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Ski Resort Mt Cheeseman in South Canterbury: Position on map

Mt Cheeseman Ski Resort

Trail Map Mt Cheeseman

The Ski Resort

Situated in New Zealand's South Island, Mount Cheeseman is a ski resort near Springfield, about 1.5 hrs from Christchurch (99km). Promoting a fun family environment, the ski area boasts both groomed runs and off-piste terrain catering for all abilities. Two T-bar lifts provide access to the whole mountain; plus, there is a learners' rope tow in the beginner area. With a distribution of 15% beginner slopes, 50% intermediate, and another 35% advanced slopes, the runs cover an elevation range of 1.570-1.840m, which equals a vertical drop of 270m. 

Mt Cockayne offers demanding terrain, breathtaking views of the Craigieburn Range and is best suited for adventurers and snow addicts looking for unpatrolled trails and backcountry experiences. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your own safety when crossing the ski area boundaries.

Accommodation & Lodges

Moreover, the ski resort has great facilities with its three lodges. The Day Lodge is your go-to when you're feeling hungry and are in the need of taming your sweet tooth. A variety of home-made dishes, hot snacks and drinks are served by the licensed Cockayne Café. Ski-in/ski-out accommodation awaits you at the Snowline Lodge, where your meals are catered. The Forest Lodge is a little off the beaten track: Located 6 km from the ski area, this lodge accommodates 38 people. 

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Interesting facts

  • The vertical drop from summit to base is 300 m. The average difference in altitude between base and summit of Ski Resorts in New Zealand is 471 m. The high point of the ski resort is located at an elevation of 1,870 m.
  • The day pass at Mt Cheeseman is NZD95 making it one of the 10 cheapest ski Resorts in New Zealand.
  • Snow coverage is usually best during August, offering an average snow depth of 128 cm at summit elevation and 47 cm at the base.
  • Mt Cheeseman features 18 sunny days on average per season. The average for all ski Resorts in New Zealand is 15 sunny days. August is the sunniest month with an average of 12 sunny days. This makes the ski resort one of the 10 sunniest in New Zealand.

Videos

01:24
Cheeseman Ski Area
02:50
NZ Powder Snowboarding at Mt Cheeseman
04:05
First day back at Mt Cheeseman!
03:45
Mt Cheeseman Undie 500
01:29
Ski Selwyn Six - Mt Cheeseman 2018

Infrastructure & Rental

Skischools

Number of Skischools: 1
Number of Snowboard Schools: 1

Number of Ski Rental

Ski Rental

Getting here

Traveling west from Christchurch on State Highway 73, the Cheeseman access road is situated approximately 1.5 km past Castle Hill Village (99km from Christchurch). The entrance gate to the 12km long access road is on the left right before the Broken River Bridge. Signposting and marking prior to turnoff is unmissable.

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About the author
last update on 7 Sep 2023
Rate the Ski Resort
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Contact

Mount Cheeseman Ski Area
PO Box 22178
Christchurch
E-Mail
Email%73%6b%69%40%6d%74%63%68%65%65%73%65%6d%61%6e%2e%63%6f%2e%6e%7a
Phone+ 64 (0)3 344 3247

Comments

Rate the Ski Resort
Greg Gilmour
on 3 Aug 2019
Had a week there 3 or 4 years ago..
Great value and so good being able to walk out of the accommodation to the t bar.

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Mountain Stats

Elevation1,570 m - 1,870 m
Opening Day28 Jul 2023
Closing Day24 Sep 2023
Capacity 2500 Persons/Hr.
Hours09:00 - 16:30

Lifts

3
2
1
Total 3

Skiable Terrain

170 ha
Easy
Green Circle
Moderate
Blue Squared
Advanced
Black Diamond
Extreme
Double Diamond
Overall Slope Area 170 ha

Weather (1,870 m)

Rates

NZD95
1 day adult NZD95
1 day youth NZD45
1 day child free
All rates & fees