Carvin Powder in NZ

In an early attempt to get over to Mt Hutt, near Christchurch, New Zealand, for the ski season this July, I have been doing a lil bit of research on th area - to no avail.

Anyone give me some advice on how it works over there with gettin to the snow, cos there doesn't seem to be much on-slope accomm; also where is a good place to stay/ski ( I figured Mt Hutt cos its mostly blues/single blacks ) and etc etc. We are on the cheap as well.

Can't wait to get myself some good board action this year!!

No on-slope accom in NZ! its too high for people to live, they bus u n up n down each nite

i can find out for ya where my friend boards, will get back to you

That sucks teh ballz!

Ive been the last two years (not this year tho, boo hoo).  Doing a bit of a brain dump for ya, let me know if ya have any other q's.  

There is a small amount of on mount accom at Cardrona, its too costly tho so dont bother.  You options for sth island are;
-Stay in Methven for Mt Hutt
-Queenstown for Coronet peak, Cardrona and Remarkables
-Wanaka for Cardrona and Treble Cone (sick mountain)

Havent been to Mt Hutt before so dont know, if i were going this year i would stay in Wanaka (a bit less touristy than Q'town and a bit cheaper) and hit up Cardy's and TC's.  Best way to get there is fly Freedom air to Dunedin, its about 3.5hrs drive (and not too crazy) to Q'town, about 50mins extra to Wanaka.  Flying direct to Q'town is about double the cost from memory, saves time but it'll cost ya.  

As far as mountains go Cardrona is great for beginners, Remarkables and TC's not so and Coronets is ok if it has decent snow (lower in altitude).  For cheap hire have a look at Green Toad (in Wnaaka and Q'town) their stuff may not be new season stuff or the latest and greatest but it is adequate.  There is plenty available in the hire places to so have a wander around when you first get there and suss it yourself.  Ive got all my own stuff now, brought my own clothing first.  

Hire a car, you will want to look artound the place is stunning.  Lastly SNOWBOARD!!!  Skiing and skiers are ghey  


ps. with about 3 people you can do the trip cheaper than in Australia, and they actually get decent snow there.  Its worth not staying on mountain for it!

That is the main thing that always prevented me from going over. They get awesome snow falls but you have to head up the mountain each day in order to enjoy it.

I'm well keen for a week of boarding this year sometime. Maybe we could get an AM contingent together and get a lodge somewhere and do it in style. Who would be keen?

Well me and Sammie are going to the slopes near Christchurch for her birthday and also to catch up with Sam Bowman who is over there working at a new Lindie's (i think) winery down there. And yeah, I never knew about the no on slope accomm, which is a big downer, but at least you are guaranteed good fresh cover and nice big runs.

We are DEFINITELY going but the more the merrier no doubt!

Yes, skiing suck a fat one, boarding or bust.

There are some pretty good deals on at the mo from flight centre Aust to NZ

Woot, I have a mate who lives in Methven, I know where I'll be staying when I go there!!!!.........eventually 

I ski, but only because I learned how to ski before snowboarding was "hip", and If I'm going to pay to go to the snow, I want to be out on the snow, not spending the entire time learning and falling on my arse...

If I can afford to go to the Vic slopes more than once this year, I'll try snow boarding though, and then head to NZ next year

ooh yeah i learnt to ski too, dont be a skiing hater just cause u havent tried it! i have done both, skiing is an amazing experience too like j, i had lessons but it sucked having to be a beginner again!!

yay i love snowsports...

i did ski once too. Snowboarding wins hands down, its so fun lugging yer skis and poles innit...  baboow!

speed/awkward vs fun/style

easy choice

how is it more awkward lugging skis and poles...than a snowboard? whatever! aha

ive done both, skiing is fun, but i gues after skating & surfing for years i have a natural preference

i hope you're being sarcastic.

i'm not! sarcasm is the refuge of the unwitty... 

boarding is fun tho, wish i was up at the snow more often *sighs* stupid living in sa

i dream it snows at mt lofty all the time.  Maybe if our weather keeps going wierd we it will snow up there.  Im gonna go burn some coal

i have photos of snow in my backyard in crafers!!  not a bit of snow either! lots of snow!!  it'll happen again soon!

When it snows in Crafers again I know where I'll be.. and I have a mate who lives right next to your backyard! Snow trip on the cheap!!

perfect, ill bring my board & Zac you can carry me back up the hill.

I learnt to ski first too, but then changed over to boarding.  I still spend most of my time learning and falling on my arse (or knees) but still totally love it and wouldn't change back.

hehe, and maybe the pool will freeze over and the ladies can ice skate!!

For what its worth i have been once out of Queenstown.. had beautiful bed n breakfast with a spa that overlooked the lake.. was niiiiace with the doc, but thats a different thred.

Snow quality was maaad, but nothing too scarry unfortunately.. and anything that was slightly steep was over before you had a chance to shit yourself.

All the locals recommended treble cone..
 

oh n the bus up the hill!!! fuck me.. with a hangover it sucks, you dont arrive on the hill ready to slide thats for sure.


R~!

All this negativity towards skiing by you boarders. I say Fuck snowboarding . Ive been skiing since i was 8 and have had a few go's at boarding most recently about 4 yrs ago, but i think the whole rush of skiing and big g turns is much more of a rush. I guess its all personal preference. I value my knees especially for later in life so i wont be doing any boarding ever again. My bro is currently studying for his level 3 international instructor license in whistler and has plans to head to South America later this year to experience some really high altitude skiing. He says he much prefers skiing in waist deep pow so boarding is a no brainer over where there is real snow.

Me and the missus are heading to falls late season this year for a 5 day package at pretty valley. Only plan on doing 3 days skiing. Good food and wine, log fire and outdoor heated spa's. Doesn't get much better IMO. My mum is heading back to NZ to ski this year. She reckons you wouldn't want to stay on mountain in NZ as the conditions overnight get pretty bad and the night life in the towns below the snow line are a real buzz.

Just booked tix then, tell you how shit it is in a few months.....