Ski & Snow 2022

Broken River
MID CANTERBURY
The recent opening of the Ōpuke Thermal Hot Pools
changed the perception of Methven from a sleepy
agricultural town to a genuine tourist destination.
Mt Hutt is the largest and best serviced resort in
Canterbury and has picked up best in NZ every year
since 2015. It’s easily the most convenient with a wellgroomed
road (and pistes), and huge lifting capacity. The
new eight-seater Norwest Express is superfast (a twominute
ride at top speed), comfy, and runs on all but the
windiest days.
The best days are mid-week in late September, when the
snow is piled high and the fashion victims have moved on
to whatever summer sport is hot right now. Pro tip: head
up when a heavy morning cloud is predicted to clear. It’ll
keep numbers down and pistes clear.
40// S K I A N DSNOW.CO.NZ
Off-piste skiing at Broken River, looking back to the Craigieburn Valley. Credit Jim Henderson
SELWYN
The ‘Clubbies’ (Mt Olympus, Broken River, Cheeseman,
Craigieburn and Temple Basin) are widely regarded
as the soul of New Zealand freeride. On their day they
define a premium experience: unique, earned rather
than purchased, spectacular quality for cost, and is a little
unexpected.
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 spirits on
even the best of days. Bust out of the hamster wheel by
staying in the on-mountain accommodation available
at the clubbies. It’s even better if you can time it so that
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 this is winter’s best window of opportunity.