Licence to Chill Manual #11

Manual #11

TAKE FLIGHT KEA CONSERVATION TRUST

THE CLUBBIES FOX PEAK - FROM THE GROUND UP

EXPLORE LOCAL & GLOBAL TRAVEL

YOUR FREE GUIDE TO CHILLING OUT THIS WINTER

1.

2.

KIA ORA - WELCOME

W

elcome to the 2016 winter Chill season. This season the Chill Manual is loaded with great stories and inspiring ideas to explore the Southern Alps, plus loads of other cool locations around the globe.

Leading with the ski areas that are an integral part of the Chill Pass, we have 12 ski areas profiled in the first section of the Manual.

Each ski area is different or unique, and liked in their own ways. A number of the ski areas are well-known as ‘The Clubbies’, (see skitheclubbies.nz) formed years ago as classic ski clubs, continuing today with this tradition in mind. There are a number of commercially owned and operated ski areas, and they are all dotted throughout the Southern Alps.

The ski areas are the back bone to the sport of skiing and snowboarding, providing a nurtured environment for new and young people to give snow sports a go. We can all remember our first day in the mountains, trying this crazy and exciting sport on a cold icy surface wrapped up warm. It’s a huge journey from day one through to exploring the whole ski area and beyond into the

Write My Line (contributors welcome): hq@chillout.co.nz www.chillout.co.nz Editor: Stu Waddel stu@chillstudio.co.nz Editorial Assistance: Oliver Bersani, Rahana Jarvis, Niki Mareko

untamed backcountry environment. When you see someone trying the sport for the first time, give them a hand, offer some worldly advice or have a laugh. All in good humour.

The Chill Pass includes season passes, and shorter anytime travel passes, allowing access to all 12 ski areas in the Chill Manual (see chillout.co.nz). We love to explore some of the quaint little resorts on the pass, or the special places that keep giving, days after a storm has blown in from the south.

In the latter part of the Chill Manual there are a number of inspiring stories, of travel and exploration, of life in the mountains and, of course, good measures for travelling safely. We appreciate the support of our advertisers in the Manual, making it a free publication worthy of keeping and sharing with other readers.

Take your time when travelling in the Southern Alps this winter, and wherever you might be, ski and ride all day long with a smile as wide as the slope beneath your planks and the sky above your noggin.

See you out on the white stuff!

Art Direction & Design: Sam Worsp, Sarah Bousfield Concept Design: CHILL Studio Advertising (Print & Online): Stu Waddel: stu@chillstudio.co.nz Rahana Jarvis: rahana@chillstudio.co.nz

This Chill Manual is hand crafted with love and may contain traces of nuts.

What they don’t contain is nasties. We print on Impress FSC Certified mixed pulp paper.

All our pretty pictures are printed using mineral oil free inks made from 100% renewable resources.

Cheers Spectrum Print for caring about our environment too - we love you guys.

Contributors: Kyle Miller, Anna Keeling, Shane Orchard, Andrew Hobman, all the ski areas, Anna Frances Pearson, Tamsin Orr-Walker, Alistair Miller, Sam Masters, Mark Bridgwater, Joe Harrison, Tom MacTavish, John O’Malley, Nick Pascoe, Mel Parsons, Craig Murray, Rod Thomson, Axel Reiser, Carla BraunElwert, Margot Bohanon, Ben Savill, Becky Holden, Neil Williman, & Markus Steinke.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without permission from the publishers.

Copyright Castle Hill Investment & Leisure Ltd (CHILL). The views expressed in the Ride Manual are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by the publication or its staff. The Chill and Ride Manuals are published bi-annually in summer and winter.

3.

CONTENTS

3

Welcome

4

Contents

6

2016 Chill Pass Range

8

Chill Ski Area Stats

13

Road Map & Travel Times

48

Christchurch City

Rainbow

50

Chill Adventures

16

Mt Lyford

52

Chillers

18

Selwyn District

56

Hidden Gems

22

Porters

60

Craigieburn Haute Route

Cheeseman

64

Riddle Of The Backcountry

Broken River

68

Snow Safety

Craigieburn Valley

70

Early Season Snow Hunt

30

Temple Basin

74

Symphony On Skis

31

Methven Township

78

Telemarking: Freeheeling Freedom

34

Mt Olympus

82

Splitfest

Mackenzie District

86

Battling To Save Our Charismatic Kea

Mt Dobson

90

Snowpocalypse

Past, Present, Future: Fox Peak

92

Winters In The Land Of The Rising Sun

42

Fox Peak

96

Georgia: Paradoxes & Parodies

43

Awakino

100

Footsteps On South Georgia Island

44

Lake Wanaka

104

Bambam: From Ski Bum To CEO

Treble Cone

106

All About Airbags

108

New Gear

110

2016 Events Calendar

112

Tips: Riding A Rope Tow

114

2016 Contacts

14

24 26 28

36 38 40

46

Cover: Dan Bond, Mt Olympus. PHOTO Mark Bridgwater.

THIS PAGE: Kea Conservation Trust. PHOTO Mat Goodman Photography

7/75 Peterborough Street, Christchurch 8013, P. 03 365 6530, E. design@chillstudio.co.nz, www.chillstudio.co.nz

4.

licence to chill Manual #11

r: Mark Carter

,

™

chillout.co.nz

5.

THE 2016 CHILL PASS RANGE The Chill Pass is the ultimate ski pass and your gateway for up to 12 of New Zealand’s best ski areas spanning the South Island’s Southern Alps. The flexibility to ski in the Southern Lakes, Waitaki, Mackenzie, Canterbury, Kaikoura and Nelson Lakes Districts is what makes the Chill Pass truly New Zealand’s ultimate multi-mountain ski and snowboard pass.

backcountry terrain, you can challenge yourself as much, or as little as you like.

The choice of ski areas and available terrain ensures that the pass is suitable for skiers and riders of all abilities and styles. From easily accessible learners slopes, to terrain parks and some of the most challenging lift-accessed

The ultimate Chill Season passes are perfect for those who want to ride all season long. Loyalty rates are offered to 2014 and 2015 pass holders.

With a range of mountain options and lengths of passes, we are committed to value, flexibility and choice. Anytime passes are great for those that only plan to ski a few days per year and the 30-Day Consecutive pass is for travellers who are only in the country for up to a month.

Chill12: Full Access Season Pass & 30 Day Consecutive Pass Ski areas covered by these passes: Awakino • Broken River • Craigieburn Valley • Fox Peak Cheeseman • Mt Dobson • Mt Lyford • Mt Olympus • Porters • Rainbow • Temple Basin Adult

Student/Senior

Youth

Child

Chill12 Full Access Season Pass Pre-season (until 30 May)*

$1055

$765

$445

$340

In-season

$1155

$865

$545

$440

Chill12 Full Access Midweek Season Pass Pre-season (until 30 May)*

$745

$670

$320

$270

In-season

$845

$770

$420

$370

$550

$340

$280

Chill12 30 Day Consecutive Pass All season

$750

These passes are also available as Chill13 Passes, which include two days at Treble Cone. *Early Bird prices available until 30 April.

Chill12: 5, 7 & 10 Day Anytime Pass Ski areas covered by these passes: Awakino • Broken River • Craigieburn Valley • Fox Peak Cheeseman • Mt Dobson • Mt Lyford • Mt Olympus • Porters • Rainbow • Temple Basin Adult

Student/Senior

Youth

Child

$600

$450

$275

$200

Chill12 Anytime Passes 10 Day Anytime Pass

6.

7 Day Anytime Pass

$425

$325

$190

$150

5 Day Anytime Pass

$315

$255

$175

$120

Chill13: 5, 7 & 10 Day Anytime Pass (incl two days at Treble Cone) Ski areas covered by these passes: Awakino • Broken River • Craigieburn Valley • Fox Peak Cheeseman • Mt Dobson • Mt Lyford • Mt Olympus • Porters • Rainbow • Temple Basin • Treble Cone (two days) Adult

Student/Senior

Youth

Child

Chill13 Anytime Passes 10 Day Anytime Pass

$645

$480

$300

$225

7 Day Anytime Pass

$480

$365

$225

$185

5 Day Anytime Pass

$375

$300

$210

$160

Getting Your Pass Passes can be purchased online at chillout.co.nz. You can then either pick up your pass from us or we can send it out to you.

Using Your Pass Just take your pass along to a Chill ski area ticket office and if you’ve got as Season Pass you’ll be given a day ticket. If you’ve got an Anytime Pass they’ll clip it and give you a day ticket. A current day pass allows access to the ski area.

New and Improved for 2016

against the retail price of the service/product provided.

An adult clip is worth $60 in credit. Go to chillout.co.nz for more details about Non-Ski Day Offers. Joining the list of ski areas offering Non-Ski Day Offers are Mt Dobson, Mt Olympus and Treble Cone.

Accommodation Inclusive Offers New in 2016 are Accommodation Inclusive Offers at Fox Peak and Awakino. Book a bed for the night, ski for the day, and sleep easy knowing your accommodation was included in the price of your ski pass!

Buddy Days Back by popular demand are Buddy Days. These are a great option if you want to take a mate skiing for a day.

There is one buddy day on our range of 5, 7 and 10 Day Anytime Passes.

2016 Pass Prices We’ve dropped the prices of our Season Passes and our Child and Youth Anytime Passes to make great skiing & riding much more accessible.

Chill6 Season Pass The Chill6 makes a return in 2016, allowing the holder to ski at any of the Selwyn Six ski areas.

Parent Season Pass The Parent Pass is a new initiative for 2016, and is aimed at making skiing a more enjoyable and easily accessible sport for young parents. This is available for people with someone under five years of age up until the 20th of June.

New Non-Ski Day Offers Participating ski areas now have a number of offers which will allow you to use your Anytime Pass at the ski area for accommodation or lessons. To obtain a Non-Ski Day Offer present your pass at the ticket office, and have it clipped. When your pass is clipped you receive a credit

Family Rates Make use of Chill’s great family rates, available online, to get the whole family up into the mountains this winter!

If you buy two adult and two child passes you’ll only pay NZ $810 for Anytime 5 Day Passes or NZ $1080 for Anytime 7 Day Passes. Family rates are available on all our passes.

More Information Comprehensive pass information including Terms & Conditions is available online at chillout.co.nz Treble Cone days are inclusive in the 5, 7 and 10 days purchased, not additional.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Chill, email hq@chillout.co.nz or phone +64 3 365 6530.

chillout.co.nz

7.

CHILL SKI AREAS - USEFUL STATS

KEY Beginner Intermediate Advanced Grooming Main Lifts Learner Lifts Top Elevation Bottom Elevation Ha Skiable Terrain (Hectares) Terrain Park On Mountain Food Accommodation

AK

AWAKINO 10%

30%

60%

2x rope tows 1x rope tow 1880m 1450m Ha 100ha Glacier Basin is one giant terrain park 30 bed lodge, kitchen, showers & toilets A: $30, S: $30, C: $20

Accommodation Rates

Accom Ph: +64 21 0243 9273 (David Campbell)

Phone

Occasionally by arrangement

Ski Hire

4WD (2WD to bottom carpark)

Lessons

A: $50, S: $40, Y:$40, C: $25

Night Skiing

skiawakino.com

Access Day Pass Rates

To find out more on Waitaki Ski Club membership go to skiawakino.com/membership.php

Website

Kurow -14km

Membership

Mtn Ph : +64 21 890 584 (John Hamilton)

Location

8.

Draw Card

Stay in the lodge and ride all weekend

Chill Pass Offer

Accom & Day Pass Inclusive

licence to chill Manual #11

BR

BROKEN RIVER

5%

45%

50%

Beginners area and some slopes groomed 3 x rope tows 2 x rope tows 1820m 1425m Ha 175ha Rails & Big Booters

MC

CV

CHEESEMAN

15%

50%

CRAIGIEBURN

35%

3 x rope tows

2x T-bars

1811m

1x rope tow

1310m Ha 290ha

1860m

All Natural Features

1540m

Cafe, licenced

Ha 50ha Rails & Jumps Cockayne CafĂŠ, licenced

2 x catered lodges, 1 x un-catered lodge, kitchen, showers

68 bed catered lodge, 38 bed selfcatered lodge, kitchens, showers

A: $75, S: $60, U18: $60.

Self-catered - all $40

Snowline Lodge - A: $99, S: $79, Y: $69, C: $59 (incl dinner, breakfast & lunch following day). Forest Lodge A: $30, S: $24, Y: $18, C: $15

Yes Conditions Permitting 2WD with chains when required A: $75, S: $50, U18: $35 (U11 and 70+ FREE!) brokenriver.co.nz brokenriver.co.nz/about-br/ membership/ SH73, Castle Hill Holds plenty of snow with two very sheltered basins, even in extremely strong winds. Craft Beer. Long season.

Non-Ski Day Offer: Accom (DBB) & Private Lesson

45%

Main runs groomed

Canteen, licenced

+64 3 318 7270 (Bookings) +64 3 318 8713 (Lodges)

55%

60 bed catered lodge, showers, licenced bar A: $95, S: $80, U18: $50. Rates include dinner, bed and breakfast Accom and Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 8711 Yes (and guiding)

Accom and Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 8794

Conditions permitting (BYO headlamp and skins)

Yes

2WD with chains when required

Yes

A: $75, S: $50, Y: $35 (U13 & 70+ FREE!)

2WD with chains when required craigieburn.co.nz A: $79, 65+: $39, S: $59, Y: $39, C: $20 (U10 and 75+ FREE!) mtcheeseman.co.nz To become a member go to mtcheeseman.co.nz/membership SH73, Castle Hill Family friendly, excellent terrain for learning, uncrowded slopes Non-Ski Day Offer: Accommodation

chillout.co.nz

Cheaper accommodation and day pass rates for members. Join at craigieburn.co.nz/members/join SH73, Castle Hill The terrain on offer is equal to some of the best in the world. It is steeper, more rewarding than most other ski fields Non-Ski Day Offer: Accommodation & Private Lesson

9.

CHILL SKI AREA STATS

FP

FOX PEAK

10%

60%

30%

Beginner and Intermediate groomed (Plus some higher trails) 3 x rope tows

MD

1x platter, 1x beginners’ tow

MT DOBSON

1990m 1410m

25%

50%

25%

Main runs groomed 1x Chairlift, 1x T-bar 1x Platter, 1x Rope Tow 2110m 1695m Ha 160ha CafĂŠ

Ha 500ha Snacks (Choc bars, drinks, etc.)

40 bed lodge, kitchen, showers $25 per person per night Accom Ph: +64 3 684 7358 Mtn Ph: +64 3 685 8539 Yes - Ski Shack in Fairlie Can be arranged with a local

Mtn Ph: +64 3 281 5509

Conditions permitting (Can be arranged with a local on full-moon)

Yes

2WD with chains when required

Yes

A: $60, S: $35, Y: $10, C: $10 (U7 FREE!)

2WD with chains when required A: $80, S: $58, Y: $46, C: $28 (U5 FREE!)

foxpeak.co.nz Go to foxpeak.co.nz/field.php to join the club.

mtdobson.co.nz Fairlie, Sth Canterbury SH8, Fairlie

10.

Terrain for all abilities

Surprisingly large and rarely tracked

Non-Ski Day Offer: Private Lesson

Accom & Day Pass Inclusive

licence to chill Manual #11

MO

ML

MT LYFORD

10% 30%

40%

PR

MT OLYMPUS

30%

Main Runs Groomed

1x Rope Tow 1880m

1x Fixed Grip

1430m

1420m Ha 75ha Yes

35%

3x Rope Tows

2x Rope Tow, 1x T-bar, 2x Platters

1750m

55%

PORTERS

30%

30%

40%

Main runs groomed 1x Chairlift, 3x T-Bars 1x Platter, 1x Sun Kid Carpet Lift 1980m

Ha 60ha Café, licenced (day visitors order hot lunch by 11am at ticket office) 52 bed catered lodge, 14 bed self-catered lodge, showers

1302m Ha 285ha Yes Café, Licenced

Café Base of Mountain Log Chalet Village Mtn Ph: +64 3 315 6178 Accom Ph (Village): +64 3 315 6523 Yes

A: $110, S: $90, Y: $80, U10: $60; E: bookings@mtolympus.co.nz

42 bed catered lodge, showers and outdoor baths

Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 5840

See portersalpinelodge.co.nz

Yes

Accom Ph: +64 3 318 4011 Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 4731

Conditions permitting (Booking essential)

Yes

4WD with chains when required

Yes

A: $70, S: $45, Y: $35, C: $20 (U10 FREE!)

2WD with chains when required

Yes 2WD with chains when required A: $75, S: $55, C: $35 (U7 and 70+ FREE!)

mtolympus.co.nz

A: $92, S: $64, Y: $47 (10yrs & under and 75+ FREE!)

mtlyford.co.nz 20km north of Waiau on SH70, inland road

Join the Club at mtolympus.co.nz/ become-a-member.html

skiporters.co.nz SH73, Castle Hill

Harper Road, Lake Coleridge Sunny slopes and often the first mountain to open Non-Ski Day Offer: Private Lesson (excl weekends & school holidays)

Hot Tub, Curling at the Tarn, Ski Weeks, Craft Beer

Extensive snowmaking and grooming, family friendly and fantastic café with free wi-fi

Non-Ski Day Offer: Accom (DBBL)

Non-Ski Day Offer: Private Lesson

chillout.co.nz

11.

CHILL SKI AREA STATS

TB

TEMPLE BASIN

RB

TC

Rainbow

15%

TREBLE CONE

50%

35%

3x Rope Tows 1923m

25%

55%

20%

Main runs groomed 1x T-Bar, 1x Intermediate Platter, 2x Fixed Grip Rope Tows 1x Fixed Grip Rope Tow 1758m 1540m Yes Café Mtn Ph: +64 3 521 1861 Yes Yes 2WD with chains when required A: $80 S: $55 C: $39 (U7 FREE!) skirainbow.co.nz Find out more about the Rainbow Sports Club Inc. on skirainbow. co.nz/club/rainbowsportsclub.aspx SH63, Nelson Lakes

12.

10%

45%

45%

Main Runs Groomed 1x 6 Seater Chair, 1x 4 Seater Chair 1x Platter, 1x Magic Carpet 1960m 1260m Ha 550ha Yes 3 On-Mountain Cafés Mtn Ph: +64 3 443 7444 Yes Yes 2WD with chains when required A: $108 ($93 when purchasing a 5 Day ‘Flexi’ Pass ), 65+: $70, S: $81, C: $54 (U5 and 70+ FREE!) treblecone.com Wanaka

Sunny faces, spectacular views and uncrowded slopes

Heaps of terrain and the longest vertical in the Southern Lakes District

Non-Ski Day Offer: Private Lesson (midweek only)

Non-Ski Day Offer: Afternoon Private or Group Lesson licence to chill Manual #11

1493m Ha 380ha Canteen, plus hot lunches on order for day trippers 120 beds, catered and selfcatered lodge, kitchen, showers, licenced bar A: $95, S: $85, Y: $80, C: $70; dinner, bed, 2x lunch and breakfast. $43 bed only Accom and Mtn: +64 3 377 7788 Yes Yes Conditions Permitting 45-60 Minute Hike A: $70, S: $55, Y: $39, C: $25 (U10 FREE!) templebasin.co.nz For big discounts and great weekends plus events join the club at templebasin.co.nz/ join_us.htm 6km west of Arthur’s Pass, SH73 Remote alpine setting with great riding

ROAD MAP & TRAVEL TIMES 60

Chill Ski Area 6

Non Chill Ski Area

Rainbow, Pg 14

Heli Operator

1

Nelson 63 6

Reefton 6

Hanmer Springs

Greymouth

Craigieburn, Pg 28

Hokitika 7

Arthur’s Pass

Mt Olympus, Pg 34 73

Mt Hutt Arrowsmiths

Mt Cook Village

Porters, Pg 22

Sheffield Darfield

Methven

Christchurch

1 75

Mt Somers Haast

77

77

Akaroa

80

Lake Ohau

8

1

79

Tekapo 8

Treble Cone, Pg 46

Fairlie

Temple Basin, Pg 30

Cheeseman, Pg 24

1

Springfield

6

Ski The Tasman

6

Cheviot

Castle Hill

Roundhill

Mt Lyford, Pg 16

70

Broken River, Pg 26

Ohau

Kaikoura

7

Ashburton

Methven Heliskiing

Geraldine

Twizel

Fox Peak, Pg 42

Timaru

Omarama

Mt Dobson, Pg 38

1

8

Wanaka

83

Aoraki Mt Cook Heli

82

Cardrona Cromwell

Queenstown

Oamaru

Alexandra 6

Remarkables Coronet Peak

94

1

1 1

Awakino, Pg 43

Dunedin

Ski Areas Christchurch to:

km

hrs

Awakino

280

3.5 hrs

Broken River

110

1.5 hrs

Town Centres Christchurch to:

km

hrs

Craigieburn

110

1.5 hrs

Arthur's Pass

150

2 hrs

Fox Peak

195

2.5 hrs

Castle Hill Village

100

1.25 hrs

Cheeseman

105

1.5 hrs

Fairlie

180

2.25 hrs

Mt Dobson

206

2.5 hrs

Kaikoura

187

2.5 hrs

Mt Lyford

146

2 hr

Methven

120

1.5 hrs

Mt Olympus

135

2 hrs

Springfield

70

0.75 hrs

Porters

100

1.25 hrs

St Arnaud

350

4 hrs

Rainbow

370

4.75hrs

Tekapo

226

2.5 hrs

Temple Basin

155

2 hrs

Wanaka

425

5.5 hrs

Treble Cone

445

6 hrs

chillout.co.nz

13.

RAINBOW

Marlborough Region

skirainbow.co.nz / +64 3 521 1861

TRAIL MAP

At the top of the South Island, the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions are blessed with the Nelson Lakes National Park and Rainbow Ski Area. It’s a seriously fun and friendly ski area, with facilities to match a medium-sized commercial operation. There’s extensive snowmaking, a terrain park (with its own tow), 5 tows including a T-bar and Platter, with plenty of grooming.

The terrain caters for beginners, intermediate and advanced.

14.

licence to chill Manual #11

Located in the St Arnaud Range, the ski area is approximately 1½ hours’ drive from Nelson or Blenheim and only 40 minutes from St Arnaud Township. Carry chains and put them on if directed.

There’s also a regular shuttle service from the bottom of the access road.

A series of well-groomed pistes ensure there are plenty of trails down and great skiing. Off-piste, the terrain ranges from jibby features to wide open powder bowls. Accessing significant backcountry terrain is possible along the St Arnaud Range.

Check with their snow patrol to share your intentions.

Rainbow Community Park provides a great variety of features with three jump terraces and scope to progress.

The base area has a rental shop, car park and awesome Rainbow Café.

The delicious fare on offer is all made in-house with fresh ingredients and great coffee.

Accommodation Nelson Lakes Motels and TraversSabine Lodge are open for the whole season with well-appointed motel units and lodge.

For independent travellers, the Alpine Store in St Arnaud offers all of the supplies you need. The Alpine Lodge has a restaurant with craft beers and wines from the local region.

Nelson Lakes Motels & Travers-Sabine Lodge State Highway 63, St Arnaud

Phone: +64 3 521 1887 Email: info@nelsonlakes.co.nz Web: nelsonlakes.co.nz

Event Profile Annual Slush Challenge Rainbow has events every weekend from Family Fun Days, Open-Stage live music to race events including the most popular Masters event in the South Island. With new events; Rainbow’s Slope-style and Mini Park Series there’s lots to get involved in! Rainbow finish the season with a bang, creating an ice-cold lake for the Slush Challenge event. Participants blast across on an assortment of sliding devices dressed in a diverse range of attire!

Programme Profile The Development Programme Rainbow will be providing their 12th year of the Development Programme for kids aged 8 years and older who are keen to improve. Their aim is to provide a fun, supportive, and challenging atmosphere to develop confident and enthusiastic skiers and riders. Rainbow is running 3 programmes this season with race and free-ride focuses, adults and youths.

NEW FOR 2016 This summer has seen maintenance across the board to ensure any delays are kept to a minimum.

Expanded rental stock (ski and board) with the latest in technology for young kids.

Key Contacts Website: skirainbow.co.nz Facebook: facebook/skirainbow Mtn Ph: +64 3 521 1861

GOOD TO KNOW Check List For a Great Picture: Take the access tow to West Bowl and ski to the ridge for views of Nelson Lakes National Park and Lake Rotoiti below.

For all Abilities: Jump in the park, there are mini features for groms and the ‘too old’ alike.

Terrain and Weather Tip Westerlies provide the best snow for Rainbow. The sunny east-facing slopes make for great skiing. West Bowl access tow is awesome for off-piste skiing.

Chill Tip Keep an eye on those weather maps, as Rainbow is the most northern ski area on the Chill Pass and it often catches heavy westerly snow that can miss the mountains further South.

An ideal base to stay, just 35kms from ski field, quality accommodation for individuals, share, couples, families and groups in family cottages, the lodge, or self-contained motels.

Keen skiers, they know the field and surrounds. Stunning location, mountain vista, five minute bush walk to lake.

15.

MT LYFORD

Kaikoura District

mtlyford.co.nz / +64 3 366 1220

TRAIL MAP

Located on State Highway 70, smack bang between Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura, Mt Lyford is a fun and friendly family operated ski area for all abilities. The upper slopes bask in sunshine and in recent years it’s consistently been the first to open. It’s an uncrowded mountain and a favourite of locals and Christchurch residents alike. A fleet of groomers keep the groomed runs in great condition and wide open faces let you open up your riding on powder days.

16.

licence to chill Manual #11

A variety of lifts service the area, including a long fixed-grip rope tow for first timers. Two platters service either side of Paradise Valley and a T-bar opens up plenty of sunny groomed slopes. For those wanting a powder fix the Terako Rope Tow offers 450m of vertical drop. From the top of Mt Terako there’s a choice of an intermediate sunny slope which is a great pick in spring or the slightly more challenging shady side leading back to Paradise Valley.

If you make the mistake of leaving home without your skis, never fear, the rental centre can kit you out. The Terako Day Lodge and Chamois Café provide a great spot for lunch and oozes character with the exposed timber beams a focal point.

The access road ascends through native Black Beech and Totora Forest, providing amazing views over the Amuri Plains. A 2WD with chains and a competent driver is all that’s required, but if you’re unsure you can jump on board the low cost shuttles leaving Mt Lyford Lodge and Reserve (by the access gate), booking is essential.

Accommodation Mt Lyford’s accommodation options include easily accessible and fully serviced alpine log chalet holiday homes, available for hire in Mt Lyford

Village. The Village is nestled into the beech trees at the start of the access road to the ski area. Mt Lyford Lodge, one of New Zealand’s largest log buildings, has a great restaurant and bar. There are two townships nearby, Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura.

the second northern most mountain on the Chill pass, it receives plenty of snow.

Watch out for early winter south/southeasterly storms that head up the east coast and unload on Mt Lyford, often missing many of the other mountains.

Event Profile Mt Lyford Masters

Website: mtlyford.co.nz Mtn Ph: +64 3 366 1220

Key Contacts

The highlight event of the season is the ‘not too serious’ masters spring racing. If you fancy yourself going downhill quickly, sign up on the day, there’s no charge and there are plenty of divisions to compete in, the only prerequisite is age, open to all aged 30 years or more. Please visit mtlyford.co.nz for the date.

For Beginners: Carve up the groomed slopes down Cloudy T-bar.

Programme Profile Never Evers

For Overnighters: Stay in the Log Chalet Village or Mt Lyford Lodge and enjoy two days riding.

If you’re looking to learn how to ski Mt Lyford is a great option as it’s perfect for car loads with a diverse mix of abilities. Let the experts off their leash and the beginners can head for the learner’s slopes. A ‘Never Evers’ learner’s package includes full lift pass, equipment rental and lesson.

Terrain and Weather Tip

GOOD TO KNOW Check List

For Rope Tow Virgins: Master the art on their mellow tows.

Chill Tip Wax your skis & boards preseason, ready for an early opening.

Be prepared with a quality set of chains. It’s worth spending extra, avoiding the hassle of chains that fall to bits on a powder day!

Mt Lyford is one of New Zealand’s sunniest ski areas and even though it’s

Mt Lyford Holiday Homes Why drive for hours - just stay in

the snow. Self-contained holiday homes in Mt Lyford village, sleeping 2-16 people. Unique log chalets Phone: +64 3 315 6523 Email: info@lyfordholidayhomes.co.nz and eco-lodges only two hours from Christchurch. Very affordable prices.

Web: lyfordholidayhomes.co.nz Book online 24/7. Easy access to ski field shuttle-stop from top of village.

Ice skating rink in village.

Mt Lyford Village

chillout.co.nz

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selwyn district

Torlesse Range. PHOTO Stu Waddel

Bounded by braided rivers, Sensational Selwyn District ranges from the Pacific Ocean, across the Canterbury Plains, to the spectacular Southern Alps. Whether you visit for a day or stay for an entire winter, Selwyn is an amazing playground for all outdoor enthusiasts.

The district starts just 10 minutes from Christchurch.

Travelling through the dramatic Great Alpine Highway you will pass through rural and alpine towns, including Darfield, Springfield, Castle Hill and Arthurs Pass.

Darfield is home to Gnomes Alpine Sports (with a brand new store for 2016), the place to go for all your equipment needs including backcountry rental gear when heading to the mountains.

Springfield, in the foothills of the Southern Alps, is a popular stopover for those travelling to and from the

Craigieburn Range. Here you’ll find the Springfield Service Centre as well as cafes, Smylies and a classic pub. The Springfield Service Centre is a great place to stop off for supplies and they offer a full vehicle service in case of emergencies. Smylies have been looking after snow lovers for 30 years and offer accommodation as well as transport. They can even look after the driving for you as they offer a daily shuttle from Christchurch to Porters via Springfield.

Castle Hill Basin, the spiritual home of Chill, lies between the Torlesse and Craigieburn mountain ranges.

The area is characterised by its distinctive limestone rock formations, which offer world-class bouldering.

Hidden amongst the limestone outcrops of Castle Hill / Kura Tawahiti are traces of 500-year old Maori charcoal drawings.

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selwyn district EN ROUTE TO MT OLYMPUS. photo ELLIOT SMITH

Mt Olympus, Porters, Cheeseman, Broken River, Craigieburn Valley and Temple Basin all offer on-mountain accommodation options.

Nestled in the hills above Lake Coleridge, Mt Olympus is the Playground of the Gods, boasting ski in, ski out accommodation, night skiing, and a hot tub, Mt Olympus is sure to take the weekend to the next level.

Porters is the closest ski area to Christchurch and Porters Alpine Lodge is just a few minutes drive from the ski field, meals and linen included.

Cheeseman have the option of catered or self-catered accommodation. There’s the backpacker style Forest Lodge just off the access road at the base of the mountain or Snowline which is

Forest Lodge

Cheeseman Access Road Phone: +64 3 318 8794 Email: ski@mtcheeseman.co.nz Web: mtcheeseman.co.nz/ accommodation

The Sanctuary, Arthurs Pass Village Main Road, Arthur’s Pass, Canterbury

Phone: +64 27 466 2755 Email: bill@thesanctuary.co.nz Web: thesanctuary.co.nz

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ski in and out and you can enjoy meals prepared by their chef.

Broken River is next on the highway, and the first with a rope tow. With three lodges and the option of catered or self-catered, there’s something in the budget for everyone. Enjoy the 5 minute ride up the funicular Tyndall Tramway, one of a kind!

Just over the ridge from Broken River is Craigieburn Valley, home to the only tree skiing in New Zealand.

Craigieburn has great lodging facilities with catering services and a licenced bar.

Flock Hill Station is in close proximity to all ski areas on the Craigieburn Range and have comfortable cottages and the backpacker style shearers quarters options.

Forest Lodge is set in the spectacular Castle Hill alpine environment nestled amongst native beech forest at the base of Cheeseman Ski Area.

The lodge provides self-catering backpacker style accommodation with a comfortable dining and lounge area, large fully-equipped communal kitchen and hot showers.

The Sanctuary is a convenient and comfortable place to stay in the centre of Arthur’s Pass Village. Rooms are centrally heated and there is unlimited hot water for bath and showers. This is a great base to explore the nearby ski areas. All for just $27 per night.

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Lastly along SH73 is Temple Basin, one of the more isolated ski areas in Selwyn. Access is up a 45-60 minute hiking track, there is a goods lift for your gear though! Two lodges are available, in catered and self-catered options. A well-stocked bar ensures Après Ski lasts long into the night.

Arthur’s Pass National Park is one of the most spectacular outdoor environments in New Zealand. The park is teeming with walks, ranging from 10-minute waterfall treks to multi-day, high alpine adventures.

The village is a beech forest-clad hamlet with a store, cafés, restaurants, bars and plenty of accommodation.

The Sanctuary is a comfortable and affordable option here.

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PORTERS

Selwyn District

skiporters.co.nz / +64 3 318 4731

TRAIL MAP

photoS John O’Malley

Porters is one of the larger commercial ski areas on the Chill Pass and a long-time favourite of Christchurch residents. There’s a chairlift and three consecutive T-bars to take you skyward with views to Lake Coleridge and Mt Olympus from the top. Not only is Porters the closest ski area to Christchurch (89km) but the access road is also short, well maintained, and suitable for 2WD vehicles, which makes it extremely accessible.

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When chains are required there’s a free shuttle that operates from the bottom of the access road, booking is essential, see skiporters.co.nz for details.

Once at the top there are all the facilities you’d expect at a large commercial ski area including a fully licenced café with espresso coffee, full equipment hire and a range of professional lessons.

Porters terrain park is one of the best on the Chill Pass and provides features for everyone from newcomers to seasoned jibbers.

‘Mountain Hosts’ are more than happy to help out if you’re looking for some local knowledge.

Accommodation Those who want first tracks often stay at the on-mountain lodge located 5 minutes’ drive down the access road. The lodge offers catered accommodation with a games room and drying room.

Event Profile 2016 super-cross, MCNULTY’S BASIN Back for 2016! Bring the whole family or your friends and battle it out through the basin to see who comes out on top! The course includes rollers, jumps, berms and other snow features designed for fun, fast, action packed racing! Four racers per

heat, knockout system, the fastest 2 racers to the bottom of the course from each heat progress to the next round, until it’s time for the big final!

The race will feature a junior (U18) category as well as open, ski and snowboard.

Programme Profile 2016 Porters’ Kids Camp Running every day in the second week of the July school holidays and every Sunday throughout the season, Kids Camp is designed for 4-6 year olds and offers a fun and progressive platform for kids to learn to ski. At just $50, the programme includes a 2-hour morning lesson, rental ski equipment, and lift access.

Leave the kids to learn the right way with their talented instructors while you enjoy the rest of the mountain!

Terrain and Weather Tip Those looking for Porters best snow should check the snow reports after southerly, south-east and nor’west fronts. The main basin generally faces east, although there’re a range of aspects that receive snow from all these weather patterns.

New FOR 2016 A brand new quad chairlift was installed on the south side of the valley during the summer of 2015.

No longer is there a T bar cutting the run in half. The new Easy Rider lift has 93 chairs and can carry up to 2000 people an hour.

A new beginner’s area has been created next to the existing intermediate lift. This will be serviced by a Sunkid carpet lift and offer fantastic terrain progression for beginners.

Key Contacts Website: skiporters.co.nz - for all up to date mountain & snow conditions.

Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 4731 Accom: portersalpinelodge.co.nz Accom Ph: +64 3 318 4011

GOOD TO KNOW Check List For Beginners: Progress from the Ski-Mat magic carpet to the Platter and beyond.

For the Rusty: Lock in an early/late private 1 on 1 lesson for just $80.

Chill Tip Hit the slopes early and cruise over to Big Mama for the morning sun.

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CHEESEMAN

Selwyn District

mtcheeseman.co.nz / +64 3 318 8794

TRAIL MAP

Hands up if you like a getaway! Yes, now pack your woollies, grab your favourite people and make the most of your winter weeks and weekends by heading into the heart of the Southern Alps. Start a snowball fight, build a snowman, or race your mates downhill, Cheeseman is the place to be this winter – great value, uncrowded sunny slopes and old school camaraderie.

Cheeseman has a distinctive, fun, familyfriendly atmosphere. Only a 90 minute drive from Christchurch on the Great Alpine Highway just past Castle Hill Village, the safe, well-maintained access road is suitable for 2WD vehicles with chains. You 24.

can drive right to the ski area where you’ll find diverse terrain for all abilities and loads of great facilities: a sunny day lodge with large wrap around decks; the licenced Cockayne Café; ticket office; gear hire; and plenty of storage for bags.

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The sunny deck is perfect from which to watch the on-slope action. The learners rope tow is located immediately in front of the day lodge, so the deck is also a great spot to watch the kids once they’ve found their feet while you enjoy a fresh espresso coffee.

“It is simply the best family holiday for mixed ages and abilities.

Living on the snow makes such a difference and best of all the Cheeseman people are fantastic.”

Flanagan Family, Auckland

to Cockayne Café. Lots of natural features. Their east facing basin has north and south aspects that ski well after fronts from either direction.

Event Profile

New easy track linking the upper and lower mountain makes it even easier for beginners to progress and get safely down the mountain.

Canterbury Primary & Intermediate

The main runs are accessed by two T-bars and there are easy trails down, courtesy of extensive grooming. The top of the Main T-bar has plenty of wide groomed slopes ideal for building confidence.

The Ridge T-bar lift takes you to the top, offering challenging off-piste skiing with spectacular views. For the adventurous, the Ridge T-Bar also offers access to Tarn Basin, a popular touring option outside the ski area boundary for backcountry enthusiasts.

Accommodation You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to a night at Cheeseman.

You can stay on the field in the Snowline Lodge which offers ski-in ski-out accommodation. Enjoy a hot shower before relaxing in the lounge while your meals are cooked by the chef. Alternatively, there’s Forest Lodge - self-catered backpacker accommodation, nestled in the forest at the bottom of the access road.

Here you’ll find one of Cheeseman’s trump cards - the ice skating rink!

School Ski Races

Cheeseman hosts the Canterbury School Ski Races with a focus on developing skills and promoting the fun of skiing through training and competition. With two practice days and a competition day, it’s a great opportunity for first time and serious racers to compete and be timed on a professionally set slalom course.

Programme Profile Beginner Package Excellent value for money for those wanting to have a go, the Cheeseman instructors will have you turning like a pro! The Beginner Package includes ski or board rental, beginner tow and a one hour group lesson.

Terrain and Weather Tip Mt Cockayne provides plenty of powder during winter and you can keep scoring fresh tracks by sacrificing a little vertical and heading wide. In Spring, Sunny Face softens early and provides a long run back

NEW FOR 2016

Clubbie Teens have been busy installing rails and jumps over summer.

Key Contacts Website: mtcheeseman.co.nz Email: ski@mtcheeseman.co.nz Accom & Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 8794

GOOD TO KNOW Check List For the Weary: Grab an espresso from the Cockayne Café.

For a Laugh: Strip down and enter the Undie 500 where everyone who enters is guaranteed a prize.

Chill Tip Make a weekend of it and stay overnight at Snowline Lodge for first tracks in the morning!

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BROKEN RIVER

Selwyn District

brokenriver.co.nz / +64 3 318 7270

TRAIL MAP

BR, as it’s known to the locals, has a friendly atmosphere, social & sunny day lodge and great terrain. Add to that the quirky access via an alpine railway and you’ve got something quite unique. The day lodge is a great place to relax and watch the action. There is some beginner terrain and plenty of variety for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders.

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From the main road, the access road takes you up through picturesque beech forest to the main Hanomag car park. There you can choose to walk up the foot track or take the express route skyward: the Tyndall Tramway, NZ’s only alpine railway, quickly transports you and your gear up to the ticket office and accommodation. The 4-minute ride up not only saves you a 20-minute walk but provides fantastic views cross to the Torlesse Range.

You will need to bring your own ski or snowboard gear but you can rent a tow belt or ski harness at the Ticket Office. From there you’ve got a short hike up the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ to the access tow. This tow is a little sporting for beginners but it’s worth a crack and it can be slowed down at the press of a button.

The main field is a feature-filled basin with plenty of great intermediate and advanced terrain. There are also two learner tows near the day lodge. The Access/Rugby Tow can be floodlit for night skiing. Strong skiers and snowboarders will find great terrain off the ridge and even more in the adjoining bowl. Allan’s Basin is accessed by a ridge tow and once you’ve enjoyed its thrills there is a track back to the main field via the saddle above the access tow.

When it’s time to refuel either pick up a snack from the canteen or join other amateur chefs on the communal hot plate located on the sunny Palmer Lodge deck. Even if you don’t have the gourmet burger, wild venison or some other mouth-watering morsel from the hot plate you can at least purchase BR’s own boutique lager and a hand-made pizza to create your gourmet lunch.

Accommodation

NEW FOR 2016

BR offers two styles of accommodation in three lodges. The self-catered option is great for those on a budget, whereas the catered option provides a welcome break after skiing. Enjoy a drink while your meal is prepared by the chef. The best part about staying on the mountain is getting the jump on the day trippers and possible night skiing!

They’ve introduced the Snow Safety for Youth course, to give youth the skills to stay safe in their terrain and also a 3-day off-piste skills course for alpine skiers.

Event Profile Snow Safety For Youth This course has been specially designed by the course instructor, Anna Keeling, to give youth the skills to understand the terrain they are riding in. Sessions focus on companion rescue, safe travel and identifying avalanche terrain (July 17).

Programme Profile Alpine Piste Skills Course Ideal training for backcountry touring and amping up the fun factor. Learn how to tame the crud and get the most out of your backcountry tours.

This course will give you a toolbox of techniques to make you a more versatile skier (Jul 6-8).

Terrain and Weather Tip The sheltered ski area’s east facing position results in plenty of powder days during winter and great corn snow in spring. Adventurous beginners will have a blast outside the day lodge while the rest of the mountain is an off-piste paradise.

chillout.co.nz

Key Contacts Website: brokenriver.co.nz Accom & Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 7270

GOOD TO KNOW Check List For the Chef: Cook a burger on the hot plate.

For the Stressed: Grab a BR Lager and bask in the sun on Palmer Lodge deck.

For the Romantic: Take your lunch to the main ridge and soak in the vista of endless mountain ranges to the west.

Chill Tip If you’re safety equipped, follow Allan’s Basin below the ski area boundary to the summer road and after a good snowfall ride all the way down to your car. What an awesome finish to your day!

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CRAIGIEBURN

Selwyn District

craigieburn.co.nz / +64 3 318 8711

TRAIL MAP

photo STU WADDEL

Accessed from the Great Alpine Highway 73, Craigieburn Valley Ski Area (CV) is a skiers and snowboarders’ paradise. It mainly consists of two large basins that encompass a diverse range of intermediate and advanced terrain from wide open powder bowls to steep and technical chutes. It also offers fantastic back country or side country touring for the proficient.

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Craigieburn Valley is the place to start your adventure. The terrain on offer is equal to some of the best in the world. It is steeper, more challenging and also more rewarding than most other ski fields.

The 6km beech clad access road is as scenic as it is easy to navigate.

A 2WD with chains can drive all the way to the car park most days.

You’ll find the first rope tow just a short walk from the on-mountain accommodation, car park and ticket office. Without having to unclip or unbind, two more rope tows take you all the way to the ridgeline. The tows are easy to master but a little rope tow experience is a definite advantage.

Whakamaru Day Lodge sits on a knife-edge ridge overlooking Middle Basin and Hamilton Peak, providing possibly one of the finest views of any alpine building in New Zealand. Whakamaru, provides both shelter from a storm and on a fine day a sunny deck where you can enjoy lunch, including the famous ‘Craigieburger’ and plenty of light refreshments.

Koroheke, the main lodge, provides the perfect spot for a post-skiing drink and all guests are welcome to mingle with staff après ski in the bar there.

Accommodation Koroheke is nestled amongst the beech forest and only a 3min walk from the access tow. It offers bunkroom accommodation, private twin share rooms and family specific rooms. Koroheke also contains a large dining room and a well-stocked bar upstairs with amazing views of Middle Basin. Relax, eat, drink, and enjoy the surroundings!

Event Profile

NEW FOR 2016

Bands will regularly be featuring on Saturday night up at the field, with their ½ price accommodation offer* for July and September the on-field accommodation will be bustling.

Club Champs will take place around the last weekend of August.

Top tow realignment project is underway and will be completed by winter 2017.

* subject to availability.

Offer closes 1st June.

Programme Profile Free guides, when available, would love to show you around Craigieburn and will share with you some of the best secret stashes. Enquire at the ticket office.

Terrain and Weather Tip Craigieburn is a natural snow trap and holds snow well, even in lean snow years. When snow conditions permit, The Remarkables offer some of the most easily accessed gnarly terrain in the world. It’s steep and tight. The ridge behind the day lodge leads to the Kea Chutes which regularly offer some of the best skiing on the mountain. Craigieburn Valley normally receives snow from most storm systems, but when a westerly storm hits it can dump over a metre in one hit.

Fun Fact

Key Contacts Website: craigieburn.co.nz Accom: craigieburn.co.nz/ accommodation/book Accom & Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 8711

GOOD TO KNOW Check List For those new to Craigieburn: Successfully navigate the ‘shish kebab’. The first rope tow rounds a slight corner and a spinning cone that resembles a kebab rotisserie. Roll with it, it’s not as intimidating as it looks.

For those getting into side/ backcountry travel: Make the trip through Allan’s Basin to Broken River and back – use the same ticket at both fields.

For those who want to smile: Ski Middle Basin Chutes and down Middle Basin all the way to Big Bend on a powder day.

Chill Tip

Craigieburn is the only mountain in New Zealand to offer inbounds tree skiing, providing a novelty in NZ with some unique lines to explore.

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Check the weather forecast. If it looks like snow, make the effort to get up to the mountain after work and arrive for dinner at the lodge (call ahead to let the chef know!) and a warm bed. Wake up in the morning to a powder day and no driving hassles.

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TEMPLE BASIN

Selwyn District

templebasin.co.nz / +64 3 377 7788

Programme Profile Snow Safety Temple Basin has a culture of snow safety and ski touring/mountaineering education. The NZ Snow Safety Institute holds snow safety courses for everyone from beginner courses to intense 7 day mountaineering courses, all taught from Temple Basin’s lecture theatre and the surrounding area of Temple Basin and Arthurs Pass. Course dates can be found on nzssi.com Located on the Main Divide of the Southern Alps, Temple Basin is a ski area like no other. Temple Basin provides total detachment from ‘life in the fast lane’ but with all the comforts of home. If you’re thinking of taking a backcountry or avalanche course there is no better place to immerse yourself in a learning environment. Temple Lodge has a fully equipped lecture room.

Temple Basin is a rewarding and exhilarating place to stay, ski and ride. Like any good reward with skiing there is usually a hike involved.

A ‘gondola’ (goodslift) can be found at the base, on the main highway, but it only carries your gear. There’s no access road so the 40-60 minute hike up will get the blood pumping and legs ready for skiing and riding.

Three rope tows service the ski area.

Cassidy Tow is a great option for beginners and those of intermediate ability. Temple Tow is right in front of the main accommodation lodge and has night skiing. A short traverse from the top of the Temple Tow leads you to Downhill Tow, which is nestled under Mt Temple and accesses a large sunny basin. The

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entire ski area is ungroomed so natural features and impressive rock formations make the skiing both challenging and rewarding.

Accommodation Ferrier Lodge at the start of the Temple Tow provides a social meeting point with a licenced bar, shelter, and accommodation with renowned restaurant quality meals.

There is also a self-catered lodge and the two alpine lodges can sleep 120 people. Both lodges are equipped with drying rooms and hot showers.

Event Profile Splitfest 2016 New Zealand’s largest gathering of Splitboarders in one place. Book quickly as beds are guaranteed to sell out. There will be demo gear available, workshops and of course quality company, music and food.

There are prizes for the best line, creative line and photography to name a just a few. Splitfest 2016 Sept 9-11.

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Terrain and Weather Tip Temple Basin can be quite sunny so pack your sunnies, sunblock, with your drink bottle and a day pack.

Key Contacts Website: templebasin.co.nz Accom & Mtn Ph: +64 3 377 7788

GOOD TO KNOW Check List For the Ravenous: stay the night.

The meal and dessert are worth it!

For First Timers: don’t pack your ski poles on the goods lift, they’re handy for the walk up.

For Everyone: take a strong head lamp. Good lights illuminate Temple Tow when night skiing conditions permit.

Chill Tip Head up on a Friday evening to get the most out of your weekend, but don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.

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METHVEN TOWNSHIP

Experience Mid-Canterbury

Methven is the perfect escape for snow lovers and just over an hour’s drive from Christchurch. The alpine-themed village nestled close to the Southern Alps is a tranquil, yet exhilarating, relaxing, yet vibrant place for all tastes and budgets.

The family friendly Porters Ski Area in the Craigieburn Range is only a one hour drive away and offers easy access, uncrowded slopes and great vertical. Mt Olympus lies even closer. The ski area turn off is 20 minutes from Methven. With its fast rope tows and varied terrain it is suited for the more adventurous skiers and snowboarders.

Mt Hutt Ski Area is the local’s choice for convenience and capacity. The ski area caters from the very novice right through to pro-athletes. Extensive grooming and snowmaking ensures you have plenty of skiable terrain. There’s also an impressive network of bike trails to explore at Mt Hutt that are open year-round, visit bikemethven.co.nz for more information.

Heliskiing is a popular activity for visitors and locals alike - Methven Heliski celebrate their 30th season in 2016 and operate from the 1st of July to the 30th of September. Black Diamond Safaris, also based in Methven, offer guided services to Craigieburn, Broken River, Cheeseman and Mt Olympus.

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Alpine Sports and Big Al’s are the places to go for your snow gear needs in Methven. Both offer a wealth of local knowledge and will get you sorted whether you want to buy, rent or repair gear.

For live music, great meals and a lively atmosphere head to the Methven Pubs, you’ll find the Blue Pub and the Brown Pub across the road from each other

in the centre of town. Brinkleys offer resort style accommodation just a two minute walk from the heart of the village with an award winning restaurant and bar.

METHVEN WINTER GIG GUIDES THE BLUE PUB

Saturday Nights from 9.30pm till 1:30am

10 Sept

Zahr Band

17 Sept

Jake Stokes & the Smoking Barrels Band

18 June

Maggie Ruddenklau solo artist

24 Sept

Sammy J & the Cucumbers Band

25 June

The Little Big Men Band

1 Sept

The Bubblemen Trio

2 July

Sammy J & the Cucumbers Band

8 Sept

Six left standing Band

9 July

Six Left Standing Band

16 July

The Bubblemen Trio

23 July

The Little Big Men Band

30 July

Maggie Ruddenklau solo artist

6 Aug

The Bubblemen Trio

13 Aug

Sammy J & the Cucumbers Band

20 Aug

CNC Music Show ( DJs )

27 Aug

Assembly Required Duo

3 Sept

Six Left Standing Band

THE BROWN PUB

Friday Nights from 9.30pm 17 June

Zoe Scott

8 June

Maggie Ruddenklau

22 June

Richie & Gormo

12 Aug

Richie & Gormo

26 Aug

Olly & Joseph

16 Sept

Richie & Gormo

$59 WINTER SPECIAL

DINNER + BEER + BED = $59pp MT HUTT VILLAGE - ONLY ONE HOUR FROM CHRISTCHURCH FIND OUT MORE ONLINE - www.methvenpubs.co.nz 33.

MT OLYMPUS

Selwyn District

mtolympus.co.nz / +64 3 281 5509

TRAIL MAP

Photo Joe Harrison

photo Mark Bridgwater

Mt Olympus, run by the Windwhistle Winter Sports Club (WWSC), is one of those ski areas with an impressive reputation. The terrain is amazing, the access road an adventure, the coffee is good and it boasts the highest hot tub in NZ. The ski area is proudly groomer free so it’s best to keep an eye on the weather to ensure you take the correct weapons from your quiver. The rope tows are nestled in a south-facing basin which ensures it receives plenty of powder days.

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Getting there will take the unprepared by surprise. The road to the bottom hut is manageable in a 2WD vehicle but often requires chains. The road from the bottom hut to the ski area car park is a little sporty and a high-ground clearance 4WD (with chains on board) is required. If your car, isn’t up to it, wait at the bottom hut and catch a ride with one of the regulars.

Club headquarters. Come up and try your hand at traditional curling, Olympus style, before the epic, not to be missed annual curling weekend, usually in August (date TBD). This includes helicoptering in a modified ride-on lawnmower, ‘Zamboni’, to groom the ice and creating an ice bar.

The terrain at Mt Olympus is suited to intermediate to advanced snow lovers. There’s a great learners area but it requires an adventurous beginner to conquer the access tow or complete the hike there. Those prepared to hike or ski tour are rewarded, as there’s plenty of terrain to explore.

Mt Olympus is renowned for its ski weeks. Why stay one day when you can stay for six? Each week is themed so you ski/ride with likeminded individuals. Go online and book your space early.

Accommodation The true Mt Olympus experience is found by booking a night or two in the Top Hut. The included dinner, bed and breakfast is sure to please the most discerning diner and the toasty warm lodging ensures a comfortable sleep. For those feeling social, the bar and sound system often run late into the night.

Event Profile Curling At the top of the main tow sits a tarn that’s frozen in winter which hosts the new Windwhistle Curling

Programme Profile SKI WEEKS

Terrain and Weather Tip Mt Olympus receives snow from south and nor’west storms. It’s also a good pick during strong nor’west days as, in the valley it might seem like you’ll be blown off the mountain, but once you’re up on the ski area you’ll be surprised how sheltered it is.

NEW FOR 2016 Due to weather-related cancellations of the epic Olympus Curling Event in recent years, WWSC have invested in a snow blower. The curling rink will now be operational all season so you can practice for the big event.

The new accommodation part of the hut has more than met

everyone’s expectations with warm, comfortable, and quiet sleeping areas with hotel quality shower and toilet facilities. The top hut renovations have been topped off with a brand new floor in the Main lodge this summer.

The access road has also had some maintenance, including two new cattle stops to keep your passengers feet dry.

Key Contacts Website: mtolympus.co.nz Mtn Ph: +64 3 318 5840

GOOD TO KNOW Check List For All: Raid the dress up box and ski/ride in new attire.

For the Hungry: Enjoy a chef’s cooked lunch and a drink on the deck (order before 11am).

For the Indulgent: Have a soak in the hot tub.

Chill Tip If you’re staying the night don’t forget your togs (Aussies: see “cozzies”) for the hot tub.

Ski or ride the best snow and terrain Black Diamond Safaris Guided Tours & Transport in New Zealand with BDS. Experience the Club Fields with seasoned locals for single and multi-day guided adventures for all levels. Operating Phone: +64 27 450 8283 Email: info@blackdiamondsafaris.co.nz daily from Methven with Transport options available. BDS are the Club Web: blackdiamondsafaris.co.nz Field Specialists. Showing you the ropes since 1996.

Based in Methven

chillout.co.nz

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Mt Dobson Motel

768 Fairlie-Tekapo Rd, Kimbell, South Canterbury NZ Free Phone: 0800 546 235 Email: info@mtdobsonmotel.co.nz Web: mtdobsonmotel.co.nz

Pinewood Motels

25 Mount Cook Road, Fairlie NZ Free Phone: 0800 858 599 Email: pinewoodmotels@xtra.co.nz Web: pinewoodmotels.co.nz

Wander Lodge Fairlie

67b Strathallan Road, Ashwick Flats Phone: +64 21 0293 4633 Email: info@wanderlodge.co.nz Web: wanderlodge.co.nz

Discover Tekapo Holiday Homes Lake Tekapo

Phone: +64 3 680 6942 Email: accommodation@ discovertekapo.co.nz Web: discovertekapo.co.nz

Stay at the closest motel to Mt Dobson Skifield, situated in the serene village of Kimbell. Five ground floor self-contained units with full kitchens, (one wheelchair accessible unit).

Free WIFI and DVD hire. Next door to the historic Silverstream Hotel with restaurant and takeaways. Discounts available for multi night bookings.

Stay in the beautiful town of Fairlie at Pinewood Motels, a short drive from Mt Dobson, Roundhill and Fox Peak ski areas. Their units are recently refurbished, clean and comfortable.

There is a wide range of rooms available, all with fast free unlimited WiFi, 50+ Sky channels, cooking facilities, bathrooms and outdoor seating areas.

Self-contained two bedroom cottage nestled in five acres of private forest.

Sleeps seven. Well equipped kitchen.

Cosy log burner. Outdoor fire pit, BBQ and pizza oven. Enjoy star gazing while relaxing in the outdoor bath.

Linen supplied. Only 30 minutes to Dobson Carpark.

Experience Tekapo in comfort - book a holiday house. You don’t have to clean and linen is provided! From ultra-modern to 70’s retro bach and to suit all budgets, they will have the ideal home for your holiday.

Peppers Bluewater Resort Located in an intensely beautiful part of the world; near the turquoise Lake Tekapo State Highway 8, Lake Tekapo

Phone: +64 3 680 7000 Email: bluewater@peppers.co.nz Web: peppers.co.nz

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shores of Lake Tekapo in the heart of the Mackenzie Country. You can explore the natural wonders of the region from here. Ride through the mountains, go skiing, or marvel at an International Dark Sky Reserve with millions of stars.

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MACKENZIE district

Photo Joe Harrison

The Mackenzie District is a true winter wonderland. Its far reaching open tussock terrain contrasts with bright blue lakes and an ever changing alpine backdrop.

two wonderful ski and snowboard adventure companies, Ski the Tasman and Mt Cook Heli. It’s a worthwhile trip off State Highway 8. Plan to stay or travel early from Tekapo.

Fairlie is the gateway to Mackenzie District, en route from Christchurch to Tekapo, with beautiful landscapes and mountain vistas. Stay at Pinewood Motels, Wander Lodge or nearby in Kimbell at Mt Dobson Motels. Call in to Eat Deli for a coffee. The Silverstream Hotel in Kimbell is the place to go after a day at Mt Dobson or Fox Peak.

Lake Tekapo’s glacial melted waters give it the turquoise colour it’s renowned for. The township overlooks the pristine lake with views up to the Southern Alps.

Discover Tekapo Holiday Homes and Peppers Bluewater Resort have your accommodation needs covered. Roundhill Ski Area is approx. 40min drive from Tekapo, with ideal facilities for learning to ski and snowboard, plus the longest vertical run in New Zealand, accessed by the Heritage Rope Tow. Tin Plate Kitchen and Bar is a must-do in Tekapo, the pizza is delicious. Be sure to pack your togs for Tekapo Springs and visit the Earth & Sky Observatory. By day, Tekapo enjoys some of NZ’s highest sunshine hours, by night it’s famous for clear skies and constellations.

In the heart of the Southern Alps is Aoraki Mt Cook, with a quaint alpine village nestled at the foothills. This is home to

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Mackenzie District

MT DOBSON

mtdobson.co.nz / +64 3 281 5509

TRAIL MAP Mt Dobson Summit 2110m The High Country

Shirley Chute

Wagon Steps

Tekapo Steeps

Becketts Basin

D4 Track

The Ruff

Bottom Wagon Trail

Firewood Doms Creek Drop Hike

Main Carpark

Afternoon Delight The Long Shot

Bull Thar Flat Fairlie Flyer

50m

tter 4

y Pla

Late Morning

Wagon Flat

John R Rocks

Mid Morning

Big Horse

Sa dd Mackenzie le C Kates Petes Steeps hair Corner 10 Paddock 72 m Mackenzie Crossing

Te Kahui Steeps

Stack It

Wagon Track

Fencepost Flat

Top Fence

T Bar 820m

87 Crash

Fairlie Ridge

Top Wagon Trail The Twenty

Fairlie Ridge

Kimbell Crossing Early Morning

River Run

B Ru unn n y

Hike

Hike

Tekapo Trail

Opuha Saddle

Bunn

Hay Paddock Cat Bowl Chook Run

Pa Ski

lB tro

ou

y ar nd

Top Carpark

For those in the know, Mt Dobson is an underrated gem. Firstly, it’s big. A triple-seater chairlift and a T-bar access two massive valleys and come powder days a short traverse or walk will ensure you score fresh tracks all day long. It’s also high, boasting the highest car park in the Southern Hemisphere at 1725m. The road is an engineering feat that has been lovingly crafted and cared for by one man, Peter Foote. It’s wide and suitable for 2WD’s with chains.

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The ski area itself is made up of wide pistes, gullies, rock outcrops and natural features. For those that like to get a little jibby you’ll find some boxes, kickers and rails scattered around the place. For learners the deal is even sweeter, the fixed grip rope tow is free! Once you’ve mastered the fixed grip rope tow there’s a learner’s platter to provide a stepping stone to the chairlift accessed cat tracks.

has hot pools, ice skating and snow tubing for the little and big kids.

If you’re travelling and are looking to score some tracks in the Mackenzie Region there’s no need to hire elsewhere, they have gear rental available on the mountain. They also offer a range of group or private lessons and learner packages.

Learn to ski or snowboard in all day sunshine on a huge learners/ intermediate slope. Mt Dobson is a brilliant ski area for first timers to learn how to ski and snowboard.

There’s a range of lift, lesson and rental packages for all abilities. Being a quieter ski area with fewer queues, there’s plenty of space to find your way.

If hunger sets in and you haven’t brought lunch, head for the hut at the bottom of the field. A cafeteria provides hot and cold food, drinks and snacks. Despite being a commercial operation, Mt Dobson has an intimate, friendly feel. The chairlift, great terrain, easy access and extensive grooming combine for a great all round experience.

Accommodation The closest accommodation to Mt Dobson is the Mt Dobson Motel in Kimbell, which is situated right next door to the Silverstream Hotel.

You’ll also find Pinewood Motels and Wander Lodge nearby.

Event Profile Dobson Dash The Dobson Dash is a ski/board, bike and run event. Starting from the top of the chair lift the finish line is at Silverstream Hotel. It’s a great and worthwhile event to enter.

Programme Profile

NEW FOR 2016 After 36 years running Mt Dobson, Peter Foote is steeping back and handing the snow boots over to sons Bruce and Allan. Bruce will take over the role as Mountain Manager whilst Allan will look after the business side of things. Peter will still be on hand to help out though. He’ll be on the mountain to make sure his beloved Ski Area is in top shape and his loyal customers still see his smiling face.

We wish Peter all the very best in a well earned retirement.

Key Contacts Website: mtdobson.co.nz Mtn Phone: +64 3 281 5509

GOOD TO KNOW

Terrain and Weather Tip Mt Dobson is a large south-west facing basin with sunny and shady aspects. Look out for those big southerly fronts. With Mt Dobson’s altitude, fronts can bring deep and dry powder. The steeper off-piste slopes are found between the two main lifts. Two gullies provide a natural half pipe to play in and the pistes ensure great skiing and riding in all conditions. The West Valley, accessed from the triple chair lift, has a variety of runs popular with most novice skiers and boarders.

Lake Tekapo is also less than a 30 minute drive away on State Highway 8. With a huge range of accommodation options, from alpine resorts through to backpackers and a wonderful range of holiday homes, you’re well covered. Tekapo also

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Check List For the Audience: Wipe out underneath the chairlift.

For Those on the T-Bar: Hike to the top of Dobson Peak (2095m), see if you can spot Fox Peak.

For the Last Run: Ski Sunny Run all the way back to your car.

Chill Tip If you’re a beginner or intermediate skier or snowboarder, the chairlift at Mt Dobson is a great place to progress your skiing and riding.

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PAST | PRESENT | FUTURE

FOX PEAK

Fox Peak Ski Club is off the beaten track and with good snow, is worthy of escaping to for a big weekend of riding and skiing. We caught up with Club President, Alistair Miller, on all aspects of the mountain, including how the Club was first formed, in 1929.

How did it all start? Over a beer, or an eye for accessing good terrain?

By a group skiing the Tasman & Ball Glaciers - that’s why the original name of the Club was the Tasman Ski Club. As these folk were from Timaru, they looked for a place closer than the Tasman Glacier; Fox Peak was a prominent peak on the Two Thumb Range and was close to Timaru. S.P. Bray who owned the land, was approached and agreed to allow a hut to be built in 1933.

How did the small huts on the mountain come about?

In the late 70’s the Labour Government decided they would get rid of mountain huts; deer stalkers’ huts, fishing huts, beach-side huts all had to go, unless they complied with new hygiene proposals. Alarm bells rang and mountain folk started to protest. The Government backed off a bit and proposed that ‘new’ buildings would be subject to some tighter rules.

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At that time, the Club was negotiating a long-term lease with the Brays and the subject of the Government’s intentions re: mountain huts was raised. Edgar Bray (S.P. Bray’s son) said he would build a hunting hut further up the valley, before the Government made it too hard and expensive. He suggested the Club took a serious look at the idea as well. Club membership was low, so some senior members decided that if they built some accommodation huts on the field, it might help support the Club in the future, as the hut owners would have a vested interest.

Bray agreed and five huts were built.

One other private hut was already established and the Club had a small hut (Top Hut) on the field. The additional private huts would also act as shelter for skiers, as the Club had no facility on the field that would cope with skiers. Hut sites (including a Club site for a large hut) were noted on the lease as approved by the local district council. These huts were completed in 1978. licence to chill Manual #11

What aspects of the Club and mountain do you enjoy most?

Fox Peak is a special place for Club members, summer or winter. It’s close to Timaru (one hour to the road gate and depending on conditions, no more than 30 minutes to the Ski Field car park), and once there, you’re in a different world. I also like the friendship, meeting other club members you probably never see for the rest of the year, and partaking in a sport that’s above all else.

What makes Fox Peak and the Club special for visitors who’ve never been there before?

Fox Peak ski area is super-friendly and Clubbies are always on hand to show visitors how to use the tows, then to show them the wonderful aspects of our field. Once in the North and South Basins, there’s wilderness skiing and terrain for touring, with no tows and very few skiers.

Photo Joe Harrison

What facilities are on offer?

Fox Peak has three rope tows, approximately 1500 metres in total length, taking you to the top of the ski area. There’s platter lift on the lower slopes, a fixed grip for learners, plus a small day shelter, and canteen with snacks and cold drinks.

Mountain accommodation is available just down the access road from the ski area. Is this accessible anytime?

It’s available when the mountain is open and by arrangement at any other time.

Is the Club in good shape?

There’s a small band of enthusiastic members, but we need to boost the numbers, especially in the younger age group. We like to think we’re a family field, and we encourage more families to get involved.

Future plans?

We’re hoping to landscape the ‘get

on point’ of the Apex Tow, to make it more user-friendly, especially for snow boarders. The day hut’s too small, so it’s in the plans to extend this and to have food available on the mountain. We’re always making improvements to our road.

FP has a run named Happy Valley… tell us about your most memorable day on the mountain.

A day last year: a good solid base with 40cm of new, dry powder. We seem to get one day like it every year; so forgiving, you could ski anywhere and leave the best trails.

As always, my fitness wasn’t up to the task, however the whole mountain was covered in ski trails by about 10 skiers/snow boarders.

What aspect does FP face?

The ski field faces to the east, with the North Basin facing north/ northeast, and the South Basin has some good runs facing the south.

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What storms bring the best snow?

A south east storm usually lasts for 2-3 days and brings the best snow.

The Two Thumb Range is a huge back country playground. Do you get many ski tourers accessing the Range from FP? As soon as we advertise the Apex tow is open with good conditions, we get the ski touring fraternity arriving. There’s nowhere else you can ride to an upper mountain on a tow, then have as extensive touring areas as there are at Fox Peak. The trip through to Roundhill ski area is also becoming popular, but only for the very experienced and fittest of skiers.

Will we get snow this year and will Fox Peak be the place to be?

Of course we’ll get snow… If you want vast open areas with very few skiers and like a challenge, come to Fox Peak!

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FOX PEAK

Mackenzie District

foxpeak.co.nz / +64 3 685 8539

TRAIL MAP

Fox Peak is one of the smaller ski clubs on the Chill Pass, but one of the largest when it comes to its terrain and suitability for all skiing levels. Located 35 minutes from Fairlie, along the spectacular Two Thumb Range, the ski area boasts amazing views of South Canterbury and the Mackenzie Country.

Three easy-to-ride rope tows access 500 hectares and 580 vertical meters of uncrowded terrain. There is also a groomed platter lift for beginners at the base of the ski area. The terrain ranges from big wide-open faces, which are great for beginners and intermediates, to the more challenging runs in South Basin and along the North Basin Ridge.

For the more advanced, or those prepared to hike or tour, the options are boundless. Head to South Basin or up to the Peak and drop off towards the Tarn. Definitely talk to the locals, you may just find yourself on a guided tour.

The car park is located at the base of the tows allowing easy access to the beginner slopes and greater

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ski area. The ski area is run by a dedicated club and is open only on weekends. The access road crosses farm land, so be sure to leave gates as you find them.

Accommodation Nestled amongst the trees halfway up the access road is Fox Lodge, backpacker style-mountain accommodation. It’s self-catered but there is a modern kitchen with everything you need to rustle up your yummy dinner. Don’t forget your sleeping bag, pillowcase, food and drinks.

If you’re looking for the best skiing on the day be sure to ask a clubbie, they’re a friendly bunch and don’t mind sharing an untracked run with you. Be sure to check the two great mountain webcams on the club’s website.

Terrain and Weather Tip South Basin is often overlooked and regularly contains the best snow. For sunny spring skiing North Basin is the pick. Be sure to keep an eye on licence to chill Manual #11

those southerly systems as they tend to deliver the goods to Fox Peak.

Key Contacts Website: foxpeak.co.nz Accom Ph: +64 3 684 7358 Mtn Ph: +64 3 685 8539

GOOD TO KNOW Check List For Touring: Summit Fox Peak, you can either ski into the South or North Basin and back to the ski area or explore some amazing backcountry including Fox Peak summit.

For Beginners: Once you’ve mastered the platter try the lower speed Meadow Rope Tow. Chill Tip Go explore, there’s a huge amount of terrain on a variety of aspects that make for great skiing and snowboarding.

Waimate District

AWAKINO Summit 1942m 1880m

Fosters Peak 1890m

Ice Cream Fosters chutes

Ridge tow

Main tow Hut Creek

Glacier Basin

Waitaki Face

Day hut 1450m

Learner tow

Arthur’s Gut

skiawakino.com / +64 21 0243 9273

intermediate to advanced riders; and its pioneering spirit.

As it’s generally only open on weekends any snowfall during the week remains untracked, ready to be ripped when your working week is over.

Ex-Access Tow run 4WD Access road

Accommodation

Terrain and Weather Tip The field has many aspects - you can ride all snow conditions in one day.

Grooming is limited to the odd firing up of the vintage Kassbohrer, so don’t expect corduroy runs. Club members are happy to show you the best places to go, but bring full avalanche gear because much of the good terrain is out of bounds. Keep an eye on their website for updates on long weekend openings.

Beginner 10% Intermediate 30% Advanced 60% Walking access/ traverse

Accom lodge 1170m

Awakino operates a 30 bunk alpine lodge that dates back to NZ’s earliest days of skiing. The lodge sits at 1170m, 300m below the base buildings. During winter it’s usually possible to ski down to the accommodation lodge via two side gullies. The lodge has all the usual amenities you’d expect, including hot showers and an east-facing deck for early-morning sunrises. www.skiawakino.com

Awakino is a club-operated ski area located high up the St Marys Range, near Kurow in the Waitaki Valley. When you arrive you get the impression that it’s a little different, some use the term ‘old-school’.

In essence there’s a place to stay, a mountain to ski and two tows to gain easy vertical credits, what else does one need? The beauty of the ski area is its club charm, touring options and how remarkably unchanged it has remained over the years.

For the mechanically minded you’ll get a kick out of the main tow, it’s a tractor in a container and has been shuttling people up the mountain since Adam was a cowboy. If you’re not equipped with a 4WD it’s best to phone in advance and one of the clubbies can come down and pick you up. The best part, it’s quiet.

A busy day means that you’ll be sharing the mountain with no more than 20-30 people.

Event Profile Book a Ski Area Some big weekends are already booked in by groups and they may even run some good old fashioned ski races!

Programme Profile Ski Area Improvements Minimal on-field works, other than general tidy up and road maintenance. With some summer grooming and snow fencing, the main tow line will have a better chance of holding snow and Glacier Basin will have a better exit trail.

For those in the know, Awakino is renowned for deep wind-blown powder; fantastic terrain suiting

NEW FOR 2016 A big push over summer saw replacement of the lodge deck and further improvements to the interior.

The spa has also been repowered to a more efficient system and relocated to allow for uninterrupted views out over the valley.

Key Contacts Website: skiawakino.com Accom Ph: +64 21 0243 9273 (Dave) Mtn Ph: +64 21 890 584 (John)

GOOD TO KNOW Check List For the Early Season Skiers: Pray for the big easterly dump.

For the Curious: Pack your touring gear & skin up Te Kohurau, the highest point on the St Marys Range at 2010m.

Chill Tip Book the accommodation, it’s essential to getting enough numbers for the field to open.

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LAKE WANAKA

Photo Treble Cone

Set against the pristine backdrop of Mount Aspiring, Wanaka is home to some of the best terrain in Australasia. Perched on the edge of Lake Wanaka, the township holds a special winter charm.

Full of culture and great cuisine, this is a thriving community with a choice of ski areas, numerous heli-skiing and plenty of backcountry options. Wanaka Holiday Homes will provide you with the ideal base to explore.

Aspiring Guides offer guided ski tours and with a choice of private backcountry huts, can provide a multi-day ski touring experience that you will never forget.

Treble Cone hosts some of the steepest, exhilarating runs in New Zealand, and also has a great learner’s area for those just starting out. If you’re more into hitting the park, Cardrona prides themselves on the quality

of their terrain park. Cheapskates is a core specialist snowboard and skate shop and stock all the latest fashionable gear.

For the down days, Wanaka has an abundance of great walking and biking trails around the lake and into the highlands.

For a breath-taking drive, the Crown Range links Wanaka with Queenstown. The hour and a half journey takes you over the highest main road in New Zealand and into the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown.

Two ski areas, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, are in close proximity.

Queenstown International Airport is conveniently close to the action and from here you can hire a vehicle from NZ 4WD or Touchdown and head off on an epic adventure.

Wanaka Holiday Homes

Wanaka Holiday Homes offers luxury and budget self-catering accommodation in Wanaka and Cardrona Valley. Book online at Phone: +64 21 280 0912 Email: wanakaholidayhomes@xtra.co.nz holidayhomeswanaka.net Web: holidayhomeswanaka.net Wanaka

Touchdown Car Rentals Queenstown NZ Free Phone: 0800 736 849 AUS Free Phone: 1800 628 357 Web: touchdowncarrental.co.nz

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Touchdown Car Rentals Queenstown offer the very latest model 4wd’s.

Book on their website with the promo code “CHILL” and receive complimentary chains and ski rack for your ski holiday.

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TREBLE CONE

Southern Lakes District

treblecone.com / +64 3 443 7443

TRAIL MAP

Tom Brownlee. Photo Mark Bridgwater

Located 30 minutes drive from Wanaka and 90 minutes from Queenstown, Treble Cone (TC) is the largest ski area in the Queenstown and Wanaka Lakes District, boasting the longest vertical rise. The unique mix of large groomed slopes, high capacity chairlifts, stunning views and legendary off-piste terrain makes TC, as it’s commonly known, a favourite field for many.

The Home Basin is accessed by the six seater Home Basin Express chairlift, which offers on and off piste routes varying from easy green to challenging black. For intermediate-plus skiers and boarders, head skier’s right to reach the celebrated terrain of the Saddle Quad chairlift. From here experts

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can access the renowned Motatapu Chutes while intermediate skiers and riders will enjoy the long and un-crowded groomed terrain in the Saddle Basin plus Main Street in the Home Basin, before adventuring into the natural pipes, steeps and Jazz Terrain Park.

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Those new to skiing are welcome at TC, so much so that the Beginners Magic Carpet lift and Nice ‘n’ Easy platter are free!

The learner’s slopes are sheltered and sunny, much like the café courtyard where everyone can enjoy treats prepared in house and delicious coffee. If you’re travelling and don’t have your own gear or make the ultimate mistake of leaving your boots behind, never fear; TC has a full rental department with regular and premium skis, free helmet rental for kids and an equipment workshop. Those with children will be pleased to hear that they also have a full and half day Snow Sports programme offering options on and off snow.

decades, so whilst every other resort jumps on the Banked Slalom band wagon, TC’s is genuinely legendary. So much so that last year snowboarding legends Terje Haakonsen, Danny Davis, Mikkel Bang, Scotty Lago, and Ben Ferguson all dropped into the Shooter course in the Saddle Basin.

Whether competing or watching, this event is well worth checking out.

Terrain and Weather Tip

PUMP Mini Mountain The PUMP Mini Mountain offers a progressive format for junior athletes to demonstrate new skills learnt towards the end of another season of practice. The best of two runs format takes the stress out of the event, allowing competitors to nail their run.

In addition to a $1m electrical overhaul on the Home Basin Express six-seater chairlift, Treble Cone now has two brand new shiny red Kassbohrer grooming machines this year, valued at around half a million dollars each. What does this mean?

Great grooming, lots of it, every night.

Access to TC is gained via a wellmaintained gravel road suitable for 2WD vehicles carrying chains.

Chains aren’t for hire at TC so make sure you pick some up on the way.

Alternatively you can catch a ride on a bus from Wanaka or Queenstown, or leave your car at the mountain’s base and book a ride on one of the TC Mountain Shuttles.

Programme Profile Learn to Ski 1-2-FREE - Treble Cone’s NEW Learn to Ski 1-2-FREE programme has been launched to introduce new skiers and riders to the fun of skiing and snowboarding with real progression over three days.

Accommodation Wanaka comes alive in winter with bars, restaurants and offsnow activities offering plenty of alternatives for families and groups of mates alike. The compact town provides easy access to a wide variety of accommodation within walking distance from the city centre.

There’s a bed for every style and budget, but you’re best to leave the camping for the warmer months.

Event Profile Banked Slalom Treble Cone’s legendary Banked Slalom has been going for almost two

The programme includes enough time on the snow to really get a feel for and progress from, a ‘first timer’ to a ‘beginner’ skier and includes ski or snowboard equipment hire, and a daily two hour group Snow Sports School lesson with one of Treble Cone’s handpicked professional instructors, and more.

Private Intense - Treble Cone’s signature Private Intense is tailored to the skier or snowboarder wanting to maximise and maintain their improvement. In an intensive 2.5 hour Private Ski or Snowboard Lesson, two of Treble Cone’s top level instructors will highlight your strengths and weaknesses through video analysis and map the path to reaching your skiing or snowboarding goals.

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With so much skiable terrain and snowmaking, there’s always plenty of white stuff to slide on. Those in the know, who are looking for face shots, will certainly visit after a nor’west system.

NEW FOR 2016

Key Contacts Website: treblecone.com Mtn Ph: +64 3 443 7443

GOOD TO KNOW Check List Pack the camera as TC provides some of the world’s best alpine views.

For Intermediates: Check out the three new intermediate groomed runs in the Saddle Basin, clocking up some serious vertical.

For the Advanced: drop into some extreme inbound terrain in the Motatapu Basin.

Chill Tip Burn your extra energy lapping the unique terrain of the Saddle Basin or searching fresh snow on the Summit or Motatapu hikes (expert only).

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Commodore Hotel

The Commodore is an ideal place to 449 Memorial Ave, Christchurch Airport start and finish your Mainland snow experience. Located moments from Christchurch Airport, with free 24hour Phone: +64 3 358 8129 shuttle service. Book online with AUS Free Phone: 1800 628 357 promo code “CHILL” to receive a Email: info@commodorehotel.nz complimentary Breakfast.

Web: commodorehotel.nz

Touchdown Car Rentals

Touchdown Car Rentals Christchurch 449 Memorial Ave, Christchurch Airport offer the very latest model 4wd’s.

Book on their website with the promo code “CHILL” and receive NZ Free Phone: 0800 736 849 complimentary chains and ski rack for AUS Free Phone: 1800 628 357 your ski holiday.

Web: touchdowncarrental.co.nz

URBANZ - Budget Hotel

Located in central Christchurch, 273 Manchester Street, Christchurch URBANZ Budget Hotel is the perfect place to rest before and after your ski holiday. From six bed dorms, private Phone: +64 3 366 4414 rooms with shared facilities and Email: sales@urbanz.org private rooms with ensuite - they have Web: urbanz.net.nz a room type for everyone and every budget. Plus enjoy a FREE continental breakfast with your stay!

The Chain Man

Unit 1, 1 Cass St, Christchurch Phone: +64 3 366 1528 Email: sales@chainman.co.nz Web: chainman.co.nz

The Vintage Peddler 7/75 Peterborough Street, Christchurch

Phone: +64 3 365 6530 Email: hq@licencetoride.co.nz Web: vintagepeddler.co.nz

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The Chain Man Specialist suppliers of snow and traction chains to suit all vehicles. Comprehensive range, comprehensive service. Specialised free fitting service to ensure your safety to and from the mountains.

Branches in Invercargill and Christchurch.

Find them in Invercargill at 232 Mersey Street or phone +64 3 214 6468.

The home of vintage bicycles and an eclectic bunch of cycle enthusiasts.

Their passion for the frames of yesteryear culminates in a unique selection of steel framed beauties that they’re happy to share with everyone.

Enjoy and explore Christchurch’s unique environment. Helmet, lock and local knowledge included.

CHRISTCHURCH CITY

Photo Stu Waddel

It’s an exciting time to visit Christchurch as the post-earthquakes rebuild transforms the city in so many ways.

From the Port Hills enjoy panoramic views from the ocean to the Alps and an extensive array of climbing crags, mountain biking and walking tracks.

Christchurch is the gateway to the Southern Alps, the largest city in the South Island and is full of creative quirks and activities to keep you busy.

The Christchurch International Airport makes a perfect base from which to set off to the alpine playgrounds nearby. It boasts a choice of transport options, including easy pick up for Mighty Campers. If you are overnighting there are two great options, the wellappointed Commodore Hotel which is close to the airport and also the location for Touchdown Rentals, or in the city at newly established budget hotel, URBANZ.

There’s a great range snow sports stores and plenty of places to eat and drink. Chill Studio is centrally located, where you can collect your Chill Pass or take a vintage bicycle for a pedal through Hagley Park and beyond.

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included allowing you to visit Porters for the day, the closest ski area to Christchurch, or one of the other ski areas - snow dependent.

Chill has been working with the ski areas for 19 winter seasons, and exploring the Southern Alps with great adventures and good times.

We have put together a number of travel itineraries for you, to make your winter travel easy and enjoyable. All packages start and finish in Christchurch. There is always the option of including the Southern Alps with a pick up or drop off in Queenstown.

We can customize an adventure itinerary to suit you - below are two Chill Adventure packages we have put together, a 3 day and 5 day adventure for two people and a family (two adults and two children).

3 Day Chill Adventure The 3 Day Chill Adventure starts with a night in Christchurch at the Commodore Hotel, including breakfast. Your car will be waiting for you with Touchdown Rentals, located at the hotel, and from here you’ll head to the mountains.

The three day adventure takes you into the Sensational Six ski areas dotted along the Great Alpine Highway 73. A Chill 3 Day Pass is

Chill HQ

7/75 Peterborough Street, Christchurch Phone: +64 3 365 6530 Email: hq@chillout.co.nz Web: chillout.co.nz

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You will stay two nights at Cheeseman’s Snowline Lodge, where all food and linen is included.

If you require rental equipment, both Porters and Cheeseman can help you out on the day.

Spend your second day skiing at Cheeseman, and relax into the unique and friendly atmosphere of Snowline Lodge. On your third day you can choose to ski (or ride) at Cheeseman or explore one of the other ski areas on Highway 73, before heading back to Christchurch for a late night flight or overnight at the Commodore Hotel.

This package suits a couple with a three day window, travelling from Thursday (suggested start) through to Sunday, and back to the Big Smoke on Monday! We also have a family option with two kids. Both Porters and Cheeseman are ideal places for the kids to find their snow legs.

Additional night: You can choose to stay another night in Christchurch at the Commodore and explore the changing cityscape before departing.

One suggestion is to hire a bike from the Vintage Peddler Bike Hire Co.

Chill HQ, the home of the Chill crew in Central Christchurch. Here you’ll find a range of snow gear including backcountry, rope tow equipment and it’s the place to collect your Chill Pass. The crew love heading to the mountains and will happily pass on their knowledge to help plan your winter adventures.

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Commodore Hotel The Commodore Hotel is the perfect place to start your adventure.

Conveniently located near the airport, there are great facilities including a pool and restaurant.

Touchdown Rentals Chains, bike and ski roof rack included. Touchdown Rentals are located at the Commodore Hotel and also offer free pick-up from the Airport, just 1.5km away.

Cheeseman Ski Club Ski to the Snowline Lodge door and relax in the large communal dining/ living area while your meals are prepared by their resident chef. Enjoy hot showers and sunset drenched decks. The accommodation facilities at Cheeseman are share facilities, and you may be sharing with other guests, family rooms can be booked on request.

Prices: Two people 3 days & 3 nights $1445 NZD 3 days & 4 nights $1675 NZD Prices: Family (Two adults & two children 12 & under)

3 days & 3 nights $1985 NZD 3 days & 4 nights $2255 NZD

CHRIS, JULIANA, Garth, Anna & PAUL WITH MT OLYMPUS IN BACKGROUND. PHOTO STU WADDEL

5 Day Chill Adventure The 5 Day Chill Adventure picks up where the 3 Day Adventure leaves off. From Cheeseman you’ll drive south through to the Mackenzie District and stay two nights at Lake Tekapo. As a couple’s package, you’ll stay at Discover Tekapo’s D’Archiac Studio, conveniently located near the village for easy walking and access.

The 5 Day Chill Adventure includes a Chill 5 Day Pass allowing access to Mt Dobson, boasting a chairlift and just 40 minutes drive from Tekapo.

Those travelling as a family will stay at the Retro Inn, also offered through Discover Tekapo Holiday Homes.

This package suits those with a 5 day window, travelling from Thursday and heading home on a Tuesday night.

Additional night: You can choose to stay another night in Christchurch at the Commodore and explore the changing cityscape before departing.

Discover Tekapo Holiday Homes Enjoy space, stunning views and comfort in Lake Tekapo. Linen is provided.

Prices: Two people 5 days & 5 nights $2195 NZD* 5 days & 6 nights $2425 NZD Prices: Family (Two adults & two children 12 & under)

5 days & 5 nights $2855 NZD* 5 days & 6 nights $3125 NZD Departure Ex Queenstown If you’d like to continue south on State Highway 8 to the Southern Lakes, we can sort your car drop off

at Queenstown, plus include Treble Cone on your Chill Adventure. Lots to do!

CHILL Contacts Phone: +64 365 6530 Email: hq@chillout.co.nz Web: chillout.co.nz/chilladventures As well as the easy independent travel options on offer, there is the fully guided Craigieburn Haute Route (see page 60), and for those wanting to learn the skills required for heading in to the backcountry there are Chill Snow Safety Courses on offer throughout the season (see page 68). *Prices are indicative only and subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.

snowfo re c a s t . com chillout.co.nz

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Chillers Chill catches up with some chilled Chillers about where they’re currently chilling and how they plan to Chill this chilly winter.

skied at Mt Olympus as a teenager and has skied there ever since. As kids, he would cart us all over the hill every winter for family ski weeks.

MEL PARSONS Musician from Canterbury. Age 34 I’ve been skiing for as long as I can remember. My first pair of skis were about a foot long, and strapped straight on to my gumboots. I grew up at Cape Foulwind on the West Coast, just out of Westport. Dad 52.

I have so many great memories of growing up and learning to ski at Olympus; the concerts, exotic ski instructors from faraway lands, the water fights, rolled bacon and giant vats of Thriftee, but most of all the friends I made and still have to this day. In recent years I spent a couple of seasons at Olympus teaching skiing, which was a blast! It’s a very special place, and super cool to see more generations coming through and loving it too.

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These days I ski most of the Canterbury club fields. Olympus will always be my home mountain, but I also end up at BR & Craigieburn quite a bit, depending on the weather. Having Porters on the Chill Pass is great too - it means we can zip up for an hour or two whenever it suits. I try to organise my work over winter so that I can be in the mountains as much as possible. This year I’ll be touring North America from mid August - selfishly, I’m hoping for a really early, cold start to the season, with some big dumps to get my fix before I go!

going pretty quick on injected slopes, when I slid right onto the point of my shoulder - it blew apart the tendon in my rotator cuff. I skied for the rest of the season but decided to get it fixed. It’s a 12-month recovery time, so I went to uni - I had to do something with my life.

NICK PASCOE Studying Engineering at UC. From Central Otago. Age 21 I used to ski race until I blew my shoulder out at the end of high school. I was training with the Queenstown Alpine Ski Team,

I had done a bit of skiing at the club fields already. My parents and a heap of boys I met at uni were really into it; like Ollie Hunt, the Murray boys and James Hampton. At first I didn’t know that much about backcountry and avi danger and stuff like that, but everyone’s always been pretty good at taking me on.

Whenever the snow’s good we check the uni timetable - if it’s something we don’t have to be at, it’s not too bad to miss class.

Olympus is probably the favourite.

It’s fairly close, it’s got a super cool vibe and some gnarly freeride terrain.

Temple Basin is also epic. We head up there to film quite a bit - it’s crazy terrain when the snow’s good. I used to do all the Chill comps and I’ve done the NZ Open a few times… I’m definitely thinking of doing it again this year and hopefully there are a few other comps around.

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chasing Patrick O’Reagan, James Hampton and older brother Charlie.

We were always in a pack, pushing each other and having the most fun possible - not worrying about anything else.

CRAIG MURRAY Freeride Junior Tour winner 2016.

From Christchurch. Age 18 I was first introduced to the clubbies when I was about 5 or 6 years old.

My earliest memories are of ripping around Temple and Olympus,

The club fields have been a huge part of my skiing from the beginning – giving me an amazing foundation I’ve been able to tweak and work on.

Mt Olympus is my favourite without a doubt. It’s my home field, with a bach right at the bottom at Lake Coleridge. Temple Basin is another one of my favourites - the terrain’s incredible. A trip to Temple is always a highlight of my season, even if we

at Craigieburn. What amazes me is how terrible the old gear was! We’re talking leather boots, cable bindings and funny old, long wooden skis with edges screwed in, about 5mm wide. People got hurt because the bindings were primitive and wouldn’t release. I’ve still got a few buddies from those days - we talk about it and just shake our heads.

ROD THOMSON Senior Chill Pass holder. From Culverden. Age 67 I started off skiing at club fields as a Lincoln student in the late 60’s and early 70’s - pretty much strictly

Avalanche NZ Nationwide

Phone: +64 274 46 2626 Email: info@avalanche.org.nz Web: avalanche.org.nz

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I did a little skiing when the kids were small, in the 80’s. We took the family to Porters and as the kids got a bit bigger we did a bit more skiing. After a big gap, in the 90’s I became a member at Craigieburn again.

Avalanche NZ is a national, notfor-profit organization dedicated to avalanche safety. Their primary purpose is to help people to avoid getting caught in an avalanche. They do this by providing avalanche safety information, education, support for research and the communities of backcountry users.

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don’t score the goods. The feeling you get up there is really special you’re in the heart of the Southern Alps, and what you can access from such short hikes is mind blowing!

My plans for this season are to ski quite a bit in the Canterbury region, filming and photographing. Now that I’ve finished high school I don’t have to be based out of Wanaka; I’ll be competing in the Freeride World Qualifier events, probably cruising around Olympus a lot, with trips to Temple Basin and some touring. Of course some time down south too…

Basically, as much skiing as possible!

I usually do a week at Craigieburn, then a day at as many of the other fields as I can, and try to get a day or two boarding at Craigieburn as well. I can claim to be a pensioner snowboarder - I took snowboarding up when I was 50 - my good mate’s son was a snowboarder - he talked me into having a crack.

When the snow is good, it’s very good, and there are so few people.

And there’s the club atmosphere; the camaraderie and that… You always meet a few old timers that you haven’t seen in years.

Avalanche NZ

PRIVATE LODGING, TRANSPORT & GUIDED BIG MOUNTAIN SKIING. TOM@NEONPOMPOM.CO.NZ | +64 3 3186895 | NEONPOMPOM.CO.NZ

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HIDDEN GEMS SAM MASTERS Time is your most precious resource…it can’t be bought, sold, rented or financed.

Seconds count during that portion of your life lived in good health and good humour.

Regrettably, time flies when you’re having fun! That’s why

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the best way to make your winter holiday feel three times as long, is to give up smoking the day you hit the slopes.

The other way to make the most out of your vacation is to smash Chill’s carefully-vetted hidden gems.

2. Ski In, Ski Out Staying On-Mountain Most skiers and snowboarders in New Zealand begin their day with a drive. The early alarm, the race for the mountain and the wait for tickets can dampen even the deepest of powder days.

1. Black Diamond Safaris It takes a few trips to get the hang of your average club field. There are a number of traps for young players, including hairy access roads, overheating on the hike to the lifts, or ill-fitting snow chains. A lack of preparation can ruin your day.

The best introduction to club fields is with an experienced outfit like Black Diamond Safaris.

You’ll arrive in style, be shown the ropes (literally, given most club fields have rope tows) and taken straight to the secret stashes.

It took me a long, long time to dial-in my nutcracker technique, favoured snow tyre manufacturer, ideal pit zip length, and a comfortable position in the nappy vs. tow belt debate. I still get caught out by an unexpected hot tub temperature at Mt Olympus, or by pressing the wrong button in the Tindall Tramway at Broken River.

Black Diamond Safaris sidesteps this tedium and points you straight to the goods with the minimum of fuss, even on the snowiest of days. They’re highly-recommended for those starting out at club fields, or for people who’d rather someone else does the hard yards. blackdiamondsafaris.co.nz

Aspiring Guides

Level 1, 99 Ardmore Street, Wanaka Phone: +64 3 443 9422 Email: action@aspiringguides.com Web: aspiringguides.com

Bust out of the hamster wheel by staying in on-mountain accommodation available at many Chill Mountains. It’s even better if you can time it so you arrive just before a storm and get a ‘lock in’. Some club fields will open the tows before they clear the road of snow - surely winter’s best window of opportunity! chillout.co.nz 3. Haute Route, Craigieburn Range ‘I’m not racist but’… I think Europeans are the world’s worst queue jumpers. They’re also relentless show-offs; with their effortless mastery of several languages, and sophisticated appreciation of fashion, music and cuisine. How pleasant it is then, that we don’t have to go the Alps to experience the dubious pleasures of European hospitality on the Haute Route (pronounced ‘hot rut’ in Spanish): we have the Craigieburn Haute Route!

Experienced guide Anna Keeling leads fourday missions from the Craigieburn Valley Ski Area to Mt Olympus; deep into the secret delights of the Craigieburn range. Along the way you can track out hidden bowls and chutes you‘ve always noted, along the drive past Castle Hill Village. chillout.co.nz

Experience true NZ backcountry.

Treble Cone backcountry day tours, multi-day ski/snowboard backcountry tours, Glacier ski tours, MSC certified Avalanche Awareness and Backcountry courses. Private Robrosa huts available for hire by independent parties. Untracked snow is waiting for you!

chillout.co.nz

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4. Neon PomPom Freeski Academy A ‘greatest hits’ package of Cantabrian winter-sports action! They’ll tailor your itinerary to wring the last ounce of goodness from the vagaries of weather, snow, fitness, ability and enthusiasm.

Canterbury lacked a fully-optioned, luxury winter-sports smorgasbord until Simon and Tom took flight like the Haast’s Eagle of old; soaring over the Canterbury Plains in the endless quest for awesome. This is as close as you can get to stepping straight into a best-of Kiwi winter experience…you soak up the good times, they deal with everything else! neonpompom.co.nz 5. Ski The Tasman High alpine terrain is jealously guarded by the experienced, the elite and the granite-jawed mountain folk who make it their playground.

The backbone of the New Zealand Alps is, rightly, an intimidating and spectacular environment; certainly no place for average skiers. Or at least that’s the way it used to be, until the ‘Ski The Tasman’ experience started flying in the 1970’s.

The Tasman Glacier hugs the sky-popping gnar of New Zealand’s highest peaks , providing mellow runs which make the glacier the ultimate real-mountain experience; a bucket-list buster for average and aboveaverage skiers alike. skithetasman.co.nz 6. Black Peak Hut Aspiring Guides Backcountry touring powder perfection, with access made easy. Black Peak is a five to seven-hour skin or snowshoe from the summit of Treble Cone Ski Area, or a 10-minute helicopter flight from the valley floor.

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At 1725 metres, you’ll stay in a private hut which sleeps six…and slay the surrounding terrain with your private guide. You’ll carry just a light day pack, plus sleeping bags, cooking equipment, good lighting and an outside toilet are supplied. aspiringguides.com 7. Heliskiing Anyone with a lazy grand in their back pocket needs to ask the question: what exactly is money for? Heliskiing is many things but mainly, as my grandmother used to say, ‘an investment in living’.

For those on a strict budget, it takes some justification to blow the cost of a season pass on a day in the mountains. For the time-poor, wallet-heavy and heightened-experience junkie, heli time makes a lot of sense. Not all heliskiing is created equal. High, varied, glaciated and geographically diverse terrain is crucial to ensure the best snow on any given day.

Chill Recommends: A. Mt Cook Heli (Formerly Wilderness Heli) Mind-boggling terrain of the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park - the biggest winter playground of them all! Big vertical, bigger glaciers and the biggest peaks. mtcookheliski.co.nz B. Methven Heli The mighty Arrowsmith Range catches snow from every winter storm on its high, glaciated terrain; scenery frequently responsible for a simultaneous orgasm in both retinas ! methvenheli.co.nz C. High Peak Heli Utilising Methven Heli guides and terrain, the Neon PomPom team drop their unique, bespoke and exclusive take on heliskiing. You get to Christchurch, they do the rest. highpeakheliski.com

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HAUTE ROUTE

CRAIGIEBURN RANGE Anna Keeling Stu Waddel (Chill Adventures) and I had long considered a route from Craigieburn to Olympus - or Porters, for the fearsomely fit - as a brilliant alpine journey.

We’d utilise dinner, bed and breakfast options provided by club fields and ski the many bowls between areas.

In the late 80’s when I first got into ski touring, I often toured from Craigieburn to Porters. We always ran out of time because we skied too many bowls on the way or stopped to BBQ at Broken River. I’ll never forget the sight of adventure racing legend John Howard, running across the Porters car park on his tele skis to grab the last car as it departed the ski field, while I was still halfway down a crusty Bluff face on my dodgy tele set up, wailing “Wait!” at ski area manager Uli Dinsenbacher.

In 2015 Stu and I launched our inaugural Craigieburn Haute (rhymes with boat) Route - on a more friendly and professional timeframe than my 1980’s exploits. We based our idea on the famous Haute Route (High Route) from Chamonix (France) to Zermatt (Switzerland) - a trans-glacier, international ski tour. Linking ski lifts, high huts and passes, the European Haute Route takes five to seven days.

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WALKING OUT OF WATERFALL. Photo Stu Waddel

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Realising we have similar (though modest) potential in Canterbury, Stu made arrangements for our group to stay at the mountain lodges and we began - in possibly the best period of snow and weather of the 2015 season.

I was overjoyed to have a friendly crew of fairly experienced tourers. Three of these fine folks were sporty grandparents who’d done the actual European Haute Route. Stu joined the group as tail-end Charlie and hospitality manager - it was a real treat to have him on board.

Meeting at Castle Hill Village on day one, we aligned experience and goals over coffee, then Black Diamond Safaris arrived to transport us to Craigieburn. Craigieburn Valley Ski Area really turned it on with fresh snow and blue skies, as we skied Middle Basin and worked on strategies for tricky descents later in the trip (‘falling leaf’ tactics, side-slipping and kick turns), and ran over avalanche emergency procedures.

After lunch we skied Mt Hamilton East face from the summit. Later we again hiked Mt Hamilton to ski the shady south face to the bottom of Allan’s Basin (more powder), for a smooth arrival at Broken River’s Lyndon Lodge.

Broken River provided a little corduroy on day two, as we headed up the lifts, then onto the ridge route via Yukon Bowl and Mt Wall, to Mt Cheeseman Ski Area. Stu, overcome with the beauty and great skiing, sang a ridge top waiata before the last run. And what a run it was - a combo of corn and powder, dropping into the cute and secretive Cockayne creek bowl.

After a steep hike over Mt Cockayne (possibly the uphill crux of the trip), we again enjoyed quiet corduroy down to Snowline Lodge, for night two at Cheeseman. Snowline had a festive atmosphere and very comfortable rooms. After coffee in the day lodge the following morning, we headed up on Cheeseman’s lifts, back to the ridge.

The route from Cheeseman to the Mt Olympus ski area is well travelled. We chose to skip Tarn Basin, in order to make it to Waterfall Basin above Castle Hill Village. This superb basin is much viewed but is actually quite tricky to get to. The day remained cloudless and windless as we entered via the southern peak of Mt Cheeseman.

The entry was fairly steep, a tad icy and committing; through rock towers and tight couloirs. After some judicious side-slipping and experimenting, conditions improved and connected nicely, as we skied a 650+ metre run of 10cm powder, to 1300 metres.

The Waterfall Basin run ends naturally on a tussocked shelf above the Hogsback (MTB) Track and native bush of the upper Castle Hill Basin. Skinning back to the ridge, there’s a sneak-through that connects to the Ryton Basin from Waterfall. I never shirk at walking in my ski boots if it means I can ski further, fortunately neither did our hardy crew.

Another 600m+ run - this time corn, and an easy stroll down the Ryton to Mt Olympus’ Lower Hut. Patrollers Doug (BR) and Irene (Porters), had kindly stashed my wagon there for access to the Top Lodge. The upper Olympus road travels through some constrained terrain, so Stu alighted to coordinate a particularly tight passing manoeuvre, only to hop back in with a beer in hand - the guy knows everyone in Canterbury skiing! We arrived at Olympus at 6pm - a long day but worth it for the incredible runs we’d just had.

Outrageously, another perfect day awaited us on day four… We headed to the summit of Mt Olympus via lifts and hiking. With skis on packs, we could see our tracks in the bowls we’d passed through on preceding days. We enjoyed the company of a lively crew (many old Canterbury friends) on top of Mt O, before skiing a mix of corn and powder - depending on aspect - into the Ryton again.

chillout.co.nz

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Garth, Juliana, Paul, Chris & Anna PLANNING THE DAY’S ATTACK

CHRIS SHERRATT WATCHES ANNA IN AMAZEMENT

A road accesses the lower Ryton valley - an artefact from the 1980’s when avalanche guru, Dave McNulty, explored the possibility of placing a ski area in this broad, south facing bowl. Luckily for us backcountry skiers, this never happened - we get to enjoy a bowl essentially unparalleled for its range of aspect and terrain; rolling upper slopes, steep couloirs off Mt O, wide open 35˚+ slopes off Mt Cheeseman, half pipes…right in the backyard of Canterbury’s ski areas.

It’s amazing to link the club fields and visit each one via the tops.

This year Chill Adventures and AKG will run Craigieburn Haute Route guided trips; August 10-14 and August 31-September 4. Each trip 62.

is planned for the best four days out of five to allow for inclement weather and we have backup plans to connect areas if conditions aren’t ideal. Big packs and passports not necessary!

2016 Craigieburn Haute Route Day 1: Craigieburn / overnight @ Broken River Day 2: Broken River to Cheeseman /overnight Cheeseman Day 3: Cheeseman to Mt Olympus / overnight Mt Olympus Day 4: Mt Olympus - out

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Dates: Weds 10th - Sun 14th August Weds 31st Aug - Sun 4th Sept Price: $1785NZD per person with four tourers and $2085NZD for three. This includes guides, all meals and accommodation, one ride lift tickets and transport to the start and end. Light packs and many turns assured!

Optional Extras: Night in ChCh at Commodore Hotel / night at Craigieburn Valley. Gear hire.

Enquiries: hq@chillout.co.nz +64 3 365 6530 Bookings: chillout.co.nz/haute

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THE RIDDLE OF THE BACK COUNTRY

BY SAM MASTERS

Lots of people talk about freedom. Others try to protect it with legislation, diplomacy or war. Backcountry skiers and snowboarders get to live it: experiencing total immersion in freedom’s joy and consequences.

This yin and yang provides the necessary tension for any worthy human endeavour. There’s no greater mission, no worthier cause, no higher calling or more majestic use of your time, than ripping the shit out of powder snow as often as you can!

The Powder & The Passion Backcountry skiing and snowboarding sure doesn’t need a sales manager. The beauty, the fear, the solitude, the mateship, the powder and the passion combine to elevate even the most cynical to a higher emotional state.

Your heart pumps faster. Your perception sharpens and your mind becomes quiet. Time slows… Even as you speed up. You feel every snowflake, smash every turn and your line opens up like a freeway. You stop thinking, stop worrying, and drop into adrenaline autopilot. By the time your legs should be screaming in a lactic acid riot, the endorphins have already kicked in.

RISK MINIMISATION Like all the best things in life you need to keep it tidy; the dangers are real. They just need to be understood and managed - not cotton-wool wrapped or ignored, as they usually are in civilized life.

There’s a perception amongst resort skiers and snowboarders that backcountry touring is tough to get into without the right connections. Getting started is easy… Things only become complex if you want to do it safely or easily. These conflicting forces drive any backcountry adventure.

Risk is one of the few things you can take, but never give. Traditionally, backcountry touring is a risk-minimisation exercise. The most experienced backcountry skiers and snowboarders have a sixth sense for where the snow is best, the danger minimal, the turns sweetest.

Innovation, new tricks, novelty and brand new gear are probably best reserved for the frontcountry (within the ski resort boundary), where even the most seriously injured are within grovelling distance of a meat wagon and morphine drip.

The backcountry isn’t Disneyland, but some risks are actually lessened outside a ski resort. Nobody ever cracked their head on a rail, fell off a lift or collided with a hapless drunk on a crowded trail in the backcountry.

Usually, however, the dangers are stark and the consequences max out; minor problems rapidly balloon into a shit-storm of trouble.

James Hadfield, Mt Olympus. PHOTO Mark BridGwater licence to chill Manual #11

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Isolation & Inconsistency Isolation, the principle attraction of the backcountry, is also its greatest danger. In a resort, injury, fatigue, equipment failure, poor decision-making and getting lost can ruin your day. In the backcountry they can be fatal.

Inconsistency is the norm; every traverse, every landing and every turn is different. Minor variations in the snow can mean the difference between a graceful arc which would make Ted Ligety jealous, and a brutal yard sale which flings your goggles into orbit and pummels you like question time at Guantanamo Bay. Unless you enjoy endangering the lives of Search and Rescue professionals, take an experienced guide for your first adventures. I’m not going to bore you with an extensive list of the things that can go catastrophically wrong on even the shortest backcountry mission.

An experienced campaigner will, however, know the dangers, be prepared to deal with them and ensure they have the right equipment to avoid them.

Weather The softest, fluffiest, cutest New Zealand powder snow is born of extreme violence. Storm clouds punch, tear and kick their way across the country. It’s an atmospheric bar room brawl; an altostratus upper cut, a cirrus knee to the midriff, and finally a cumulo-nimbular kick in the unmentionables. Ours is the WWF of weather! Hope for powder, but expect a healthy variation of snow, wind and precipitation on any backcountry mission.

Some people deal this variation by sitting curled up in front of a warm television - cursing the unpredictability of nature.

These folks demand the average, worship the mundane and couldn’t keep their footing on a medium-sized pile of mediocrity. It’s the backcountry skier or snowboarder who steps boldly into this void - mopping up the freshies missed by the unadventurous, the blinkered or lazy.

Learning The Trade Snow safety, navigation, mountain craft, first aid and general winter sport radness can’t be taught solely from a book, let alone an article in the Chill Manual. You need to get out there with the experts and practice. Taking a backcountry safety course is the best place to start; details on page, and at chillout.co.nz

chillout.co.nz

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Charlie Lyons EARNING TURNS ON Mt Potts. PHOTO Mark BridGwater

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THE RIDDLE CONTINUES Equipment Backcountry touring’s a bit like New Idea magazine: weight’s always an issue. Experience counts - knowing what works in the backcountry, where reliability is crucial, is half the battle.

After a few backcountry tours your gear tends to evolve. Weak and unnecessary equipment become extinct; your backpack contains a thriving ecosystem of effective, burly kit. Take everything you would normally take for a day in the resort, plus: •

First aid kit, layered clothing system, goose-down slippers (for padding about in alpine huts), cooking

Where To Start (With a guide & decent snow) Temple Basin Pretty much the entire resort is backcountry.

Broken River Allans Basin to the bottom of the Tindall Tramway. Avalanche Gully to the access road.

Cheeseman Tarn Basin laps to the access road.

kit, food, Camelbak, sunscreen, map, compass, GPS, EPIRB, head torch, phone •

Touring set up (skins, touring binding or snowshoes)

•

Best sleeping bag you can afford & inflatable sleeping mat

•

Gore-Tex bivvy sac or a four-season tent

•

Avalanche kit (transceiver/probe/shovel), ABS pack for shorter missions

•

Leatherman, duct tape, #8 wire, spares for essential kit

Mt Olympus Ryton Valley, to just below the bottom hut.

Mt Dobson Sunny Face lookers right from the Tbar.

Craigieburn Valley Hot laps to Avalanche corner.

Traverse to Broken River.

Awakino Plenty of scope from the top of the main tow.

Porters Crystal Valley September corn missions.

Rainbow Basin to the NW of the resort.

Fox Peak Off the peak.

Treble Cone Start with a walk, leaving from the Saddle Basin Chairlift.

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SNOW SAFETY All the Chill ski areas access great backcountry terrain. A number of ski area tows finish at a peak or the ridgeline, accessing a variety of terrain choices. Inside the ski area, patrollers are responsible for controlling avalanches. Outside the ski area, the responsibility is with the skier/rider. If you exit the ski area you and your party must be prepared to handle a rescue situation on your own.

Get Permission - Obey all closed signs at ski areas, and ask permission on private land.

Avalanches are a natural part of the mountain environment. Snow safety knowledge helps to minimize your chances of getting caught in a slide. There are some key elements to maximizing your safety when entering these un-controlled areas:

Leave Your Intentions With Someone - Tell someone your plans and leave a date and time for when to raise the alarm, including ski patrol.

Know Before You Go - Plan and prepare for a safe trip by following the Outdoor Safety Code.

Do A Snow-Safety Course - A First Aid course is also recommended.

Do Some Research - Check avalanche.net.nz for their assessment of the current snow conditions. Know the weather forecast and talk with local ski patrol.

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Get To Know Your Gear - Always carry technical equipment, plus spare warm clothing. Run regular games with your transceiver and watch the battery life.

Do Not Travel On Your Own Travel with a buddy who knows how to use their gear.

Be Prepared - Know your limits and take sufficient supplies.

Report It And Share It Tell others what you are seeing at avalanche.net.nz

2016 Snow Safety Courses Avalanche NZ COURSES Avalanche Avoidance 101 One Day Course Start your winter season with an avalanche avoidance training 101 course. This one day course is the first step on the journey to understanding how to travel safely in avalanche terrain.

Christchurch: July 3, 17 & 31, Aug 21 Wanaka: July 3 & 24, Sept 4 & 18 Queenstown: July 10 & 31, Aug 21, Sept 11 Cost TBC, keep an eye on avalanche.org.nz for final price of the course.

Email: info@avalanche.org.nz Broken River Courses Improve your backcountry skiing/ boarding, travel and avalanche skills under the expert guidance of Irene Henninger and Anna Keeling. Their NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) accredited avalanche courses include practical, on-the-snow training and theoretical avalanche information.

Snow Safety for Youth July 17, $85

New Zealand Snow Safety Institute (NZSSI)

This course is about snow safety awareness for youth who ski the club fields. They’re offering this course because it’s so important to give our youth the skills to understand the terrain they are riding in.

Located at the world renowned Temple Basin Ski Area, The New Zealand Snow Safety Institute offers a variety of specialist courses tailored to alpine activities including mountaineering and avalanche awareness for skiers and snowboarders. All courses include accommodation and meals.

Two Day Avalanche Awareness Course July 25-26, $550 Two day avalanche awareness course hosted by Irene Henninger.

This course includes two days of instruction and one evening of lectures. Course fees cover two nights DBB accommodation and lift passes.

Avalanche Awareness August 6-7, $550 This two day course is an ideal introduction for those skiers, snowboarders, wishing to gain a basic level of understanding about avalanche safety.

Five Day Backcountry Avalanche Awareness Course July 26-30, $1300

Five Day Back Country Skills for Skiers and Snowboarders July 11-15 & July 25-29, $1,250

Five day avalanche awareness course hosted by Anna Keeling. This course includes four days of advanced avalanche safety instruction, one evening of lectures, and one day of off-piste ski/board clinic.

Course fees cover five nights DBB accommodation and lift passes.

This course is designed for skiers and snowboarders who wish to develop experience and technical expertise in the back county, and allow you to safely explore the mountains off the beaten trail.

Full course details and registration available at brokenriver.co.nz Phone: +64 3 318 8713 Email: marketing@brokenriver.co.nz

Full course details and registration available at nzssi.com Phone: +64 3 377 7788 Email: info@nzssi.com

Chill AdventureS Courses

Chill’s snow safety courses provide an introduction or recap, of avalanche formation and release, terrain identification, route-finding and decision making along with equipment selection.

They also provide a useful transition to completing the Craigieburn Haute Route, guided by Anna Keeling.

2-Day course with Anna Keeling Guiding July 22-23, Aug 5-6, Aug 21-22, $325/2 days (Optional one day course $225pp) An introduction to the avalanche phenomenon and companion rescue techniques. The interplay of weather, snowpack and terrain plus decision making in the face of tempting powder is the focus. Day One: learn to use transceivers and stage a rescue, using the MSC Avalanche Forecast Advisory and techniques for evaluating snow stability. Day Two: travel through and learn about avalanche terrain.

Four participants minimum.

Full course details and registration available at chillout.co.nz Phone: +64 3 365 6530 Email: hq@chillout.co.nz

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EARLY SEASON SNOW HUNT MARK BRIDGWATER

Many try to speculate about upcoming seasons, some get it right, some get it wrong, yet nearly always there’s a positive outlook. Personally, I like to adopt the ‘if it snows, get out there and enjoy it’ principle. There are always going to be let-downs and pleasant surprises with this approach, but you never know unless you get out there and try. Our super-early-season touring mission up to Mt Potts is a perfect example of this ‘get after it’ attitude, and fortunately one that paid off with some great results!

After a few fun and productive location scouting tramps, motivation was high and only increasing after a few beer-fuelled season plans. Our storm senses were put into action a few weeks ahead of time, when selfproclaimed weather psychic, Charlie Lyons, predicted some decent snow coming our way towards the end of the first week in June. This snow was to land on some already scattered snow accumulation in the Canterbury Ranges, so we were eager to put a mission together.

Maps were scoured, crews assembled, calls made, favours asked, and plans laid. We were to head to the HeliPark NZ terrain around Mt Potts for a day of adventure and touring (formerly Erewhon Park Ski Field… Erewhon said to be ‘nowhere’ in reverse - we’ll

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excuse the w and h for the sake of a good story). To sample some pretty early conditions, we would basically be driving into the middle of nowhere, with skis, scroggin, and camera gear…my idea of a great day!

Saturday the June 6th, 2015 was our day, 6am our leaving time. After a short stop in Methven to assemble, we headed out past the Mt Somers Road and Lake Clearwater, into the Rangitata Valley. The mountains got more and more stunning as the sun rose, lighting up the Two Thumbs Range. Sleepy heads were making way for excitement amongst the group; myself, Charlie Lyons, Simon Reeves, Ryan Taylor, Aaron Ghattas, Wayne Holmes, Sam Townshend and Scott Sheldon.

SimMO & Charlie STOP EN ROUTE TO GLORY, Mt Potts. PHOTO Mark Bridgwater

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Aaron and Ryan were predictably not hanging around for photos and were likely at the summit of Mt Arthur (2149m) by that stage. Charlie caught up with Simmo on the ridgeline, while I packed up and headed up to join them. As I popped out into the sun-soaked ridgeline, I was greeted with a beautiful view towards the Main Divide, above the majestic braids of the Clyde River. A clear line where snow met scree echoed on all the surrounding peaks… It felt great to be out in the mountains again, sliding around on the cold, white stuff that gives us so much joy!

Having Scottie in the crew was the key, literally - he knows the farmer in charge of Mt Potts Station; giving us access to the farm road and eliminating about 4km and 700m of vertical walking. Some had motorbikes to get to the snowline, the rest of us took my trusty Hilux up the steep and rugged farm road to the farm boundary. With a sketchy quite-a-few-point turn, we parked up, unloaded our gear and made our way up the rest of the road on foot. As we reached the snow line, tramping boots were stashed under rocks and replaced with ski boots, before we donned the skins and touring mode to get up to skiable slopes.

We all convened at the first plateau around 1700m, where an old, lonesome long drop stood clad in fresh snow. The rest of the tour up was in the morning sun and beautifully light, fluffy snow. A couple of shots were snagged by Charlie and I, as temptation broke from time to time on the ascent. This gave Scottie and Wayne enough time to reach the ridgeline and swoop in under wings, for their first speed flying run of the winter.

Scottie came in first, followed closely by his eager dog, Brown. Wayne was next up and followed the plan of getting nice and close to me for the shot… Perhaps a little too literally; missing me by well under a metre!

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We obliged the terrain and view by bagging a couple of shots with the Clyde and surrounding peaks as backdrop, while Charlie and Simmo put turns down the much more low-tide NNE aspect, in full sun. We followed that up with a picturesque lunch spot at the peak of Mt Arthur, before enjoying the almost 500 vertical metres of cold smoke. I couldn’t help but get another couple of sneaky shots of the boys enjoying these turns from above, before diving into some amazing, shin-deep snow myself.

Smiles, laughs and high-fives were shared back at the plateau, as the rest of our group dribbled in from their last turns. We all headed back down the road, rock-dodging with power wedge turns and tired legs.

But they got us back to our tramping boots, where the feeling of slipping back into a looser, slightly more padded and significantly less hot and sweaty set of boots was all the more satisfying after earning what we’d just skied.

We made the long walk to the truck with stories flying…

Eventually making it back down to Mt Potts Lodge, where more stories were shared with the locals around the log burner, over some highly anticipated cold beers and deep-fried food.

While some did multiple runs throughout the day, exploring the varied terrain on offer, Charlie, Simmo and I got a few quality turns and a handful of great shots which left us more eager than ever to ‘get after’ the snow that season. We’d proven to ourselves that a little hard work in some out-of-the-way spots can really pay off - a lesson that marked the 2015 season for us.

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WORDS Axel Reiser, PHOTOS CARLA BRAUN-ELWERT ‘A ski traverse is like a well composed piece of music. It flows with harmony, surprises with the unexpected. It engages all your emotions and the melody lingers in your mind afterwards. Good music needs players who are masters of their instruments.’

Gottlieb Braun-Elwert, after completing the first ‘Symphony on Skis’, 1985

This classic New Zealand ski tour, often referred to as the ‘New Zealand Haute Route’, was pioneered by Alpine Recreation company founder, Gottlieb Braun-Elwert, together with Franz Waibl and Daniel Frey; in a single day on September 14th, 1985. After experiencing all its ups and downs, with pace changes ranging from steady to elegant to energetic, Gottlieb compared it to a musical symphony, and the name stuck.

Their Symphony on Skis 1985 record: 18.5 hours from Rankin Hut in the Godley Valley, to Chancellor Hut, was broken by Grant Guise, Javier Martin (Spain) and Lorenzo Holzknecht (Italy) in just under 13 hours, on September 5th, 2009. This was made possible with ultralite ski touring gear and light day packs. The

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original party carried full packs with sleeping bags, cookers, and food for their last night at Chancellor Hut. Luckily, the Symphony does not mention anything about speed; about faster, about better. I am competitive; a triathlete, runner and athlete - so of course I have thought about the Symphony as an athletic challenge.

Gottlieb’s original record has already been bettered, but this is not what we decided to do for the 30th birthday of the Symphony.

Out of many coincidences, but very fitting to the occasion, we mustered a Kiwi-German team, equipped by a French company, to celebrate the sheer beauty of this KiwiHaute-Route version.

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Route 42km, 4000m+ altitude gain.

Carla remembers: “Early in the morning of September 20th, 2015, exactly thirty years and one week since the original Symphony on Skis was ‘composed’, our bright bunch of five was finally ready to go. Behind us lay weeks of planning, packing, battling with excess baggage, careful gear preparation, food depots, and praying to weather gods (not sure who did that, but they did a great job). Ahead of us was a brown, wide valley with clouds disguising the snow we were keen to have under our feet.”

Lake Tekapo - Godley Valley Liebig Range - Murchison Glacier - Tasman Saddle - Tasman Glacier - Rudolph Glacier - Graham Saddle (crossing the Main Divide) - Franz Josef Glacier - Fox Glacier.

The route guaranteed us an entertaining mix of several different ski modes; ski-free’ crawls and crunches (phew!), ‘skin-ski’ walks up (homm!), and ‘free-ski’ rides down (Yeeeha!). The route’s easily followed with a finger on the large map on the wall of my hallway, slightly harder work onsite!

Take a 4WD - ride it up the Godley Valley until haunted by the Godley Ghost (near the leftovers of Rankin Hut). From the valley floor, turn left up the Rankin Stream and follow to

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the top (several options, so choose wisely). Drop down into Murchison Valley - hang a right up the Murchison - skip over the headwall onto the Tasman, follow until you run out of snow.

Turn sharp right again at De La Beche Corner and shoot up the Rudolph - scramble to the top of Graham Saddle. Scoot along the Western Neves until finally dropping down the Fox Glacier - stop when running out of snow again. It’s advisable to catch a heli flight from here to get down to the Coast.

AXEL (YELLOW ONESIE) SHOWING GOOD FORM 75.

Along the way we enjoyed the hospitality of our tents (to start within the Godley), then Murchison Hut, Tasman Saddle Hut and Centennial Hut. The route is shaped and changed on every occasion by the people you travel with, the people you meet in the huts and those who share your tracks.

The mountains have changed since Gottlieb travelled, but they have not lost any of their beauty. Receding glaciers may be a global problem, but when we were immersed within them, they were as majestic as ever.

The highlight of the route is the traverse in itself; the following and zig-zagging over the five biggest glacial systems in Aotearoa - crossing from the dry eastern side, to the jungle of the west.

My personal highlight was the ‘sharing’ of one descent: Elke, Jochen and I - each choosing

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our own personal line, skied down an ice ramp below Brodrick Peak, directly opposite the Murchison Hut site. We elegantly (at least I think so) curved around a number of spectacular-looking ice cliffs and carved up some good snow, until back on the main flow of the Murchison Glacier. Not a line that could have been enjoyed when hunting records, but one that has a place in my memories forever.

Time: Allow about four days including travelling time, and extra weather contingency days. Our 2015 group took seven days, taking extra time and extra weight (cameras, batteries) to film the expedition.

More information about the ‘Symphony on Skis’ film can be found at: symphonyonskis.com facebook.com/symphonyonskis alpinerecreation.com/symphonyonskis.html

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in ark

g:

m tele F REE H EEL I N G F REE D O M BECKY HOLDEN

Standing in the queue for the T-bar at Porters, I overhear a skier saying: “There are so many telemarketers!”

The oracle, Google, gets confused too; asking if I mean ‘telemarketing’ when I type ‘telemarking’ in.

Telemarking, or freeheeling as it‘s also known, is a snow sport with bindings. Your heel is free, rather than fixed to the ski like alpine bindings, and one ski is placed in front of the other - making it easier to manoeuvre the skis in challenging terrain.

You can carve, just like on skis, but it involves greater muscle engagement, lunging and core strength. A telemark friend of mine, Nicolas Piraud, passionately compared it to riding a hardtail mountain bike; more precise, more graceful, more pure - with a freedom of movement that cannot be achieved on a snowboard or skis. And a telemark Instructor at Broken River, Claire Newell, described the feeling as ‘dancing on skis’.

Telemark skiing got its name from the county of Telemark, in Norway. At least as far back as mediaeval times, during hard, snowy winters skiing was an important means of transport; enabling communication between small, isolated villages. Skiing was also important

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for hunters and farmers, who would ski long distances, returning with items such as game and firewood. The telemark ski made these trips much easier.

It wasn’t until the late 1900’s that telemark skiing became a popular recreational sport; providing a great light-weight touring option for venturing into the back country.

Its popularity in New Zealand peaked in the 1980’s, after being introduced here by Whitney Thurlow and Jef Desbeker, ‘When it was all about leather boots and long skinny skis’, reflects telemark enthusiast and instructor, Greg McIntyre. Nowadays, although there’s still a steady stream of newbies entering the sport, its popularity has plateaued - the sport has evolved to being about high performance both on-piste and backcountry.

Ask a telemark skier why they do it, they’ll respond along the lines of ‘Because of the freedom’, or ‘Because of the challenge‘.

Telemark instructor, Marty Smith, described telemarking as ‘A looser form of skiing… In the beginning, like any new sport, you may find telemarking more physically demanding than skiing, but as technique improves, telemarking is no more difficult’.

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Jim Henderson, Broken River. Photo Claire Newell

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Claire Newell, Broken River. Photo Jim Henderson

Telemarkers unite in saying it’s much easier to traverse to better terrain. Telemarking also adds interest to ski areas you know well; increasing the difficulty level and duration of runs, compared to alpine skiing or boarding. If you get bored with alpine skiing, telemarking provides a challenging alternative.

Another benefit, that David Sullivan, an alpine skiing convert notes, is that when venturing into the back country on tele’s, ‘You’re more likely to want to ski less steep terrain, which of course reduces the avalanche risk…there’s a bigger range of movement, and of course, being on tele’s gets you bigger kudos in the terrain park’.

And for those like me, who experience constant frustration at trying to perfect a sport learnt as an adult, unlike skiing, telemarking isn’t as pedantic as skiing or snowboarding; you don’t have to achieve perfection.

To celebrate and promote telemark skiing, Greg McIntyre is organising a Learn to Tele

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Tour - kicking off mid-August 2016, from Queenstown. The Tour will make its way north toward NZ’s Powder Highway: State Highway 73, home to beech forest and cheeky keas.

McIntyre and other tele instructors will be stopping at ski areas and offering telemark lessons; free at ski areas that usually don’t offer lessons, and there’ll be a good selection of tele equipment for anyone to use. Dates and venues will be promoted at the ski areas, and posted on the Telemark New Zealand Facebook page: facebook.com/telemarknz Telemark skiing appeals to the kiwi ethos of keeping fit and being adventurous. As a minority sport, those it attracts form an instant bond - making it easy to spark up conversation with strangers who share a passion in the sport. And people who take to telemark skiing often stick around.

Telemarkers all share a common view: not only do you feel truly free on telemark skis, it’s a lot of FUN. Give it go this winter!

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Telemark Events 2016

Instructor Training

August 7-13 Broken River Telemark Week Group lessons from Sunday to the following Saturday; $770 for non-pass holders (includes lessons, lift pass, bed, breakfast and dinner for the week), or $400 for those with a Chill Pass.

A great (and cheap) way to learn the basics of telemark skiing is to enrol in an Instructors course through the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance. NZSIA offers Level 1-3 Instructor training. Approximately 3-4 people qualify as Level 1 Instructors each year, with 2-3 people qualifying for Level 2.

August 10-12 Telemark Off-Piste Skills Course Three day course for intermediate to advanced telemarkers; focusing on steeper terrain, with group sessions running mornings and afternoons.

The Level 1 Instructors course costs $540 over four days ($135/day). For dates & details check out: nzsia.org

August 13-14 BR’s Black Diamond Freeheel Fun Weekend The finale of Broken River’s Telemark Week; attracting telemarkers from all over! Includes Spot prizes and other attractions.

Check out Broken River’s website for more details: brokenriver.co.nz/news-events/telemark-events

Telemark Lessons Coronet Peak and Cardrona both have qualified instructors able to provide telemark lessons. Gear should be hired before you head up the mountain though; from either Outside Sports in Queenstown, or MT Outdoors in Wanaka.

Broken River Ski Area really gets behind the telemark community, with qualified instructors on the mountain and hire gear. Booking lessons ahead is recommended.

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SHANE ORCHARD

SplitFest is a grass-roots backcountry festival now into its sixth year, making it one of New Zealand’s longestrunning on-mountain events for backcountry enthusiasts. It runs each year in September, in the unparalleled surroundings of Temple Basin Ski Area - this year, from September 7-11.

The festival started off with a focus on the relatively ‘new’ sport of splitboarding, and has gradually expanded to include a wider range of activities for snowboarders and skiers; skills workshops, trying out gear, meeting like-minded people, and planning backcountry trips.

From the start, a focus on gear was the key to getting SplitFest going. Only a few years back, splitboarding and splitboards were just minnows in a large sea of snowboard industry hype.

Unfortunately that meant many companies produced only a single splitboard in their range typically a mid-quality noodle often overpriced in terms of being a quality ride.

However it didn’t take long for the mainstream to catch up with two main ideas. The first, that the backcountry was fun. Second, that top riders might appreciate a top of the line splitboard which wasn’t such a compromise compared with what they would normally ride.

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Along with many other countries, New Zealand has seen a steady increase of people drawn to backcountry snow and touring. And with that, more interest in the options for getting about.

Thankfully the concept of splitboards has matured from a possible fad, into a proven technology for backcountry travel. Nowadays many riders have a splitboard in their quiver and it’s a great option if some of your friends are on skis; compared to alternatives such as snow shoeing (or bootpacking!).

SplitFest was born with the idea of bringing enough gear together to create an opportunity for people to ‘give it a go’. Back in the early days it was quite an effort to source any demo gear at all. But thanks to splitboarding turning mainstream, that soon changed.

There’s now a wide range of split-boards, bindings, packs and other dedicated gear… featuring some of what’s available remains a big part of the festival. Better still, there’re now awesome local products in the mix, including hand-crafted splitboards from Splitn2 and locally made tech bindings from Ranger Bindings.

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Nick S. & Daniel B. Temple Basin. Photo Shane Orchard

Alongside this, there are constant improvements in touring gear, outerwear, safety equipment and more. Profiling some of these developments for skiers and boarders is a key purpose of SplitFest, with a focus on providing opportunities to compare and try out the gear.

Another fantastic spin-off has been the willingness of people who own ‘new gear’ to bring it and share it around for others to see and use.

Each year SplitFest has broken the record for the most splitboards on a mountain at one time, and there’s no sign this trend is going to stop anytime soon!

As well as gear, the other main function of the festival is to provide opportunities to learn the basics

of touring and give it a go. For the most part, there’s great recreational access in New Zealand for winter backcountry sports; thanks to our ski field access roads and extensive network of walking tracks.

Even if short tours from skifields is as far as you ever take it, the backcountry offers a different experience that’s more about spending time in the mountains on their terms, and using your own power to get around.

SplitFest offers several skills workshops to get you started, and opportunities to join short tours to put those skills into practice on ideal terrain. This year will see a Ski Touring Technique workshop added - as part of the plan to gradually expand the event. It marks the start chillout.co.nz

of new chapter for the festival, even though we always have skiers come on up just to be part of a good time.

There’ll also be a one day Avalanche Awareness course on the Friday.

Even if you only come up for this course, your registration fee of $20 makes SplitFest New Zealand’s bestvalue snow safety training by far.

But hopefully you might also stay for weekend, try out some gear, learn some mountain travel techniques, meet some great people, party on Saturday and make some plans for doing it all again another time!

For more information, keep an eye on the SplitFest Festival website: splitfest.co.nz templebasin.co.nz Facebook: Splitfest New Zealand

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MT ROLLESTON, ARTHUR’S PASS. PHOTO MARK BRIDGWATER 85.

NESTOR NOTABILIS Battling to Save Our Charismatic Kea

New Zealand’s unique, curious and cheeky mountain parrots are in serious danger: the kea population is currently listed as Nationally Endangered, and declining. Chill Manual encourages skiers and snowboarders to get involved with the vital work the Kea Conservation Trust (KCT) is doing.

We spoke with Tamsin Orr-Walker: co-founder and Chair of the KCT, founded in 2006. Tamsin is also KCT Project Coordinator and Community Engagement Coordinator (Lower South Island).

What is the core purpose of the Trust?

To assist in the conservation of wild kea in their natural habitat, and to increase the husbandry standards and advocacy potential of kea held in captive facilities within New Zealand.

How close are kea to becoming extinct?

All research in the last 10 years points to a population severely under threat from a range of issues impacting on keas’ ability to reproduce and survive to breeding age.

All the threats to kea are of human origin.

From the late 1860’s to early 1970’s, a government bounty was in place - as

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a result of keas’ predilection for sheep fat. This reduced their numbers over a 100 year period, by 150,000.

Nowadays, predation of nests is devastating populations. E.g. The Nelson Lakes population, found to be stable during a six year study in the 1990’s, decreased by 80% by 2009 - a catastrophic decline!

During the 10 year interval, two beech masts occurred, along with a subsequent rise in numbers of possums and stoats (originally introduced by humans). Cameras set at the three remaining nests, showed nests consistently predated on.

Lead poisoning is another widespread issue for kea. Research carried out since 2006 has shown wherever kea overlap with human habitation, lead is present in their blood.

In areas such as Mt Cook and the West Coast, these lead levels are extremely high.

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NESTOR. Photo Zach Clanton

Other threats include accessing traps and baits used to control pests, on-going persecution by humans, vehicle strike (particularly in areas such as Arthur’s Pass), ingestion of non-digestible objects (e.g. rubber, string, rubbish), and electrocution from alpine substations.

What impacts are ski areas having?

Kea are highly attracted to ski areas.

Visitors mean food, cars and bright, colourful objects - an irresistible, dangerous combination for inquisitive parrots. Ski areas themselves can also present problems; moving equipment, electrical wiring, rubbish, toxins, lead, and water barrels have all been an issue for kea in past years. Fortunately many ski areas have successfully ‘kea-proofed’ their ski fields to a high standard.

Ski areas can also make a positive impact by educating their visitors.

They also have a great opportunity to raise funds to support kea conservation: simply adding a $1 donation to every ski pass (which other businesses such as zoos do), would help provide certainty for conservation projects.

The KCT has free, professionallydesigned signs and posters in electronic form, that ski areas can download, and stunning, professional videos for display: keaconservation.co.nz/ resources/audio-video/ What makes kea so cheeky and intelligent?!

Kea have evolved in an extremely harsh environment - the snow-

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covered mountains and forests of the Southern Alps. As the only parrot species in the world living in snowy, alpine regions, they’ve had to become highly adaptive and exploratory to survive.

Also, kea are considered ‘neophilic’ they love anything new. This adaptive curiosity has ensured their success for tens of thousands of years in our mountain wilderness. However it has also resulted in them coming into conflict with humans over the past 150 years, and almost being wiped out.

What are their breeding habits?

Unusually, kea are winter breeders producing eggs in their underground nests from July. Eggs hatch after almost a month’s incubation and chicks fledge around just three months later.

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The father must find food during the harsh winter months and resource the female, who then feeds the young chicks. As the chicks become less vulnerable, both parents leave the nest to forage. Pairs generally mate for life, only re-pairing if one dies.

What do kea eat?

Although the keas’ diet is predominantly plant-based (seasonal fruits, seeds, nectar, flowers, roots and leaves of our native plants), animal protein and fats are consumed when available. Human food is also on the keas menu, however this high energy fat/sugar diet creates a raft of problems for kea that would normally spend 88.HARRY

many hours foraging for natural foods. Feeding kea also encourages them into areas where they’re vulnerable to being hit by passing vehicles, the likelihood of conflict, or to eating toxic substances.

How far do they roam?

We don’t know exactly. It depends in part, on their age and time of year. Satellite-tracked juveniles have been tracked as travelling 100km in three days, whilst breeding pairs stay close to their known territory (4km2). At different times of the year, flocks of young kea and adult males will be highly mobile and more or less visible, depending on seasonal food availability.

How do you source funds and support?

Funding’s always a challenge!

Contestable funding is our main source of income, as are funds from zoos holding kea. Local businesses also help raise funds and awareness.

Donations received from individuals, community and conservation groups, via our ski field donation boxes and Givealittle pages, make up almost quarter of our annual income. All donors are listed on our website and acknowledged in our bi-monthly email updates (which are also posted on our Facebook page: Kea Conservation Trust).

licence to chill #11 DOES A SPREAD PARROT FOR THE CAMERAS. Kea Manual Conservation Trust. Mat Goodman Photography

We receive considerable support from the Department of Conservation (use of transport, equipment, accommodation, meeting venues and experienced personnel), plus support from local communities, businesses and volunteers.

Specialist volunteers help with data entry, production of promotional videos and sighting apps, kea surveys and pest control - the list goes on! It’s hugely inspiring to see people from all walks of life and all ages coming together to help save our unique and charismatic kea.

Tell us about community outreach, ‘Kea Project Plans’ - how can people get involved?

Our nine, newly-developed South Island Community Kea Plans involve regular brainstorming sessions, held over the next two years; to activate local education/

advocacy programmes, population monitoring, threat mitigation, and to find sources of funding and support, to ensure long-term sustainability. You can find out more and get in touch via our website: keaconservation.co.nz/projects/ community-kea-project-plans/ We’ll also be having a South Island Winter Tour (27th June - 7th July).

The theme is ‘A Kea Revolution transforming perceptions to save the world’s only mountain parrot’.

We’ll look at the process of changing the negative attitudes to kea (built up over the 100 year bounty), and the battle today, to save them from extinction. This includes how local communities around the South Island and supporters around the world, are banding together to halt keas’ slippery slide into oblivion.

Then we’ll brainstorm ways all of us, children and adults, can get involved in this new kea revolution.

Dates and venues will be posted at: keaconservation.co.nz/projects/ test-education-project/ Anything else we can do to help?

Look out for KCT donation boxes at ski areas! Be a positive advocate for kea - share their story with your own networks, and visit our website - find out how you can get involved.

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SNOW POCA LYPSE

SNOWY MOUNTAIN LODGE | MARGOT BOHANON & BEN SAVILL ‘Snowpocalypse’ was shutting down Kamloops in British Columbia, as we drove north to Blue River for a ski touring trip into Snowy Mountain Lodge. Driving snow, low visibility and possessed truckies throwing rooster tails of snow and grit, made navigation even more exciting.

The plan was to overnight in Blue River well known as the home of Mike Wiegele Helisking; one of the original heli ski pioneers. Turns out Wiegele owns most of the town. After checking into our modest accommodation we navigated through the snow drifts, in search of beer and dinner.

We chanced upon the main Mike Wiegele Heli Lodge, with its roaring fire and deep leather couches. Noticing the fur coats and clientele, we questioned if we should be here. A quick check of the heli ski packages confirmed the $12,000 per week price tag was well out of

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BEN ON THE HOME RUN. PHOTO MARGOT

our budget! Turned out we had arrived on the change-out day which meant free open bar for the incoming heli ski clients. We managed a few jugs and chicken wings on Mr Wiegele before slipping back into the storm.

Snowy Mountain Lodge is a 10 person shelter deep in the Cariboo Range, north of Blue River. The lodge is accessed from Blue River by snow mobile, via a 30km forestry track; toboggans are towed with supplies and equipment.

Steve Ludwig - the owner of Snowy Mountain Lodge (and a Canadian Mountain Guide), met

us at the staging post. He informed us with a cheeky smile that he had some good news, and some bad news. The good news was that the snow height at the lodge was 170cm; it had snowed 50cm in the last 24 hours and another 30cm was expected overnight.

buckets from a creek 50m from the lodge, and a separate building contained the cedar sauna, which was epic at the end of the day!

Communication with the outside world is via VHF radio and satellite phone, and Steve has a standalone Yurt for his private residence.

The bad news: we could only sled 25km in, and would have to skin the ski toboggans loaded with supplies, for the last 5km; the northern snow bridge over the Blue River was out. Nothing sounded all that bad after the good news, however we were in for a big mission‌ On repacking and reassessing the necessities, beers and whiskey were rationed.

The total tenure area is more than 10,000ha; shared with Mike Wiegele Heli Ski and the local snow mobile clubs. Due to the remoteness and size, we could occasionally hear helicopters and snow mobiles in the distance, but never saw another person.

It was easy going, until we had to descend with toboggans attached, via a harness which was constantly taking off down the hill in front us. Travelling through the deep, light snow along the river gave us a good idea of what the snow was doing, and a sneak preview of the amazing terrain we would be in for a week.

Steve explained when he was trying to find a location for a ski touring lodge near his home in Blue River, he was bushwhacking and camping. One evening he watched a lightning bolt strike a tree on the site that would later become the lodge - the run leading back to the lodge is now suitably named Lucky Strike.

The lodge sits at 1200m amongst towering cedar and hemlock trees. Officially, Snowy Mountain Lodge requires that every group is guided, however experienced groups are sometimes allowed to be self-guided.

Fortunately our old friend and Canadian ski guide Mike Wilson, who worked with us at Temple Basin years ago, arranged the trip (which included our friend Tamsin); the four of us had free reign, and the whole place to ourselves!

Offering simple rustic luxury, the lodge is cosy and comfortable. The main floor area is well-equipped with a kitchen, gas range and raging fire. Water is sourced with 20-litre

Glades begin at the lodge and at 550m uphill, give way to alpine terrain; steep faces, open rolling slopes and technical summits.

Many of of the British Columbia backcountry huts are positioned to take advantage of low-angle glades and glaciers, but Snowy Mountain Lodge brings skiers to the foot of steeper terrain.

Due to the large amount of snowfall in a short period, we kept to the glades. After trenching a skin track to the top of the treeline, we had options galore for most of the week; steep, deep, pillows and naturally gladed tree lines which all led either directly back to the lodge, or a quick skin away.

After the snow had settled and the weather cleared, we were able to access the alpine terrain above 1750m. The terrain here was vast; crossing high alpine tarns and saddles.

We were able to top out on numerous peaks which offered open bowls, rolling spines, natural half pipes and great skiing on all aspects, with cold temps and no wind affect.

All great things must come to an end eventually. After a week that started with chest-deep, light and dry Cariboo powder, consolidating to waist then knee-deep powder, it was time to load up the ski toboggans (minus the food, beer and whisky) and trudge back out to the sleds that had been cached for the week‌.back to reality.

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WINTERS IN THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN WORDS & PHOTOS KYLE MILLER. rider BEN STARKEY

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How does 80cm of new snow falling overnight at -20 degrees, with no wind, sound? Now add to that a lift line comprised of 10 other hardcores waiting for a Gondola which flies up 800 meters in less than six minutes, with a groomer run that can get you back to the bottom in only four minutes!

Crazy, you say? Well it’s the norm in the Land of the Rising Sun; almost guaranteed, numerous times in a season!

By now you’ll have heard the rumours about Japan; a place abounding with snow, empty resorts, endless plates of cheap sushi and some of the kindest people you will come across in all of Asia. At least that’s what I had heard from a friend, so I booked my plane ticket to experience it for myself.

probably try my luck exploring the different resorts and volcanoes there, in 2017.

I was in Honshu mid-December to early February. I had the good fortune to hold a season’s pass to explore a resort called Shiga Kogen, which has the highest lift- accessed terrain in all of Asia. The mega resort encompasses 19 small ski resorts - mostly interconnected, giving access to terrain from beginners, to advanced.

Day after day we would wait for the snowpack to come and fill in the bushes, but were greeted with high freezing levels. The resorts had a snowpack comparable to a club field in mid-July, but with the use of my splitboard I was able to make the best out of conditions.

If you knew anyone who was skiing in Japan this season (2016), you could tell which island they were on, by their posts on Facebook.

If they were on Hokkaido, they spoke of epic snow day after day, a deep snowpack, and endless opportunities to get into the untracked pow.

By early February, the snowpack was barely deep enough to hide the Sasa grass, so we were out exploring endless amounts of backcountry, with a quick bump from the lifts.

One of those days was a legendary 80cm dump overnight, without a breath of wind - by then, we knew the ins and the outs of the ski resort. We rode the same fresh snow for three days. It quickly became a routine of hanging in the mountains by day, soaking in the hot pool Onsens by afternoon and enjoying Sushi trains by night (an Onsen is a necessity after a long day lift riding or backcountry ski touring).

If they were on Honshu, they were crying about drought conditions, a lack of snowpack to get off-piste, and crowds of countless Westerners waiting for snow to arrive. This seemed to be the theme of the season. In the end we would discover it was the worst season on record; even drier than the now infamous ‘98 season, when the Nagano Olympics were held and they were forced to import snow to make the venues skiable.

Though Shiga Kogen was far from being the biggest or snowiest resort in Japan, it was a great place to explore and experience some of the driest snow I’ve ever had the good fortune to ride. The area’s so vast, it’s impossible to ski every run in a single day, or to get to know the whole area well within a week. It takes a full season to figure out the nooks and crannies which make it such a great place, with something for everybody.

I’ve never been on Hokkaido, but throughout the season I would get messages from friends, speaking of snow storms and great terrain - increasing my desire more and more every day, to explore the ‘North Island’. I’ll

It’s hard to compare the terrain on Honshu to anything found in New Zealand; there’s a delicate balance between mountains and volcanoes. What draws me in is that most of the resorts are covered in trees; on a stormy

The rumours are true. I’ve just come back from a three-month stint on Honshu, which offers some of the best powder skiing in the world…well, sometimes!

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day you can ski waist-deep powder, while most of the crowd is by a warm fire and staying inside.

People say Japan is an expensive country, but I’ve found that as a package, it’s quite cheap - as long as you minimise your time travelling and are budget-oriented when looking for food to eat, places to stay, and resorts to explore.

The food is delicious and well prepared. Make sure to eat food like Tempura, Pork Katsu, soba and anything they send your way - the Japanese take great pride in their food, plus your taste buds and wallet will thank you!

If you find the extra time, I highly recommend visiting Tokyo to see how the busiest city in 94.

the world is structured, and broken down into sub-cities. Places like Akihabara, Shinjuku and Ginza will show you all the nightlife that Japan’s famous for. With its simple layout, the metro system is easy to understand and even easier to navigate.

For most skiers, Japan is all about the snow, but like New Zealand, there’s also a beautiful culture underneath the surface - with people sure to smile and share a helping hand.

Be warned: once you ski or ride there, you’ll want to make the pilgrimage season after season; the memories will keep you coming back. That’s the promise of Japan, and what has me hooked on winters in the Land of the Rising Sun.

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GEORGIA: PARADOXES & PARODIES Neil Williman and Fabian Lentsch have embarked on a snow-bound mission, in their purpose-built Snowmads ‘home’ truck. They started in Austria, and are filming and documenting their travels. Neil brought the Chill Manual up to speed with their Georgia heli-mission.

Georgia, Eurasia: a place of paradoxes, to the point of parodies.

We flew into Kutaisi to meet Fabi and hit the road in his Snowmads truck (‘we’ being myself and the filmers: Simon and Jonas, AKA Yolo). Fabi wasn’t picking us up until the next day… In the taxi on the way to the guest house, the taxi driver asked Simon if he wanted to drive, and I don’t think he was joking. Simon was drinking a beer at the time.

Fabi and Neil PHOTO Flory Kern

And though the guest house was super clean and tidy (with tasty food which appeared to be locally sourced and homemade), it was run by an elderly Christian woman who played sexually-explicit music videos on the TV. Fabi picked us up in the morning - it was a great feeling to be back in the Snowmads truck. The only thing that seemed to have changed since I was with him in Turkey a couple of months earlier, was that one of the large cupboards was entirely filled with Iranian ‘fresh’ dates.

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We noticed that everyone had smartphones, hot water never seemed to get hot, and that the roads were super bad. The drive to the mountain town we would take the heli from, was almost comically potholed. Neither Fabi nor Jonas (the only holders of the necessary truck licence) seemed to notice, or at least didn’t bother slowing down.

Apparently the further east they had driven, the less they cared about the poor roads, and Georgia is pretty far east of Austria!

The town we arrived in had a familiarly un-familiar feel to it. The last place I expected to eat at the end of the long, bumpy and cattlecovered road, was a small, hipster restaurant with trendy music and fejoa lemonade.

Locals led their horses down the cobbled road outside, while other locals shared shred stories from the hill that day - dressed in trendy ski gear and sipping craft beers. The barman there was to become our best local friend (thanks for the hookups and help-outs Nick!).

Even we were living a laughably contrasting lifestyle; the heli was parked on the lawn of the nice hotel across the river from the hipster restaurant, but we were sleeping in the truck, at an abandoned car park around the corner; just out of sight of the hotel, but hanging out there often enough that they thought we were guests.

Snowmads Truck Photo Simon Huber

Fabi had been in touch with German heli-skiing guide Flory, and the Swedish pilot he had teamed up with: ‘Mad Matts’, who turned out to be the most hilariously badass pilot any of us had ever flown with! They’d been based there for a good chunk of the season, and this particular week, they only had two heli-loads of clients, rather than three. So we were able to tag along - as long as we covered costs and waited for when it suited them to bump us up.

Flory told Fabi he ‘knew some nice looking steep lines’, but after a few years of people misunderstanding what terrain makes good freeride

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movies, we were hesitant about trusting that. Turned out that as a former freeride pro, Flory knew exactly what he was talking about.

He flew us straight to some zones that absolutely blew my mind!

Everything was perfect: the terrain, snow, weather, light…we really couldn’t ask for any better.

According to Flory, we did some ‘almost certainly first descents’.

We named one of the faces ‘Dirtier Needle’ in homage to the classic Alaskan face. I had always dreamed of this exact situation, but thought it only happened in Alaska. Fabi said that this was very comparable to his filming experiences in AK, which more than satisfied me, though I immediately put heavy pressure on myself to get the most amazing shots ever!

First run, I tried to take on a decent double drop, but went way too big on the first take-off. I crashed super hard off the second; breaking a pole, losing my GoPro and bruising myself up. I got straight back in the heli but then couldn’t get it together at the top of my next line, and skied more mellowly for the rest of the day. I accidentally kicked off a cornice too, which left me half standing on rock and feeling like an idiot.

To be honest, I spent a good portion of the trip feeling scared or stressed; desperately trying to get shots in the three days we had before the weather got bad and the heli left. It was still a super-positive experience, don’t get me wrong; I don’t want to pretend like ‘everything was great all the time, I ski like a goddam superhero and you should be jealous’!

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Fabi and Neil, HELI FEVER. PHOTO Simon Huber

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Photo Florian Hellberg

If there’s anything I’ve learnt in my time on this snowy planet, it’s that you’ve just gotta make the most of wherever you are, the right attitude can make anywhere fun, and vice versa. Fabi brought the right attitude for sure he absolutely killed it the whole time.

I’m proud of the footage we got, and as I write this, I’m ready for the week of bad weather that we’re facing, as well as the next heli only being able to drop us off at the bottom of a touring zone to winter camp for a week.

Dreams coming true for sure, but it feels like it’s in return for putting your heart and soul

into something that isn’t guaranteed to give anything back. Fabi has done that to the max by organising this trip.

Thanks for reading and following, people…

Now go enjoy the slushy closing day, early season hiking mission or whatever you’re doing, wherever you are. Peace out!’

Editors Note Neil and Fabi are current/former Chill Pass holders. Search ‘Snowmads Neil’ or ‘Snowmads Fabian’ to see their webisode, or full details about their movie.

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FOOTSTEPS ON SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND In October 2015, Tom MacTavish took part in the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Inspiring Explorers Expedition, to traverse South Georgia Island. The expedition marked the centenary of Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition (1914-1917) and is part of the Trust’s intention to inspire youth to explore and share their experiences with others.

Name: Tom MacTavish Age: 29 Home town: Moeraki, Otago Occupation & Special Interests: “I studied Zoology and Marine Science at Otago University and have also worked in adventure tourism. In recent years I’ve been living abroad, but I’m now about to start my first ‘real’ job, as a Ranger for the Department of Conservation. My main outdoor interests are backcountry skiing and rock climbing, but like most Kiwis I enjoy having a crack at pretty much anything adventurous, and outside.”

What attracted you to a remote adventure on South Georgia Island?

“I’ve always had a fascination for cold, remote places - it’s that fascination that had previously taken me to Alaska, Northern Canada and the Norwegian Arctic in winter.

On previous adventures, particularly 100.

while backcountry skiing, I quickly learnt the experience became a lot richer when there was an element of human history. So to have an opportunity to ski in the footsteps of Shackleton, Worsley and Crean, across such a cold and remote subAntarctic Island, for the centenary…

I really don’t think I could have imagined anything more exciting.”

How did you get involved?

“The New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust (nzaht.org) invited applications from interested 20 to 29 year olds who identified with one or more of the nationalities of Shackleton (England), Worsley (New Zealand) or Crean (Ireland). They wanted to select applicants to represent each of the three nationalities.

Selection was based on relevant skills and the applicants’ plans to inspire others to explore. My plan was licence to chill Manual #11

centred on sharing the expedition through articles, and with children at small, rural South Island schools. I thought this was quite a fitting plan, given Worsley himself grew up in the small South Island town of Akaroa.

Luckily for me, the Trust agreed.”

What were the logistics?

“Most of the planning and logistics were taken care of by the Antarctic Heritage Trust and they did a flawless job. But there were some things that remained beyond our control.

Shackleton, Worsley and Crean began their crossing from King Haakon Bay, on the rarely frequented and notoriously rough western side of South Georgia.

Our transport to and from the island was via a small expedition ship that also had the interests of other passengers to consider. So we knew that with only a short window of

A GOOD TIME TO HAVE REMEMBERED THAT EXTRA BASE LAYER. PHOTO Rob Stimpson

time, there was a very real possibility poor weather would prevent us from making it to King Haakon Bay at all. Thankfully the weather was kind to us - at least until we made it onto land.”

Who else was in the tour party?

“The Expedition Leader was Nigel Watson, the Executive Director of the Antarctic Heritage Trust.

The other members were James Blake - an Anglo-Kiwi film-maker and adventurer (son of the late Sir Peter Blake); Lieutenant Sinead Hunt, who proudly serves in the Irish Defence Force, as Crean did; and Sean Brooks and Kevin Nicholas two Kiwi Antarctic mountain guides with One Ocean Expeditions.

Companionship is an important part of any adventure, and we had a lot of fun together.”

What was the expedition goal?

“Our aim was to trace the 55 kilometre route that Shackleton, Worsley and Crean had followed to cross South Georgia 100 years earlier. Their crossing was the final act in a survival story that the likes of Sir Edmund Hillary have described as the greatest in recorded history.

It’s a timeless, inspirational tale of human endurance, and I’d encourage anyone who isn’t familiar to read about it.

How did your expedition work out?

“We successfully completed the crossing and it was an adventure that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It was the combination of history, wildlife and Mother Nature at her very rawest, that made it so uniquely special for me.

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We saw the very places and features; glaciers, islands and kelp reefs, that the men had noted 100 years earlier. We mingled with wildlife that one only normally sees in David Attenborough films, and we dealt with the strongest winds any of us had ever encountered in the mountains. Did I say we were skiing?

I forget about that part!”

Was there life on the island?

“The climate is too harsh for vegetation, but I found the diversity and abundance of wildlife staggering.

The ocean that surrounds the island is home to the most concentrated phytoplankton bloom in the Southern Ocean. In turn, the phytoplankton provides food for krill, which are the ‘engine’ for the entire food web.

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SPOT THE TOURIST. Photo Tom MacTavish

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During spring time the beaches of South Georgia are home to the highest density of marine mammals on earth. After completing the Shackleton crossing, we visited a beach that held 300,000 king penguins, and harems of three-tonne elephant seals. I felt like an alien intruder on that beach.”

What were your lasting memories from the island and your adventure?

“Obviously the history, the wildlife and the wild weather. The enthusiasm of school children from Hampden School, East Otago

High School and Waitaki Boys High School, on hearing about our expedition, is another enduring memory. It was a new experience for me to share an adventure with young people; I found it hugely rewarding and hope to do it again. I’d like to contribute a little towards the next generation of Kiwi explorers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Where to now? Are you planning another adventure?

“Funnily enough, my new job with DOC is based out of Akaroa - I guess there is something about following in the footsteps of these

old explorers, so I’m really looking forward to making a positive contribution towards the natural environment there. But in my free time I’ll certainly be seeking more adventures, including accessing the Canterbury club ski areas.

Footnote The expedition was sponsored by Antarctic Heritage Trust, with support from the New Zealand Alpine Club, One Ocean Expeditions and GoPro. Photographs of the expedition can be found on the Trust’s website: nzaht.org

I N SPI RI N G EXPLORERS

www.nzaht.org

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BAM BAM

FROM SKI BUM TO CEO

As a self-described ‘ski bum’, Markus Steinke (aka Bambam) from Munich, Germany, spent 5 seasons skiing on a Chill Pass in New Zealand, living his dream of freeskiing big faces.

From this, an idea was born.

Bambam: ‘When dropping in snow loaded faces, one simply has to rely on physical and mental strength, as well as the performance of your equipment. I was always striving for perfection, and wanted to find a way to access the ultimate powder moment, in an eco friendly way.

I had an idea which arose bit by bit when dealing with the needs on the mountains. I decided to develop a binding which enabled me to hike up with the best comfort possible, reach the peak, and still have enough power to drop in strongly.’

The search for a solution On returning to Germany, Bambam the ski bum became Bambam the CEO of Bavarian Alpine Manifest (B.A.M.). He started developing an innovative freeride binding design - combining the performance and safety of an alpine system, AND the walking comfort of pintech; simply by integrating a pin system in the front-piece.

‘After much thought and development, in 2015 the first

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3D-printed PINDING® front-piece prototypes were produced. There’s a saying which goes: “There is nothing more powerful than an idea, whose time has come” - and so it was for PINDING®! It’s a new solution for the biggest demands of freeskiing big faces in the mountains.’

On a mission PINDING® put to the test The launch of B.A.M. as a new brand in the ski industry and the first prototype front-pieces of PINDING® took place in October 2015. New Zealand became the testing ground for the evolution of this brand-new binding concept.

‘I arrived in Christchurch September 2015… Then the ultimate test of whether my PINDING® bindings would prove themselves, took its course. The various South Island club fields formed the basis for testing and skiing opportunities, in different conditions. Shortly before the first test run with the mounted prototypes, my mind and body were ready, but at the same time I was scary-excited.

Fully concentrating on the difficult terrain and obstacles, my tribe and I tackled Mount Olympus - the ‘Playground of the Gods’. Shortly after the first turns, we felt more and more powerful and confident in the

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PINDING®; starting to push even harder turns and higher speed.

More shots were made, in the backcountry of Temple Basin - challenging our crew and the PINDING® in every way, with rough, difficult terrain. But even in the very first run there, we were granted entry into the fascination of a powder moment.’

No more limits Pin Up Your Ride ‘The speed, power transmission and stability, in combination with high walking comfort - thanks to the integrated Pins in the front-piece created novel ways for us to interpret and attack off-piste terrain, with no lift-access.

The PINDING® design allows for ultimate creativity and performance for on and off-piste days against the backdrop of a reliable safety release; from high-speed carving to playful slarves, and hiking up difficult terrain.

That’s how we came up with our slogan Pin up your ride!’

Watch this space After continuing to test the first prototypes, Bambam and his team have continued to work hard - it won’t be long until B.A.M. and PINDING® breathe something new and fresh into the freeski scene!

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AIR BAGS

Andrew Hobman

Andrew Hobman is a snow safety professional who has worked, played and survived in the mountains for over 40 years. After spending more than ten years skiing and climbing around the world, he worked as a Search and Rescue team leader at Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, Alpine and Avalanche Programme Manager for the Mountain Safety Council and is now a Director of Avalanche NZ, a not-for-profit organisation focused on avalanche safety.

Everyone who goes into backcountry avalanche terrain needs to be carrying avalanche safety gear and know how to use it. This includes a transceiver, shovel and probe, and ever increasingly an avalanche airbag backpack. Avalanche Airbags work by keeping you close to the surface of avalanche debris and minimising how deeply you are buried.

But how well does this avalanche rescue gear actually work?

International studies on avalanche accidents show that around one out of four fatalities are caused by trauma; hitting objects like rocks and trees or being thrown over cliffs.

Avalanche rescue gear is not going to do much here. The rest die from asphyxia.

From being buried under the snow and unable to breath. If everyone was wearing an avalanche airbag and transceiver, two out of three people who died from asphyxia would still be alive. The latest comprehensive study (Haegeli 2014) has shown that out of every 100 skiers who have died in avalanches, 36 would have lived had they been equipped with airbag packs.

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The bottom line is that avalanche rescue gear will only save about half of us and the best approach is not to get caught in first place, but travelling in avalanche terrain is full of uncertainty and increasing the odds of survival is worth investing in.

Airbags have been available in Europe and North America since the 1990’s and numerous stories and YouTube clips are a testament to their effectiveness. They work by the principle of inverse segregation, a bigger object will rise to the top. So by making you bigger they increase your chances of winding up on top of the avalanche debris.

Avalanche airbags come in a wide range of brands and models but generally they are a deflated bag stuffed into the top of a bag pack which can be rapidly inflated by pulling a trigger mechanism. Most models use a single use refillable canister of compressed air or nitrogen to fill the airbag but a new advancement in battery-powered devices are on the way.

Although airbags are very common in the northern hemisphere they have been slow

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to catch on here in New Zealand.

This is partially due to the price and availability of the products and it is a bit of a ‘chicken or the egg’ situation. Until there is a demand, the product importers are hesitant to invest in bringing them in and shops are wary of over stocking them.

Once people start to buy and use them, the prices will drop and more of a range will be available.

I was recently at a gathering of snow safety professionals and airbags were being discussed. A wise old guide, having overheard

BRAND

PROS

There are a few misnomers circulating about the effectiveness or safety of airbags. Things like; they aren’t safe to fly with, they aren’t reliable or that people will be more reckless when wearing them.

However these things have been shown to be completely untrue and

it is time that we had a serious look at the benefits of these devices.

Below, we have compared the four main brands available in New Zealand; ABS, Backcountry Access, Black Diamond and Mammut however more options will be increasingly available - I recommend the following websites for further information: • avalanche.org.nz • outdoorgearlab.com/ avalanche-airbag-reviews • beaconreviews.com/ transceivers/airbags.asp

ABS AIRBAG

BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS FLOAT AIRBAG

BLACK DIAMOND JETFORCE AIRBAG

MAMMUT-PRO AIRBAG

ABS are German and have been an early developer and leader in the airbag market.

BCA is an American company that has a proven record in avalanche safety equipment and education resources.

Black Diamond, another American company, are new to the airbag market but have brought innovation with their battery-powered system.

Mammut - a Swiss mountain equipment specialist since 1862 and recently purchased the Snowpulse Airbags.

The systems are removable from the backpacks and many backpack manufactures are offering ABS systems with their bags.

Lightweight and the least expensive.

A new era in airbag technology.

Good storage and features.

The battery-powered system allows for multiple inflations in a day. The airbag is bigger and deflates after a set time to provide an air pocket.

The backpacks are well designed and the airbags offer extra head and neck protection.

Bag deflates after a set time.

The inflation system and airbag is fairly light and the weight is down to whatever bag they are put into.

CONS

the conversation, looked at me and said “this is exactly the same argument that we had 30 years ago about transceivers: too expensive, too heavy, and now look where we are. None of this group would go out without one.”

These bags use compressed nitrogen cylinders to inflate the bags which have a single use and need to be sent overseas to refill.

Good availability and support in NZ.

The inflation system is lightweight and removable from the backpack.

Rechargeable battery.

Use compressed air cylinders which have a single use however these are easy and fairly cheap to refill at most dive shops.

The system is heavier than others, and the most expensive.

Use compressed air cylinders which have a single use however these are easy and fairly cheap to refill at most dive shops.

Limited availability in NZ

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NEW GEAR 2016

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BAM Pinding

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B.A.M. focuses on the high requirements of skiers and freeriders.

PINDINGÂŽ is a frameless freeride and ski-safety binding with an integrated PinTech system in the front-piece that combines high walking comfort in ascending with safety and performance when skiing. Pin Up Your Ride! bavarianalpinemanifest.com

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Wild Earth Merino Tee & Regeneration Denim Pants - a beaut NZ Merino top in classy shades of nature, and a pocket for your sunnies plus the sturdiest denim jeans to keep you well covered in all environments.

Good honest NZ gear.

Winter Rose Cord Pants (forest) & Winterlight Merino Cardy (khaki) & Falling Fronds Merino V-Neck Top: A superbly warm and cosy winter outfit made from NZ Merino and rosepatterned corduoy and styled in shades of nature. We have it in Winter Blues too!

chalkydigits.co.nz

chalkydigits.co.nz

Chalkydigits Winter 16 Mens: Shades of Nature

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Chalkydigits Winter 16 Womens: Shades of Nature

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Smith Riot The Riot is tailor-designed for you, a new generation of women who want a refined frame design with an oversized, cylindrical lens. Includes bonus lens. $169.99 RRP

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Chill Rope Tow Harness & Nutcracker Package

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Ride the rope tows in style with an NZ made cushy harness and nutcracker.

Harness available in a range of sizes and colours. Visit us in-store or buy online. $153 RRP licencetoshop.nz

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Chill T-Shirt Look the part on the mountain and off. T Shirts designed for you by the Chill Crew. Check out the full range of colours and styles in store. Short Sleeve Kiwi Snowflake $35 RRP

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Gloworm X2 LED Light (1500 Lumens)

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The world’s first interchangeable goggle redesigned with chiselled looks, wider field of view, Responsive Fit frame design, all with the same proven lens technology. Includes two performance mirror lenses. $329.99 RRP

One stop shop backcountry “must haves” including the BCA Tracker2 transceiver, B-2 Ext Shovel and Stealth 270 Probe. Don’t leave home without it! $899.99 RRP

Smith IO

BCA - T2 Nitro Rescue Package

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Light up the powder with 1500 lumens.

The Gloworm X2 LED Light System provides 2.5 hours of bright night skiing. The Gloworm is lightweight, waterproof and features an 18cm cable as well as GoPro mount compatibility. $355 RRP licencetoshop.nz

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EVENTS 2016 RAINBOW

TREBLE CONE

BROKEN RIVER

Opening Day 2016

Official Treble Cone Opening Day Jun 23

Opening Weekend Jun 25-26

Treble Cone Ice Carving Competition July TBC

Whitestar Season Starter Party July 2

July 9 Womens Wednesdays

(run every Wed until end of season) July 27 Harcourts Inter-Secondary School Champs

August 10 Summit Batty Cup Races

August 14 Atomic Masters

August 20-21 More FM Family Fun Day

TBC NZSIA Ski Level 1 Instructor Course

August 28 - September 1 Slopestyle

Sept 3 (Weather Day Sept 4) SBINZ Snowboard Level 1 Instructor Course

TBC Solander Inter-Primary School Champs

September 14 Summit Batty Club Champs

September 24 The Bowater Motors Group Slush Challenge

October 1

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For all mountain events and for further details on those listed, please visit mountain websites and chillout.co.nz

Treble Cone Cat’s Birthday July 20

Alpine Off-Piste Skills Course July 6-8

Junior Banked Slalom July 22

Dickie & Shay’s Beer & Wine Adventure Quiz July 23

Riders & Sliders July 25

Off-Piste Clinic July 26

DB Export Banked Slalom August

Telemark week August 7 -13

Free Avalanche Dog Presentation August

Telemark Off-Piste Skills Course August 10 -12

OUSSC Snow Week Giant Slalom August 29

Freeheel Weekend August 13-14

Treble Cone FIS Series SL/GS September PUMP Mini Mountain September Treble Cone Ski Masters (Giant Slalom) September 10 Interfield Race at Treble Cone September 11 Official Closing Day October 2

Club Champs August 20 -21 Entry and Intermediate Speed Riding Camp 26 August -2 September RiderX August 3 Family Fun Weekend September 10 -11 BR BBQ and Bake Cook Off + Home Brew Competition September 17 -18

TEMPLE BASIN

CHEESEMAN

PORTERS

Opening Weekend July 9-10

Opening Day 2016 July 2

Early season Park Jam July 3

CUSSC Learners Weekend July 16 -17

Primary & Intermediate School Race Champs August 21

Grom Factor July 3

CUSSC Mid -Winter Xmas Party July 30 -31 Fire and Ice Party August 6 -7

Cheeseman Undie 500 September 10

FIS Kids Weekend August 13 -14 CUSSC Gnomes Freeride Wknd August 20 -21 Whitedot Enduro Race August 27 -28 CUSSC 75th Anniversary Wknd September 3 -4 SplitFest September 9 -11 Closing Weekend October 2 -3

Club Champs August 27-28

Pirate Day September 17 CRAIGIEBURN Opening Day July 2 Club Champs August 27 Closing Weekend Beach Party October 2 MT OLYMPUS

McNulty’s Supercross August 28 Spring Park Jam September 11 Oktoberfest September 18 Retro Day September 25 MT DOBSON Dobson Dash September MT LYFORD Mt Lyford Masters September

Mt Olympus Curling Event TBC August

UNDIE

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RIDING ROPE TOWS The rope tow is a lift system that can be a little tricky to master. Once you do, they’re a quick way skyward. With a few tips and a little perseverance you’ll soon be on your way just remember, if you’re having trouble, ask a local or a staff member.

If you’re learning to ski and are a little uneasy on your feet it may be

The concept is simple, your nutcracker is attached to your harness or belt by a short rope.

The nutcracker clamps onto the rope running up the hill and you are pulled up with it.

Here’s a few tips to ride the tow safely and easily.

1. Prepare by holding the nutcracker in an open position with your hand that’s furthest from the rope if skiing, or with your uphill hand if snowboarding.

2. Wearing a glove protector, grab hold of the rope with your free hand.

On icy days this can be a

4. To get off the rope tow just let the nutcracker’s top handle go and it will unclamp. Once released from the tow, move away from the track.

Tips In case of an emergency, a trip cord (thin wire) runs alongside the tow, pull it to stop the tow. There is also a trip cord immediately after the dismounting area.

Your harness or belt should take all your weight. If you are muscling your way up the hill you may need to shorten the rope between your harness and nutcracker.

If the nutcracker starts opening in your hands, pull yourself up the rope

MEL PARSONS AT BROKEN RIVER. PHOTOS GEOFF BROWNE

best to build up your confidence on other lift systems before tackling the rope tow. For competent skiers and snowboarders it usually takes half a day to get the knack.

Awakino, Temple Basin, Craigieburn, Broken River, Mt Olympus and Fox Peak solely use rope tows. Mt Lyford has a rope tow and other lift systems.

First things first, you need a little bit of kit to ride them, available for purchase at Chill HQ. 1. Harness or a tow belt 2. ‘Nutcracker’ 3. Glove protector

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little tricky - if you find the rope keeps slipping you can use two hands to get you started or try leaning back on the rope to give you a little more purchase.

3. A nutcracker ‘looks’ reminiscent of a large ‘walnut’ cracker. It has two handles divided by a ‘clamping’ area and hinge. Once travelling the same speed as the rope (this bit is key), swing the nutcracker under the rope and allow the free handle to loop back towards you. Hold the two handles together from the top (knuckles up) and remove your other hand from the rope.

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with your spare hand (when free from pulleys) to take tension off the nutcracker, readjust and proceed as normal.

Secure loose clothing and long hair.

The ropes are designed to run on the pulleys - put the rope back on if you see it off a pulley.

Keep your hands clear of the pulleys, just remember they look scarier than they are and nutcrackers are designed to run through them.

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CONTACTS 2016 NOTE: 0800 and 0508 numbers are free to call in NZ. Local callers, drop the +64 and add 0 before the number Accommodation, Activities & Essentials

Christchurch The Commodore +64 3 358 8129 Hotel

Arthur’s Pass The Sanctuary (to Stay)

Methven Brinkley Resort (to Eat & Stay)

0800 161 223 +64 3 302 8046 +64 3 302 8045

URBANZ Budget Hotel

+64 3 366 4414

The Blue Pub (to Eat & Stay)

C4 Coffee

0800 2426 3333

The Brown Pub (to Eat & Stay)

The Vintage Peddler Bike Hire Co.

+64 3 365 6530

Riccarton Clinic (Medical)

+64 3 343 3661

Mt Lyford Holiday Homes

Nelson Lakes Motels & Travers-Sabine Lodge

Springfield Service Centre

Flock Hill Station +64 3 318 8196 (to Eat & Stay) Snowline Lodge, +64 3 318 8794 Mt Cheeseman Forest Lodge

+64 3 318 8794

Porters Alpine Lodge (July-Sept)

+64 3 318 4011

2017 LICENCE TO RIDE MANUAL

+64 3 377 2942

Pinewood Motels 0800 858 599

Snow & Surf

+64 3 366 7351

Mt Dobson Motel 0800 546 235

Snowride Sports 0800 7669 7433

+64 21 0293 4633

Darfield

Tekapo +64 3 680 6677

Gnomes Alpine Sports

Discover Tekapo +64 3 680 6942 Holiday Homes Peppers +64 3 680 7000 Bluewater Resort (to Eat & Stay)

Wanaka Wanaka Holiday Homes

Touchdown Car Rental (Christchurch & Queenstown)

0800 736 849

Mighty Campers 0800 422 267 (AKL, CHC & QTN)

licencetoride.co.nz

Alpine Sports

+64 3 302 8084

Big Al’s Snowsports

+64 3 302 8003

Wanaka Cheapskates

New Zealand 0800 929 333 4WD Hire (AKL, CHC & QTN)

+64 3 318 8433

Methven

+64 21 280 0912

Vehicle Hire

Trail stories and travel adventures.

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Christchurch

Cheapskates

+64 3 318 4845

Castle Hill Basin

RETAILERS

+64 3 341 8062

Springfield Smylies +64 3 318 4740 Accommodation

+64 3 366 1528 +64 3 214 6468

Bivouac Outdoors

Fairlie

Tin Plate (to Eat)

+64 3 521 1887

0800 769 5437

The Chain Man Christchurch Invercargill

+64 3 365 6530

+64 3 315 6523

St Arnaud

Smylies Tours

Chill HQ

Wander Lodge

Mt Lyford

+64 27 466 2755

Transport

+64 3 443 5548

Guided Tours Aspiring Guides Wanaka

+64 3 443 9422

The Neon PomPom

+64 3 318 6895

Black Diamond Safaris, Methven

+64 27 450 8283

Ski the Tasman

+64 3 435 1834

Methven Heliski

+64 3 302 8108

Mt Cook Heliski

+64 3 435 1834

snowfo re c a s t . com

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Bob Downs and Susannah Calvin, La Parva, Chile. Photographer: Adam Clark

The Halo 28 JetForce: A revolution in airbag technology.

For more information and where to buy go to: www.southernapproach.co.nz or call 0800 335 000 116.