We have plenty of space for first time and novice skiers and snowboarders at Mt Hutt. Our Magic Carpet conveyor lifts give easy access to accessing the dedicated beginner areas at Mt Hutt. So for first timers and beginner skiers and snowboarders, we’ve made it easier to access more terrain.

If you are booked into a ski or snowboard lesson and need to change the date your are booked into, please follow the below link to reschedule.

Please note, due to limited capacity, not every date may be available. For private lessons we require 24 hours’ notice prior to your lesson time for rescheduling.

A Beginner Pass gives you access to our beginner lifts at Mt Hutt. These include our conveyor lift in the learner’s area. With a beginner lift pass you will not be able to access the other chairlifts at Mt Hutt, however you can upgrade your beginner lift pass to a full lift pass at Guests Services.

We stock the latest gear, from clothing to skis, boots, snowboards, helmets and more at Mt Hutt! Save yourself the hassle of carting your equipment up and down the mountain each day and hire your equipment on the mountain.

We have one of the largest and most current ranges of rental equipment in New Zealand with quality brands such as Head, Burton and Salomon giving you a choice of fit and feel.

As you start to progress with your skiing or snowboarding, you can upgrade from recreational to performance rentals to make more of your time on the snow.

Hiring your ski or snowboard gear on the mountain means you can take advantage of FREE overnight storage, no need to take your skis up and down the mountain. Plus if your skis aren't performing well or you think you might have the incorrect sized ski boots, you can take your gear in and get it changed right away, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment.

Please be aware that due to health reasons we cannot rent gloves, hats or goggles, however you can purchase these at Mt Hutt from our retail shop.

Preparation is key to have a great day on the slopes, so when you pack for your first trip to the snow, remember to include: Boots or shoes with a bit of a tread for all family members ‐ snow and ice can be slippery!

Dress warm! It can get pretty cold on the mountain so it’s important to layer up. Thermals, (merino is a great base layer), a thicker mid layer top, hiking or ski socks are a good starting point. Waterproof pants and jacket (rentals are available on the mountain) are a must to keep you dry and protect you from the wind.

Sunscreen and lip balm to protect you and your family from the sun's harmful UV rays Eye protection is important, even on cloudy days – and don’t forget goggles or sunnies for the kids!

We recommend wearing a helmet on the snow, you can hire from us on the mountain or purchase at our retail shop.

If you don’t have a helmet, then a beanie is a must. Waterproof gloves. If you forget anything, almost everything you need is available right here on the mountain at our ski hire outlet and the Snow Shop. And if you get hungry or thirsty, we’ve got you covered at our restaurant and cafe.

Mt Hutt is an easy, and scenic 90 minute drive from Christchurch and just 35 minutes from Methven. There are a few ways to get here, visit our Transport Page for more details.

The New Zealand Ski Season runs from June to October.

You bet! We’ve got restaurants, cafes and Ice Bars to keep you fueled and hydrated for an epic day on the snow.

Mt Hutt is open daily from 9am – 4pm, subject to weather conditions. First Tracks: 8am – 9am Saturday and Sunday from July – late September

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.