Lifts & Terrain
Whilst Mt Hutt isn’t a huge mountain, it offers varied ski terrain to suit all levels. The resort sits in the middle of an inactive volcano, with one huge bowl in the middle with green and blue runs, and some steep terrain dropping from the ridges to the left and right of the bowl.
Mt Hutt is often used for race training because of the substantial vertical (by NZ standards) and steep pitch. It officially has 683 metres of vertical, but sometimes the skiing below the car park is not possible or worthwhile due to marginal snow conditions, which effectively reduces the vertical to about 500 metres.
LiftsGone are the t-bars of Mt Hutt! The lift system has been streamlined and now there are only 4 lifts that have been effectively planned and improve efficiency. A new 6-pack summit express lift has replaced the old quad, and now a quad chair services the terrain parks and some of the intermediate terrain.
In addition to recent lift infrastructure development, excellent summer grooming and trail cutting has provided better access to the terrain on the outer parts of the resorts without the need to traverse.
Lift ticketsGood discounts are available on lift passes for families, beginners, multi-day tickets and combo packages. See the
Mt Hutt website for more details.
Snow ConditionsThe “baseball glove” shape of Mt Hutt is great for catching the snow, and with its high elevation, the area typically gets more snowfall than some of its southerly neighbours. Some people would suggest that the quality of it is more “wet”, but perhaps that’s just a rumour spread by the southerly neighbours?! It also has a tendency to become icy, but all NZ resorts probably suffer from that problem.
The last time the Powderhounds visited there was an amazing 3 metre base. Choice eh? Even with that much cover, rocks may abound with the Virgin Mile in particular having a bad reputation for keeping the ski and snowboard repairers in business. On the other side of the resort, the steep South Face runs probably accumulate better snow, particularly during Nor-Westers.
Snow conditions are enhanced through use of extensive snowmaking facilities on the main trails and in the terrain parks and the grooming efforts add to the racing fun.
The weather is generally unpredictable from June to August, with the associated higher likelihood of snowfall. September generally has less snowfall, but much nicer weather. If you don’t crave powder, then the Australian school holidays in September will be a good time for a family holiday to Methven and Mt Hutt.
When runs are closed or are marginal due to inadequate cover, bad visibility, extremely icy conditions or avalanche risk, ski patrol does a good job of indicating this via reliable signage at the top of the 6-pack. The signs also signify if the shuttle bus for the chutes is operating.
For snow reports go to www.nzski.com, or otherwise most lodges and accommodation in Methven will receive a morning fax, or you can ring Mt Hutt on 03 308 5074 after 7am.
For BeginnersThe magic carpet serviced run provides young children or first timers with a safe area to get the feel of sliding on snow. The next progression is the gentle Highway 72 that slowly traverses down from quad chair.
Intermediate Ski and Board TerrainMt Hutt is a great intermediate mountain with long cruisey (and reasonably steep) piste runs. Broadway is probably the easiest of these, and for fast leg burning runs, try Hubers Run and Lower Fascination. When the snow is good, confident intermediates can also easily navigate runs such as Towers and the Virgin Mile Ridge.
For the Family/KidsMt Hutt is pretty family-friendly. The magic carpet at the base is great for young children, and because three of the four lifts originate from the base, everyone returns to the same spot so it’s very social and easy to keep track of the family. The cost of a ski holiday in Methven/Mt Hutt is also pretty family friendly.
Parks and PipesMt Hutt has a FIS specification half-pipe and two terrain parks featuring a variety of tabletops, kickers and rails. The one to the left of the quad chair is the “Terrain Mini Park” with two lanes of easy hits. The Up and Go Terrain park is more advanced and is located to the right of the quad chair. There is plenty to keep freestylers entertained.
In getting around the resort, there’s a little bit of skating for snowboarders along some of the trails, but it’s not too troublesome.
Advanced Skiing If the snow hasn’t fallen for some time it can be a bit boring after a few days. When the snow is good, there is some awesome terrain around the edges of the resort. For example, an area like Towers (accessed to the left of the 6-person summit lift) has some fairly steep and often bumpy terrain. When it is icy, it is for experts only, as a fall in this area in these conditions could be fatal.
The Virgin Mile to the right of the 6–person lift (skiers left) is a great run, although if it is wind-affected or icy it can be tricky to tackle. Also, beware of obstacles and hazards such as rocks. From the Virgin mile, you can drop into the bowl at any time into runs like Low Drive or Hydro Slide, which are quite steep and can be amazing with a fresh cover of powder.
Expert SkiingFurther afield to the left of the lift is the South Face. The runs have a good fall-line and if you are lucky to get there just after a big dump, it can be like skiing a heliski run. You will need to ski to the bottom of the Towers triple chair, so if the snow cover is marginal it can be a bit treacherous for you and your skis.
For the powderhoundIf you are up for a short hike, you can access the Rakaia Saddle Chutes at the end of the Virgin Mile Ridge, where you can often find fresh tracks even days after a snow fall. There are several pick-up points at the bottom of these runs where shuttle buses will drive you back up to the resort.