From Mt Hutt Ski Area to the untracked terrain of the Southern Alps, this region has it all. Renowned for some of the best snow in Australasia and its long season from June to October, Mt Hutt Ski Area caters for beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders offering a range of on and off piste runs. Excellent on-field facilities include substantial snowmaking, triple, quad and 6-seater chairs, enclosed magic carpet, an award winning ski and snowboard school, snowboard terrain park, licensed crèche and a great bar and restaurant. Heliskiing opens up 1000s of square kilometres of brilliant powder terrain. Steep and challenging chutes to wide open bowls and long powder runs are ready waiting for skiers and snowboarders. Full and half day excursions are available from Mt Hutt Helicopters, the only NZ operator to have a heli-pad at a commercial ski field, and from Methven Heliski or Southern Alps Heliski which lift off from high country stations up the Rakaia and Rangitata Valleys. Methven is uniquely placed for keen skiers and snowboarders to enjoy other ski areas in neighbouring districts, all within relatively short drives. | 
