New Zealand Ski Fields: Hanmer Springs Ski Area
This ideal location promises lots of snow and fabulous skiing. The ski runs at Hanmer Springs Ski Area are brilliant for all stages of skiers, but especially anyone of intermediate grade who'll literally discover a mountain of fun.
Access to the runs is by way of one of the longest poma lifts in the country and two rope tows. These run virtually from dawn to dusk, until most skiers have more than exhausted all the opportunities. Why should we cut someone's fun short?
One of the beauties of a club rather than a commercial field is that the timetable we have to adhere to is our own. While all the main runs are groomed there's still plenty of virgin snow left for the experts and the more adventurous to enjoy. Tow fees are very reasonable because we want people to be able to afford to ski.
You drive right up to Hanmer Springs Ski Area (although chains must be carried because of the snow) and can get from the car park straight onto the lifts. There's also a centrally heated Day Lodge complete with stoves, toasted sandwich machines, tea and coffee...for your convenience when you want to take a relaxing break.
Ski hire, waxing and repairs are also available on the mountain. (Along with sales of equipment, in nearby Hanmer). Experienced Ski Instructors are on hand to help you get the most out of your skiing, and qualified ski patrollers are always on duty.
If you decide to stay at Hanmer Springs Ski Area (there's comfortable accommodation for 60 people) you can choose from either family rooms or bunk type accommodation. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast is extremely good value. There's nothing quite like waking up in the midst of the mountains.
If you prefer, Hanmer Springs offers great accommodation, as well a host of other opportunities to complement your skiing. There are restaurants, the famous thermal hot pools, horse treks, jet boating, helicopter rides, forest walks, one of the South Island's favourite golf courses, fishing, tramping and even bungy jumping if you haven't already had enough thrills from the snow.
Because it's so close, you can combine the activities together. Perhaps follow a hard day on the slopes with a nice meal and a long, hot soak in the pools, steam rising around you into the crisp alpine air. Or go bungy jumping in the morning and then ski your heart out for the rest of the day before a night on the mountain. The only problem is that there's never enough time and eventually you really do have to go home.
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