Family Ski Guide
Get the family slope side
We know wrangling the whānau for a snow trip can be a mission. But once you’re up here, it’s all worth it. Mt Hutt is made for family fun with wide-open spaces, friendly vibes and terrain for every level.
Kids 5 and under ski free at Hutt, and our team’s all about helping little groms (and parents) feel right at home.
plan ahead
First time up the maunga with the whānau? Or wrangling a crew of little legends keen for snow? A little planning goes a long way.
Pack the night before: Future you will be stoked. Line up goggles, gloves, boots, the lot, and in the order they go on. Early starts are way easier when you’re not hunting for a missing mitten.
Check the Snow Report: Jump on from 6:30am for road status, weather and conditions up top. If it’s looking brisk, chuck in an extra layer.
Get up early: First in, best parked. If you’re bussing from Methven or Christchurch, book ahead.
TOP TIP: The Snow Report is updated daily from 6:30am, please check it before heading up.
Snow Report?
Daily Weather Update
Getting to Mt Hutt
Whether you’re driving up, hopping on a bus or sorting a ride for the crew there’s more than one way to get to Mt Hutt.
- Christchurch & Rolleston Bus - Skip the early drive. Snowman Shuttles gets you to the mountain by 9am. Departs 7am Christchurch, 7:30am Rolleston.
- Methven to Mt Hutt Ski Bus - Staying local? Methven Travel runs daily buses straight to the slopes. No chains. No parking stress. Just book and roll up.
- Driving to Mt Hutt - About 45 mins from Methven or up to 2 hours from Christchurch. The last 14km is unsealed alpine road, so bring chains and check the Snow Report before you head up.
- Carpool Priority Days - Bluebird weekend? We prioritise carpools to keep traffic moving and car parks flowing. Good for you. Good for the maunga.
Set your Game Plan
Have a game plan for the day!
- Pick a meeting spot & time - The deck at Opuke Kai or a seat by the fire always works handy if the crew splits for lessons or different runs.
- Breaks are your best mate - Even when the vibes are high, legs get tired. Make sure you schedule in a few pit stops. Hot choc, quick snack, then back out for more laps. Chuck snacks in the kids’ pockets to help keep them fueled or put some credit on their MyPass cards for them to use in the cafe.
- Go with the flow - Some days are bluebird and go all day. Other days? Not so much. Be ready to pivot. Maybe that early lunch turns into building a snowman or a snowball fight. It’s good to have a flexible mindset up here.
Need a hand remembering it all? Check out our Family Ski Day Checklist.
MyPass 101
- What is it? Your MyPass card is your key to the mountain. It’s what you’ll use to access the lifts, pick up rentals, join lessons. You’ll need it before your first run, so don’t leave it to the last minute to collect.
- Where to collect it? You can pick up your card from a kiosk or Guest Services on the mountain. If you're staying in Methven, swing past the Methven Town Office at 94 Main St the day before. Bring photo ID and your confirmation email when collecting from Guest Services.
- Already got one? If you already have a MyPass card, make sure your products are loaded onto it by logging into your account. Then you’re good to go - no need to stop at Guest Services.
TOP TIP: Store your kids MyPass cards in the sleeve pocket of their Jacket so it’ll work when they get to the lifts.
Our Top Picks for
Family Days
From lift passes to lessons, rentals and packages everything here’s designed to make your day on the snow easy, fun and full of good vibes. No matter the age or stage, there’s something to keep every member of the crew smiling.
Pick the pass that fits your pace
Just starting out? The Learner Area Pass offers the best value for accessing beginner terrain.
The Parent Pass is also a fantastic option if you're taking turns watching the kids. Hit the All Passes link below for the full run down on Lift Pass options.
Superpass
- A full day, all access Lift Pass
- Choose to ski at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt and 9 more New Zealand ski areas
- The more days you buy per person, the better your daily rate gets
- Ski any day! No bookings required and no holiday blackouts
- Fully flexible - swap unused days for select off-mountain activities if you need a rest or the weather isn't on
Learner Area Pass
- Full day access to the beginner surface lifts
- Option to progress to more advanced terrain in the afternoon
- Great value for getting started on the slopes. Cheaper than a Superpass, and ideal if you’re only planning to access beginner terrain.
- Upgrade options available for fast learners
progress with a lesson
Parents know that feeling when advice falls on deaf ears - book a lesson and everyone wins.
After a more budget-friendly option? Group Lessons still deliver great coaching and will have you improving in no time.
Group Lesson
- Great for early progression
- Ideal for first timers through to advanced Red Zone skiers and riders
- Build your skills from quality coaching and avoid developing bad habits
- Small groups for focused coaching, you'll be grouped with others of similar ability
- Looking for something more advanced? Check out Technique Tune Ups or Private Lessons
Premium Family Private
Create unforgettable memories together on the mountain with a full-day, family-focused coaching experience.
- Your group is matched with an instructor chosen for their experience coaching families and creating fun, confidence-building days on snow
- Tailored progression for everyone
- Priority car parking and a reserved dining space (Opuke Kai loft)
- Priority lift access
Carve it Up with our quality rental gear
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Recreational Rentals
We offer a wide range of ski and snowboard equipment, regularly tuned and maintained to keep you riding smoothly.
- Book consecutive days & save
- Includes: skis/snowboard, boots and poles/wrist guards, helmet
- Professional fitting from our experienced staff
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Jacket & Pants Rental
We’ve got you covered with jackets and trousers to keep you warm, dry, and ready for an epic day on the snow.
- Quality clothing to keep you warm & dry
- Wide range to ensure great fit
Packages
Please note, you'll need to hire clothing separately.
Goggles and gloves are not included in our rental equipment for hygiene reasons, but you can purchase these on the mountain in our retail shop.
First Timer Package
First day on snow? We’ve got the hard stuff sorted so you can just show up and have a crack.
- Learner Area Lift Pass for access to beginner terrain with great progression
- Day Group Lesson from 10am - 3:30pm in small groups
- Equipment Rentals - skis/boots, poles/wrist guards boots & helmet
Lift, Lesson & Rental Package
The ultimate snow day sorted! Everything you need to hit the slopes.
- Full Day Lift Pass for access 9am - 4pm
- Day Group Lesson from 10am - 3:30pm in small groups
- Equipment Rentals - skis/boots, poles/wrist guards boots & helmet
NEED Rentals?
We got you sussed
Rentals on the mountain
allow plenty of time for the family
Sorting the whole family? Just swing by nice and early so there’s no rush before lessons kick off. Trust us, you don’t want to miss first turns with the crew.
We have a range of rental equipment for you and your kids starting from 4+ years and up. That includes skis, boots, poles, helmets, jackets, pants, and snowboards (available for ages 6+).
Planning a multi-day adventure? We’ll store your rentals overnight, free of charge but subject to availability.
Top Tip: Collect your MyPass Card at our kiosks or stop by Guest Services before visiting the Rentals team.
kIDS Lessons & MULTIDAY pROGRAMMES
Featured Products
Group Lesson
- Great for early progression
- Ideal for first timers through to advanced Red Zone skiers and riders
- Build your skills from quality coaching and avoid developing bad habits
- Small groups for focused coaching, you'll be grouped with others of similar ability
- Looking for something more advanced? Check out Technique Tune Ups or Private Lessons
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Freeride World Tour Academy Programme
Step up your skills with the FWTA Mt Hutt Programme, an 18-day training block for young skiers and snowboarders
- Freeride & Freestyle performance coaching
- Starts 28 June 2026 and runs over 18 days until 27 September
- Instalment option available
What to wear
Your family gear Checklist
A full-day adventure starts with good prep. Practice getting geared up at home. For kids, all those layers can feel like a mission. A couple of dress rehearsals makes the morning smoother and gives you a chance to chat about what to expect up the maunga.
Waterproof outerwear
lAYERS
Mid-Layer: A fleece or light puffer for extra warmth between your thermals and jacket. You can always take it off if you get too hot.
Tuck base and mid layers neatly under the jacket to keep the warmth in.
goggles or sunglasses
helmet & bOOTS
Boots: Snug fit - toes should just touch the end. No heel lift, no pressure points.
Tip: Snow pants go over your boots (both layers). It keeps the snow out and the good times rolling.
oTHER bITS
Neck warmers: Pretty handy on a cold day, especially on the chairlifts.
Sunblock: NZ sun hits hard, even when it’s cloudy. Ensure to pre apply and keep on top of it during the day. You can purchase more on the mountain in our retail shop.
Extra clothes: Have some extra clothes for the crew to change into if needed.
gloves & Socks
Feet: Just one pair of warm, breathable socks – preferably ski-specific. Avoid layering socks (they bunch and cause blisters), and steer clear of cotton.
Tip: Bring an extra pair of socks - incase the first pair get wet.
Safety tips
Stay safe & have fun
When skiing or snowboarding at Mt Hutt, it’s important to follow the Snow Responsibility Code to ensure both your own and others’ safety on the mountain.
Limit your speed in busy areas.
Match your speed to surrounding skiers and riders and be prepared for others to make sudden changes in direction or speed.
Stay 5m from others - If less than 5m from others you must slow down. The faster you go the more space you must give others.
Give way to those downhill and look before you leap.
Snowboarders: take care turning onto your heel edge.
Only stop where you can be seen from above and always look uphill before moving again. Only stop on the edge of trails or beside fixed objects.
First Time up the mountain?
We got you!
The first time on skis or a snowboard can be pretty nerve wracking, but it doesn't have to be! Here at Mt Hutt, we're all about making your first time up the maunga as fun & stress-free as possible. Check out our First Timer Guide for handy tips and tricks to help your day run smooth from first lift to last lap.
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hutT parks
push your limits
sightseeing & snowplay
fun without the skis
More Mountain Details
Facilities, Storage & More
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faqs
From age 4 and up, kids can join our group ski lessons and can join our snowboard lessons from age 6. 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.
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 Mt Hutt 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.
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.
Wait your turn
- Line up in the lift queue and wait your turn before sliding forward to the chair loading zone.
Load with an experienced adult
- If you are over 120cm tall you can ride the lift by yourself.
- If you are under 120cm you must ride the lift with an adult
- If you are riding the chairlift with a friend, get your adult to sit between you both to help you on and off.
- 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
- Sit all the way to the back of the chairlift so your back is touching the back rest.
Put the safety bar down
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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, outside storage for easy access, and paid storage facilities in our Rentals area. 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.
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.
