Family Guide to Skiing Mt Hutt

• Lift passes (we call them MyPass Cards) in jacket sleeve pockets (easy to scan at the gates). Top Tip, purchase online and print these off at our self service Kiosks. You can find these on the mountain, in the Queesntown Snow Centre (25 Shotover St) or beside baggage claim at Queenstown Airport.

• Skis, snowboard, or rental gear sorted ahead of time. If you're hiring from us we recommend getting these sorted the day before you head up the mountain from our team in the Queenstown Snow Centre.

• Boots that fit well and are already adjusted.

• Helmets (compulsory for kids’ lessons) included if you're hiring equipment from us. 

• Goggles and waterproof gloves - dry and ready to go.

• Waterproof jackets and pants - ideally with snow gaiters.

• Base layers, mid layers, and ski socks.

• Neck warmers or balaclavas.

• Sunscreen and lip balm applied before heading out.

• Snacks and a water bottle in the backpack.

• Meeting spot and break times planned.

• Plan for getting up the mountain on time.

Forgot something? No stress. Our on-mountain retail store is stocked with last-minute essentials, and you’ll find warm meals, treats and coffee at our cafés and restaurants.

Wait your turn
a. Line up in the lift queue and wait your turn before sliding forward to the chair loading zone. 

Load with an experienced adult
a. If you are over 120cm tall you can ride the lift by yourself.
b. If you are under 120cm you must ride the lift with an adult
c. If you are riding the chairlift with a friend, get your adult to sit between you both to help you on and off.
d. Only you and one friend can ride with one adult, if you have lots of friends in your group, other adults will be asked to help.

Sit back-to-back
a. Sit all the way to the back of the chairlift so your back is touching the back rest.

Put the safety bar down
a. If you are tall enough you can pull the safety bar down, but if you can’t reach it let the adult put it down for you.

Sit still and hold on
a. Once you are on the chair and the safety bar is down, sit still and hold on until you are up the top of the mountain.

Let the adult raise the bar and tell you when to slide off
a. When you reach the top of the mountain, don’t rush to get off. Wait until you can touch the ground then slide off and enjoy your day.

From age 4 and up, kids can join our group ski and snowboard lessons, where they’ll start learning the basics with other young shredders. Our team knows how to keep things fun, confidence-building, and age-appropriate whether it’s their first time sliding or they’re ready to tackle the beginner slopes.

Private lessons are also available. These one-on-one sessions are tailored to your child’s pace and needs, perfect for those who learn best with individual attention.

And the best part? Kids aged 5 and under ski free. You can purchase a Child 5 & Under Season Pass from our online store or at Guest Services. We also offer child passes for ages 6+ that work across Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt.

No matter their age or stage, we’re here to help your tamariki fall in love with the snow

Our kid’s lessons cater for all ability levels, so if it’s their first time on snow our experienced instructors will help them learn the basics. If your kids already have some experience our team will help them build their ski or snowboarding skills and confidence.

Hire skis, snowboards, clothing, and helmets right on the mountain.

For hygiene reasons, we don’t rent gloves or goggles, but you can buy them at our Coronet Peak retail shop.

To book your rental gear, simply add rentals when booking online or through Guest Services. On arrival, bring your MyPass card to the rental department, our team will get you fitted quickly and efficiently.

Multi-day rental? Take advantage of free overnight gear storage.

We have equipment for adults and kids aged 4+. For younger children, contact us to discuss options.

Choose from top brands like Head, Burton, and Salomon. As your skills progress, upgrade to performance gear. All equipment is regularly tuned for top performance.

Need to swap boots or skis? No problem, visit us anytime for a better fit and maximum comfort.

Planning a ski or snowboard day at Mt Hutt? Here’s what you’ll need to bring to make the most of your time on the mountain.

Essential gear to bring:

• Warm, waterproof outerwear (jacket and pants)

• Base layers (thermal or merino)

• Gloves or mittens

• Goggles or sunglasses

• Helmet (required for lessons – rentals available)

• Thick socks (ski or snowboard-specific recommended)

• MyPass card or booking QR code

• Water bottle and snacks

• Sunscreen and lip balm

Don’t have all the gear? No worries. We offer ski and snowboard rentals, including clothing and helmets, right at the base building. Our Rental Centre has everything you need for a full day on snow.

We’re about a 90-minute drive from Christchurch Airport and only 35 minutes from Methven – easy as. Remember to check the Snow Report before you head up to make sure the weather's playing ball.

If you're not too keen on driving, the Ski Bus from Methven’s your go-to. Just book ahead through Methven Travel and give yourself a bit of extra time if you’ve got rentals or lessons sorted.

If you're planning on making the drive straight from Christchurch, in partnership with Snowman Shuttles, we are continuing a subsidised shuttle service from Christchurch and Rolleston. So, all winter you’ll be able to enjoy stress-free travel that will see you on the snow for 9am at just $30 return.

We keep things simple up here at Mt Hutt. Everything you need for a smooth day on the snow is right at base, no mucking about.

Facilities
You’ll find bathrooms, changing areas, and secure lockers right inside the base building. Whether you're travelling light or toting the full whānau setup, we’ve got space to stash your gear while you hit the slopes.

Rentals
First time up the hill? Travelling light? Our on-mountain Rental Centre has you sorted with skis, snowboards, boots, helmets and waterproof outerwear. Easy as, and no need to lug gear from home.

Kai & Coffee
Ōpuke Kai Café is your go-to for hot meals, kids’ snacks, sweet treats and barista-made coffee with one heck of a view. We’ve got friendly staff and food options for even the pickiest eaters.

Lessons
Whether it's their first slide or they’re ready to level up, our ski and snowboard lessons are run by qualified instructors who know how to keep it fun and confidence-building for both kids and adults.

Getting Around
We’ve made getting around easy. From our fast lifts to our free car park shuttles running all day between lower lots. No need to carry all the gear uphill.

Extras
We’ve got free Wi-Fi at base, water refill stations, and a team of legends on hand to help you out. Got a question? Just ask, we’re all about making your day epic.