There are so many great fields to choose from each day!
Most of the fields within 20 minutes drive of Castle Hill Village are club fields that sport rope tows and a few T-bars. These fields are a unique NZ experience and are where some of the best off-piste skiing is found. All the fields provide accommodation on the field and good access to tour in the back country. Always check the NZ avalanche website (www.avalanche.net.nz) before heading out and travel with avalanche safety equipment.
Porters is the only commercial field in the basin and provides a magic carpet and intermediate platter, chairlift and three T-bars.
Full rental and instruction facilities available.
New Zealand’s club fields are to sliding in the alpine what Steve McQueen is to cinema. Forget chairlifts. Think woven twine, hardened steel, hardwood timber and No.8 wire. The Clubbies primarily utilise ropetows as a means of upward transport (with a few T-Bars thrown in for good measure), time tested and proven for their low cost, low maintenance and efficiency in moving alpinists to higher elevations. The vibe is unique. You won’t find anything like it anywhere on Earth. Far from the sterile atmosphere you’ll likely experience at most commercial ski areas, The Clubbies emit warmth (it doesn’t affect the snow) and a welcoming vibe.
Cheeseman is a sunny family club field with groomed runs and off-piste terrain. Two T-bars and a learners rope-tow. Rental facilities and instruction available.
Broken River is a sunny and open club field with three high speed tows and two learner towns. It’s sunny lunch deck is a treat. Tow belts, harnesses & glove protectors available for hire, but no ski rental.
Craigieburn Valley has a reputation for more intermediate and advanced terrain accessed by three rope tows and no hire facilities.
No hire facilities on the mountain.
Mt Olympus is a longer drive from Castle Hill village but well worth the effort.
Tow-belts and nutcrackers are available, but no ski rental.
Temple Basin is situated above Arthur’s Pass and requires a 45 minute walk up to the field. A goods lift will take your gear from the roadside so you can concentrate on the walk and the incredible view of the surrounding mountains. There are three rope tows.
Tow-belts and nutcrackers are available, but no ski rental.
