The First Timer's Guide to Mt Hutt
New to Mt Hutt? You’re in for a treat.
Whether it’s your first go on skis or a board or you’ve just never made the trip up our maunga before, Mt Hutt is the place to get amongst it.
Our beginner’s zone is where the journey begins. Think wide, gentle slopes, covered magic carpets, and patient, passionate instructors here to help you find your feet.
For those experienced riders, you'll enjoy carving it up on our big mountain terrain, rolling blue cruisers, steep drops and some of the best views in the game.
When you're ready to turn it up a notch, head on over to one of our terrain parks. They're packed with jumps, features, and a whole lot of stoke you do not want to miss.
There’s a reason we’ve been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort ten years running – come see what all the fuss is about.
Getting here
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 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.
Bringing your own wheels? Free parking’s up the hill, with a handy shuttle running all day between the lower carparks and the base. No lugging gear uphill – we’ve got you.
Keen for more tips and tricks to get up the hill? Check out our Getting Here Guide, it’s all in there.
Choosing Your Lift Pass
Planning your snow adventure at Mt Hutt? We’ve got a range of ski pass options to suit every kind of mission – from first-timers to seasoned pros.
New to the snow? Our First Timer Package is the best way to start your journey. It includes your lift pass, a group lesson with one of our epic instructors, and full ski or snowboard hire. Too easy.
Hitting the mountain for a few days? Go for a Superpass. It gives you access to Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables – three of New Zealand’s best ski fields. Plus, you can swap any unused days for off-mountain activities, and the more days you buy, the more value you get.
After ultimate value and maximum mountain time? Our Season Passes offer freedom, flexibility and full access to the slopes all season long. Whether you're based nearby or planning multiple trips, it’s the best bang for your buck.
Ready to choose your pass? Check out all your Mt Hutt ski pass options here and find the one that fits your plans.
Lessons & Packages
Dreaming of your first day on the snow at Mt Hutt? Whether you’re a complete beginner or keen to fine-tune your turns, ski and snowboard lessons are the best way to build skills and confidence on the mountain. Our certified instructors are the real deal – friendly, experienced, and passionate about helping you feel at home on the slopes. From learning the basics to linking turns, we’ll help you unlock the magic of skiing or snowboarding on Canterbury’s local mountain. First time? Our gentle beginner terrain and covered magic carpets make Mt Hutt the perfect place to start. Choose from group lessons to learn with others or private coaching for that one-on-one support. Need gear and a pass? The First Timer Package has you sorted – it includes your lift pass, equipment rental, and a group lesson, all in one easy bundle.
Rental Gear
Hiring ski or snowboard gear at Mt Hutt is easy as. We’ve got you covered with skis, snowboards, boots, poles, helmets, and outerwear – all ready to go at our on-mountain rental centre. Need a few extras? You can purchase goggles, gloves and more from our on-site retail shop before you hit the slopes. Pre-book online and skip the queue. Just collect your MyPass card, check in with our rentals crew, get fitted and you’re off. Ride all day, then return your gear before heading home.
Your MyPass Card
Everyone needs a MyPass Card to use the products they’ve purchased. It gives you access to the conveyors and chairlifts, as well as any rental gear or lessons you have bought. You can collect your MyPass Card two ways:
Kiosk:
If you purchased your passes online and have your email confirmation, skip the queue and collect your passes from our kiosks. These are located on-mountain outside our base lodge at car park level.
Guest Services:
Visit our team at Mt Hutt or from our town office in Methven (94 Main Street).
Planning Your Day
A bit of planning goes a long way when you’re heading up the hill. From parking to powder stashes, a few smart moves can mean less faff and more laps.
Here are some of our team's top tips to help your day run smoother than fresh corduroy.
1. Check The Conditions
The weather changes quickly, so before you head up, make sure you scope out the official Snow Report, Live Webcams, Weather Forecast, and Road & Lift Status - all on our site.
Snow Report
2. Plan Your Arrival
Catching the bus? Check the Schedule - Book ahead and know your pick-up time
Driving up? Aim to arrive on the mountain an hour before you plan to be on the snow. This allows time to park, get to the base building, gear up, catch a coffee and soak in the mountain vibes. Weather can change quickly in the alpine, so always carry snow chains – they’re required when conditions demand it. Snow chain calls for the road will be communicated on our Snow Report.
3. Know Where You're Going
For a seamless first day, knowing where to go makes all the difference. From finding your gear to meeting your lesson crew, don’t stress, we’ll point you in the right direction.
Renting Gear from us? Visit our friendly rental team in the base lodge. They'll get you fitted and kitted for a great day on the snow. We can sort you with clothing, skis/snowboard, boots, poles and helmets. Allow at least 30 minutes to get fitted and sorted.
Got a Lesson? Meet your coach at the Snowsports Meeting Area on snow - look for the flags. Please arrive 15 minutes early, gear on and MyPass ready.
Choose Your Terrain
From mellow starters to muscle-burners – Mt Hutt’s terrain delivers at every level.
First day on snow? Kick things off in our Learner’s Area with covered Conveyor Carpets – a perfect intro zone for groms and first timers.
Once you’re turning and cruising, hop on the Nor'west Express and take on wide-open green runs like Highway 72 and Hoods Hollow. Ideal for building confidence and soaking in those big Canterbury views.
Ready to ramp it up? The Summit Six Chair unlocks a range of blue and red runs like Morning Glory and Huirapa– classic Hutt laps with flow and fun written all over them.
Feeling bold? Ride on down to the Lower Triple to access steeper terrain like International and the Log Chute. Once you're at the bottom, head for the Towers Triple Chair and drop into the Towers Basin – a freeride favourite with natural features and big terrain vibes.
Want to scope your lines? Check out our full Trail Map below.
5. Refuel
Carved your heart out? Time to top up the tank. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between laps or settling in for a long lunch, we’ve got you sorted.
Opuke Kai Café – Right by our base building, this is your go-to for barista-made coffee, hearty hot meals, and sweet treats to keep the legs firing. Two flat whites and a bacon butty? Say less.
Sky High Cafe - is your pitstop for quick bites, sweet treats, and coffee with a serious view. Whether you’re between laps or just soaking in the scenery, it’s the perfect spot to refuel without heading back to base.
Sixteen 10 Coffee Bar – Need a caffeine top-up on the fly? This little spot’s got your brew fix covered – no need to leave the action for long.
Ice Bar - Park up at the top of the Nor’west Express and you’ll find our Ice Bar dishing out ice-cold après and quick bites. Perfect for those between-run pick-me-ups, and cheeky cheers with the crew.
FAQs
When is the Ski Season?
The season kicks off in June and runs through early October. July school holidays bring the busiest crowds, so plan ahead and book early to lock in the magic.
What time does the mountain open?
We're open daily from 9am – 4pm, subject to weather conditions.
First Tracks: 8am – 9am on Saturday & Sunday.
What do I need to bring for a ski day at Mt Hutt?
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 – whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned shredder.
Essential gear to bring:
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Warm, waterproof outerwear (jacket and pants)
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Base layers (thermal or merino)
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Gloves or mittens
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Goggles or sunglasses
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Helmet (required for lessons – rentals available)
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Thick socks (ski or snowboard-specific recommended)
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MyPass card or booking QR code
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Water bottle and snacks
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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.
What facilities are on the mountain?
Everything you need for a seamless day on the snow – right here at Mt Hutt, Canterbury’s local mountain.
At the base building, you’ll find all the essentials – bathrooms, changing areas, secure lockers, and space to get sorted before hitting the slopes. Our on-mountain Rental Centre has you covered with skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and waterproof outerwear. Perfect for first-timers or anyone packing light.
Feeling peckish? Opuke Kai Café is the heart of our base area, dishing up barista-made coffee, hot meals, snacks and sweet treats – all served with some of the best views in the game. Out front, Hutt Burger Bar is the go-to for a classic kiwi feed – burgers, fries, and chill-out vibes in the sun.
Need to sharpen your skills? Our ski and snowboard lessons cater to every level, with qualified instructors ready to help you build confidence and dial in your technique. Whether you’re just starting out or chasing progression, we’ve got your back.
Catch a lift on the Summit Six, Nor’west Express, or Towers Triple for access to everything from mellow greens to big mountain steeps – with views that stretch across the Canterbury Plains to the ocean.
Driving up? Free car parking is available, and our on-mountain shuttle runs all day between the lower carparks and base area. You’ll also find free Wi-Fi, water refill stations, and a friendly team always happy to help.
Whether you're here to ski, snowboard, sightsee, or just soak up the alpine goodness – Mt Hutt’s got everything you need for an epic day on the snow.
How to stay safe on the mountain
Visit our mountain safety page for more details on how you can have a safe experience on the snow.
Can I Reschedule my Ski Bus Booking?
Rescheduling
A Ski Bus pass that has a date and time reservation is only valid for the date, time, pickup location, and destination that it has been booked for.
You can change your booked departure date, time, pickup location, or destination for any reason prior to the booked departure time.
Ski Bus passes cannot be rescheduled after the departure time. You must change your booking before your scheduled Ski Bus departure time to keep your pass valid.
Changes are not guaranteed and are subject to availability.
Bookings can be changed online, by calling our reservations team on 0800 697 547, or by visiting our guest services team.
Tickets cannot be rescheduled after the departure time.
To Change Your Booking:
You can make some changes to your reservations, subject to availability.
- Log in to your account and head to your Profile page
- Select "Overview and then "Order History"
- Select the “Order Reference" number for the reserved product you would like to update
- Select the calendar icon for the product you would like to reschedule
- Select "RESCHEDULE" and follow the steps to select another date or location.
Refunds
There are no refunds or credits available for no-shows, for cancellations or for rescheduling requests made after the booked departure time.
Bookings missed due to illness or injury may be refunded on presentation of a medical certificate as per our general terms and conditions of sale.
Bookings missed in the event of a mountain closed day will be rescheduled where possible or refunded if another day cannot be rescheduled during the season.
All Ski Bus passes are valid only for the season, date and time which they were purchased for. Unused or partially unused passes cannot be refunded at the end of the season.
Ski Bus passes are not transferable. Pass identification requirements are as per our general terms and conditions of sale.
How to reschedule a lesson
- Log in to your account and head to your Profile page
- Select "Overview and then "Order History"
- Find your order and select "DETAILS"
- Select "RESERVATIONS"
- Select "RESCHEDULE" and then your preferred date.
Cancellations, Refunds & Transfers
Please view our full terms and conditions for our cancellation, refund and transfer policy.
Six tips for chairlift loading for kids
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.
Heading home for the day?
To keep the good times rolling, be sure to follow these last few tips.
- Return any rental equipment by the end of the day
- If you’re travelling by shuttle bus, plan your departure. A bus will depart every 15 minutes from the top terminal.
- If you want to beat the evening rush, try to depart around 4:30pm.
Safety Tips for First Time Skiers and Snowboarders
Safety is at the heart of every first turn at Mt Hutt. Our beginner zones are carefully designed with gentle slopes, soft fall lines, and dedicated Conveyor Carpets to make learning smooth and secure. You'll always find our expert instructors nearby — trained to guide, encourage, and make sure everyone’s building confidence at their own pace.
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Start on green runs – Beginner terrain is where confidence is built.
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Look ahead – Keep your eyes up and focus on where you want to go.
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Follow mountain signs – Obey all posted signs and listen to ski patrol.
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Take regular breaks – Tired legs increase your risk of falling.
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Move aside after a fall – Clear the trail before getting up.
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Dress in layers – Stay warm, dry, and ready for changing weather.
- Wear a helmet – Protect your head with proper snow sports gear.
Tip: Helmets are recommended for all riders, and included in all rental packages. Layer up, wear gloves, and follow the signs — they’re there to help you ride smart.
How do instructors keep lessons safe?
Our Snowsports team is made up of certified professionals with top-tier training. Every lesson is structured to match your ability, comfort level, and conditions on the day. We start with clear safety briefings, keep group sizes manageable, and focus on steady progression — from first balance to first carve.
You'll also learn the Snow Responsibility Code along the way, so you're not just riding better, but riding with awareness of others on the mountain. Safe turns = Good Times.