hence there is no escaping joyous snow celebrating festivities. If it's snowing and you're on the mountain you'll be staying!

Location

Mt Olympus is a 128km drive from Christchurch via Windwhistle on SH 77. From Windwhistle continue west, following the signs to Mount Olympus - approx 40km, with the last 16km unsealed.

If you are travelling from the West Coast or Castle Hill, Lydon Rd (off S/H 73 west of Porters Pass) is a short cut to the mountain. It's not graded during the winter, so check with locals re: accessibility. We recommend 4WD only and carry chains.

The mountain road is an all weather road for cars to the bottom hut. Above this hut it is recommended that only 4WD negotiate the upper access road. Always check the upper road conditions by stopping at the lower hut and radio up to the top lodge. From the top carpark there is a short walk to the access tow.

Snow riding ability

10% terrain beginners
55% intermediate
35% advanced

If you're a first timer to Mt Olympus we recommend travelling with one of the transport and mountain guides. They will help you on the first tow - Access Tow and up to the lodge. Once you are at the lodge there's a learners tow with a gentle slope. It's a great tow for getting grips with the nutcracker. Staff and Club members at Olympus will help your gear if you ask.

The Main Tow starts adjacent with the lodge. Main Tow travels up the gut of the bowl, with ridgelines on the left and right. It's a spectacular mountain vista, one that you can enjoy from anywhere. The beauty of the rope tow is that you can off load at any stage, hence if the slope feels to steep let go of your nutcracker and make your own way down. If you ride to the top, you have a choice, either continue up Top Tow or traverse out to skiers left and down Main Face. Main face has a consistent & encouraging gradient.

'Top to bottom' runs at Mt Olympus supports the mountains claim as a 'wide open powder bowl'. From the Top Tow to skiers' right and left you can traverse as far around as you wish. There are wide-open faces or rolling slopes with jumps, rollovers and/or chutes (Demolition Run). Back Basin is a must.

Out of Bounds

Throughout the Craigieburn Range there are a lot of ridges, basins and bowls to ride. A popular backcountry traverse is from Mt Cheeseman to Mt Olympus. Around Mt Olympus the ridge tops are very popular. Check with Ski Patrol first.

General Information

Elevation 2097m at the top. Vertical drop is 441m. Four rope tows requiring harness and nutcracker. No snow groomers. Mountain lodge accommodation is available for 40 people in bunk style living quarters. Dinner, lunch and breakfast are included and you're expected to help out with small chores around the lodge. Bottom hut sleeps 12 people - self-catering. There is no licensed bar at Mt Olympus so come prepared. Late nights are fuelled with plenty of stories, games and floodlit night skiing.

Transport

CHILL can coordinate your transport requirements.
Booking request form

Gear Hire

There are no hire facilities at Mt Olympus. Gnomes Snow Shop in Darfield on State Highway 73 are super friendly and helpful. CHILL's highly recommended nutcracker harnesses can be picked up at Gnomes.

Mountain Lodge Accommodation

The main accommodation lodge is located on the ski area itself. It is centrally heated and has a superb view of the surrounding mountains. Accommodation is included as part of the ski week packages. It is also available on a weekend and casual basis as part of your CHILL pass. The lodge incorporates a split-level day room, a full kitchen with microwave, 40 beds accommodation, hot showers, drying room and an outside deck for relaxing. Lodge accommodation includes dinner, lunch and breakfast. Everyone chips in on the catering chores. Canteen Supplies are available so bring cash, chequebook or credit card. The comfortable Bottom Hut at the lower carpark sleeps 12 - self-catering.

Please note that until you have a confirmed booking, there is no guarantee that accommodation will be available. Bookings are recommended.

Ryton Station at the base of MT Olympus also have a couple of superb accommodation options, including double units with meals included or bunk-style backpackers accommodation. You'll marvel over views of Lake Coleridge and yonder! CHILL will organise your accommodation arrangements.
Booking request form

Ski school information

MT Olympus offers group snowboard and ski lessons as part of on ski week packages. Private lessons are also available for approx $25/hour. Excellent value.

2002 Winter Season

Early winter snow covered Mt Olympus basin, but cold morings and two weeks of blue skies and a southern wind flow meant it was hard and fast until mid Aug. By Sept, after more snow, Mt Olympus was meeting its reputation as a powder hideaway. Snow stability was also very good and people were hiking the ridges for more fresh snow. The Mountain lodge has been upgraded with a great outdoor porch and more room to move inside. Alas, the season closed up late Sept with plenty of snow still falling. Thanks Mt Olympus.

Booking request form

MT Olympus web site