The Best Backcountry Skiing Routes in Canterbury
Explore Backcountry Skiing RoutesTop 41 backcountry skiing routes in Canterbury
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Mount Aylmer
If you are just looking to get out with a small weather window and get a feel of the snow this is a great trip. Being that the Tasman Glacier has ski tours for people with all levels of abilities I would say this is the easiest option to make it up to a summit....
2
Mount Sutton
In a place known for great and unique ski fields Ohau is a diamond in the rough. While you only have one ski lift the access it gives you with a 10 minute hike is hard to rival....
3
Mount Dobson Backcountry
The Mount Dobson area offers stunning scenery with sweeping views of the glaciated Mountains of the Southern Alps. While far from the biggest ski resort this has its own benefits as it is easy to have the backcountry to yourself....
4
Cragieburn Sidecountry
The Craigieburn ski field is one of those wild places that only can be provided with New Zealand hospitality. Riding down the terrain is the easiest part as getting up the nutcracker rope tows is a bit more challenging, especially if you are a snowboarder....
5
Crystal Basin
While hanging out in New Zealand we would hear a story about how Porters was actually supposed to be built in the Crystal Bowl but there was a misunderstanding and instead it was built in the wrong basin....
6
Tindall Basin
The challenging part of this tour is not the actual ski tour but getting up the Macauley Valley. It’s a long slog with some sketchy river crossing but when I went up there we actually drove up in a 4wd SUV before arriving at the Macauley Hut....
7
Hochstetter Dome Traverse
Starting from either the Kelman Hut or the Tasmin Saddle Hut there are many accessible and fantastic ski touring options. Of the best is surely the traverse of Hochstetter Dome, an appealing and largely non-technical ridgeline forming a boundary at the upper end of the Tasmin Glacier....
8
Mueller Hut via the Sealy Tarns Track
From Cook Village there are a wealth of awesome skiing opportunities without the need for a flight into the high mountains. Along with Footstool (see Fatmap route), one of the best options for ski touring straight from the village is to head up towards the Mueller Hut....
9
The Minarets
This ski tour is a great trip for people of all abilities that are looking to climb one of the many 3,000 meter peaks in New Zealand. While the Franz Joesph Glacier has numerous ski touring options this is the biggest around and offers one of if not the best view of the surrounding environment....
10
The Murchison Glacier Headwall
If you have ever spent anytime at the Kelman Hut than you can’t help but notice the Murchison Headwall. Not only is this the gateway to numerous other zones but it in itself is a great ski run....
11
Rumdoodle
If you are looking to explore beyond the Tasman Glacier to the West than Rumdoodle is a great ski tour. While the climb isn’t too technical it should be said that this is a long day....
12
Darwin Ridge
If you are up on the Tasman Glacier and looking for options than Darwin ridge ticks all the boxes. Not only is this a fun ski but it also offers great views of both the upper and lower sections of the Tasman Glacier....
13
The Mannering Glacier
The Mannering Glacier is a nice ski tour which gets you out of the Tasman Glacier area and allows you to explore a few new zones in a single ski trip....
14
Mount Sydney King
Mount Sydney King is about as far as you can get for day tours based out of the Kelman hut. Being on the far opposite end of the Murchison Valley it’s not a technical route and can be skied by people of average abilities....
15
Cragieburn Traverse
Over the years it seems that the Craigeburn Traverse has become quite popular and it is easy so see why. This has become New Zealands version of the Haute Route with the option to use ski lifts to get in a few nice ski runs while making your way through the Craigieburn Range....
16
Roundhill Touring
Roundhill is a great little family owned and operated resort and there's a true New Zealand feel to this place.
It’s quite a strange resort though, with a large, flat beginner area juxtaposed next to one of the steepest surface lifts in New Zealand (and in that case, the world) which gives access to some amazing free ride descents (when conditions are suitable)....
17
Mt Ross’ South Face
Part of the crux of these 2 days is actually getting yourself to the Macauley Hut, which can be barred by the wide and flowing river the Macauley. However, this pain (and wading!) can be avoided if you undertake this tour late in the winter, when spring hasn’t kicked in yet and increased the river levels....
18
Mt Ardmore West Face
Accessible straight from the Lilybank Road during the height of the winter season, Mt Ardmore is a great way to keep away from the busy ski resorts for a single day hit....
19
Mount Dark
If you are looking for a ski tour near Mount Cook National Parks but want an area all to yourself than Mount Dark clicks all the boxes. Being just east of the main popular area this offers a steep and semi technical ski tour but without the fear of huge glaciers....
20
Mount Wall
Driving up to Mount Cheeseman you can’t help but take in the view of Mount Wall. Being just to the north it is a big face which much steeper slopes then the ski area....
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