Roundhill

Renowned as one of the best family fields in New Zealand, Roundhill also caters to park lovers and powder hounds. Two T-bars provide plenty of groomed intermediate terrain and the park provides features for almost all 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. From the top you can enjoy 783m of vertical, the longest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Facilities

Terrain – 20% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, 30% Advanced
Pistes – Main Runs Groomed
Main Lifts – 2x T-bars, 1x Rope Tow
Learner Lifts – 2x Rope Tows
Top Elevation – 2133m
Bottom Elevation – 1350m
Terrain Park – Beginner to Intermediate
On Mountain Food – Two-Thumb Licenced Cafe
Ski Hire – Yes
Lessons – Yes
Access – 2WD with chains when required
Day Pass Rates – A$75 +65$37.5 S$55 Y$46 C$36 (U5 FREE!)
www.roundhill.co.nz
Location – Lilybank Road, Lake Tekapo
Largest vertical drop on the CHILL Pass & terrain for the whole family.

A scenic drive around the eastern side of Lake Tekapo leads you to one of the nicer 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 two tow 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 a memorable introduction to snow. When the stomach starts rumbling or those boots start to ache the sunny deck and licenced cafe 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, hydro canals and protected night sky there are plenty of other activities should you strike a down day.

Event Profile – Roundhill Hill Climb

Come event weekends the mountain has a healthy buzz and highlights include an 80’s Day, Karl Burtscher Memorial GS and Snow Jam slope style contest. A new draw card for Roundhill is the Hill Climb where South Island sledders point their snowmobiles towards the top of the Richmond Range. It’s a beautifully simple contest – the highest person wins!

Programme Profile – Ski School Roundhill

has Internationally qualified instructors that provide friendly and expert tuition for all ages and abilities. If you’re Tekapo bound for school holidays it’s best to get in early to book the grommies for lessons. They’re a popular way for the young ones to learn the basics or hone their skills in a safe and fun environment.

Terrain and Weather Tip

If Roundhill didn’t come highly recommended enough we’ve left the crown jewel out until now. From the top of the first T-bar head skier’s right. You’ll soon see a small hut in the middle of the run and if you’re over 18 and feeling thirsty pop in for a quencher. You’ll be hard pressed to find a bar with a more impressive view; this is the famous Von Brown Hut. The ski area itself faces the south-west so expect plenty of sunshine throughout the day. The fronts that pass up the country are the ones to look out for – powder awaits!

Check List

For first-time families: Introduce all members of the family to snow!
For rope tow enthusiasts: Ski / ride the Heritage Express.
For those over 18: Enjoy a thirst quencher and views at the Von Brown Hut.

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.