12-Day Snow Odyssey Tour

12-Day Snow Odyssey Tour

This is the ultimate snow holiday for the ultimate powder hound!

Visiting 11 mountains over 12 days, you’ll sample New Zealand’s most popular ski fields before heading off the beaten track to lesser known club fields loved by locals and pros alike.

Highlights include: Porters ski field – an off-piste heaven with one of the largest vertical drops in New Zealand; Craigieburn – a best-kept-secret amongst locals with wide open powder bowls and lofty narrow shoots; and ever-popular Queenstown – packed with more adrenaline-pumping activities than there are hours in the day to enjoy them.

The Snow Odyssey is a combination of our Snow Safari and Snow Explorer tours and is best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers/snowboarders as you’ll be using nutcrackers and rope tows to climb a handful of the slopes. Never heard of a nutcracker? Don’t let this put you off! Most people adjust to using these tools after just a couple of runs and our guides are on hand to help.

Itinerary

Day 1: Queenstown - The Remarkables

Stop At: The Remarkables Ski Area, Queenstown New Zealand
Welcome to Queenstown! Your tour starts bright and early at 6am where we waste no time heading off to The Remarkables with a whole day on the slopes ahead of us. En route, we’ll stop to pick up any equipment you may have hired.

Today offers wide open trails, native Keas (parrots!), spectacular views, powder snow, sun drenched landscapes and unforgettable runs. There's terrain here like you have never seen before.

Known locally as ‘The Remarks’ the ski field is located at the eastern end of Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu. Imagine a vast natural amphitheatre hidden in the snow-capped rugged ranges. Being so high up is a major benefit; it gives the ski field a long, reliable season – and the north-facing aspect makes it a natural sun-trap so bring your sun cream!

The highest ski field in Queenstown at 1935 metres, The Remarks has something for everyone as the terrain offers challenges for skiers of all abilities, including one of the most memorable runs in New Zealand: the long, fast sweep named Homeward Bound.

The Remarkables ski area boasts a new international standard Super Pipe for advanced level riders and skiers. The 150m long, 22m wide pipe is triple the size of the existing terrain park at the top of Sugar Bowl Basin. The expanded Xbox Terrain and Rail Park and other features, combined with the big mountain possibilities, make The Remarkables the logical choice for the free riders out there.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at our very own Haka Lodge in Queenstown

Day 2: Queenstown - Coronet Peak

Stop At: Coronet Peak, Queenstown New Zealand
Everyone can ski like a pro at Coronet Peak - there are dedicated slopes for first timers and long, wide groomed trails with plenty of choice for more experienced skiers. Once you know the ropes, you'll enjoy the vertical off the express quad, or exploring the rolling terrain with plenty of dips and drops for great variety.

Coronet Peak is the oldest ski area in the South Island. Spread across a broad mountain, the field is wide and sunny with an impressive variety of runs, and the facilities are some of the best around.

Everything is designed to ensure you make the most of skiing and boarding. For boarders, Coronet Peak is a natural terrain park, full of endless hits and powder stashes.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at our very own Haka Lodge in Queenstown

Day 3: Queenstown

Stop At: Queenstown Hill, Belfast Street, Queenstown New Zealand
Today is a chance to rest your legs and get to know the Adventure Capital of the World - Queenstown. From bungy jumping to skydiving, jet boating to visiting the world-famous Milford Sound, you really can complete your bucket list in a day.

Of course, you are most welcome to continue skiing or boarding but this is a scheduled rest day, so your lift pass isn’t included.

For anyone wanting to try heli-skiing there are several well-recommended heli-ski options: 4 runs or 8 runs (see our website for pricing). These will take you to untouched powder in the area.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Haka Lodge Queenstown

Day 4: Queenstown - Wanaka - Cardrona

Stop At: Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka, Cardrona 9382 New Zealand
With over 20 national and international skiing and snowboarding events held at Cardrona each year, it's considered amongst pros as one of the top mountains in New Zealand.

Renowned among skiers and boarders for inspiring terrain and dry natural snow, Cardrona is 345 hectares of wide and packed with undulating trails, open slopes, steep chutes and awesome terrain parks. There’s something here for all to enjoy.

Most of the mountain is serviced by chair lifts, so access is easy. Cardrona’s three basins offer wide-open spaces and a mixture of terrains that are suitable for snowboarders and skiers of all abilities.

Facilities include five cafes, a shop, equipment hire and a workshop.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: YHA Wanaka

Day 5: Wanaka - Treble Cone

Stop At: Treble Cone, 24 Dungarvon St Wanaka New Zealand
Hidden in the heart of the Southern Alps Treble Cone has amazing views across the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka. It’s also the largest ski area in the South Island with plenty of exhilarating skiing and snowboarding terrain.

Treble Cone boasts New Zealand's fastest quad chairlift, so you can enjoy more runs per day than anywhere else. The saddle quad chairlift offers the highest lift-accessed terrain, longest groomed intermediate runs, and highest vertical drop in the South Island.

From the purpose-built learner area and long groomed intermediate trails, to numerous natural half pipes on the upper mountain, there’s plenty for everyone here.

Treble Cone’s proximity to the Southern Alps means reliable snow conditions and weather, and, just as importantly, it is protected from the bitterly cold southerly winds. Renowned for plenty of dry powder, Treble Cone receives an average annual snowfall of 5.5 metres and has an average maximum snow depth of 3.25 metres.

In the evening, Wanaka is an après-ski haven, with a vast number of places to dine, drink and dance the night away.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: YHA Wanaka

Day 6: Wanaka - Lake Tekapo (via Ohau)

Stop At: Lake Ohau, Twizel Queenstown Highway, Twizel New Zealand
Today head to Ohau, a remote ski field located between Christchurch and Queenstown.

With snow ratings of 20% beginner, 50% intermediate and 30% advanced, Ohau caters for all abilities. From the highest point of 1,925 metres, there is a 400-metre vertical fall to the base via ‘The Boulevard’ (an epic ride for beginners on a safe trail as wide as a highway). Intermediates can choose the zig-zag ‘Luge’, and experts can push the limits on the ‘High Traverse’ and the ‘Escalator’.

Ohau offers unrivalled dry powder snow and gets you off the tourist trail to experience the awesome range of ski fields available in the South Island of New Zealand.

In the evening we drive to Tekapo and here we get to soak in the relaxing Tekapo Springs, so we are ready to start day seven with fresh legs.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: YHA Lake Tekapo

Day 7: Lake Tekapo - Christchurch

Stop At: Roundhill Ski Area, 2544 Lilybank Road, Lake Tekapo New Zealand
Today we head to one of Mackenzie Country’s best kept secrets; Roundhill.

With the highest vertical drop in Australasia (at 783 meters), breath-taking views of Aoraki Mt Cook, and boasting one of NZ’s widest runs, the ski field offers an awesome day on the slopes with terrain to suit all capabilities.

We ski/snowboard until around 3pm before setting off to New Zealand’s largest South Island city, Christchurch.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: YHA Christchurch

Day 8: Christchurch - Springfield - Porters

Stop At: Porters Ski Area, State Highway 73 Porters Pass, Springfield 7681 New Zealand
Rise and shine! We depart Christchurch at 6am and head straight to Porters, best known for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. You can expect to find a fewer people on these slopes and lots of untouched trails.

Porter’s lifts run up two distinct valleys: Bluff Face (which towers above the left of the base area) and Big Mama (which towers above the right).

At 620m, Big Mama boasts one of the largest vertical drops in one lift-accessed runs in New Zealand. Easy back-country riding is available from the top of the T3T-Bar.

For the next two nights we stay at Springfield Lodge, a snow sports enthusiast’s haven, complete with an outdoor spa pool and majestic views to enjoy after a busy day on the slopes.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Porters Lodge

Day 9: Springfield - Broken River

Stop At: Broken River Ski Area, Off State Highway 73 Craigieburn Forest Park, 7580 New Zealand
Ready yourself for an epic adventure at Broken River.

Born in the early 1950s when the founding members were just 20 and 28 years old, this ski field is a testament to people who are truly passionate about creating amazing snow experiences.

The terrain consists of a large open basin serviced by five electrically driven rope tows. Yes, it’s time to learn how to use those nutcrackers!

Don’t worry if you are new to rope tows – our Tour Manager will help you with your technique. Most people take a few tries to get it right; it’s all part of the fun! Tow protection gloves are provided.

The highest point is 1820 metres and the total vertical is 420 metres, with lots of off-piste terrain available.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Porters Lodge

Day 10: Springfield - Criagieburn - Mt Olympus/Temple Basin

Stop At: Mt. Olympus, New Zealand
Mt Olympus ski area is also known as ‘the playground of the gods’. The area is a south-facing basin set high in the Craigieburn Range – perfect for trapping powder dumps. 450m of vertical drops over 60 hectares of varied terrain provide skiing and riding from beginner to extreme.

From the top of the Main Tow and the Top Tow there are plenty of options with terrain to suit intermediates or the most advanced skiers.

A little walking from the Top Tow opens even more terrain in this wide, open bowl. With the relatively low skier numbers and the choice of terrain, it can take up to a week to get tracks on some slopes!

When you come off the slopes at the end of a big day we will grab a well-earned drink and dinner (included) at the ultra-cosy Craigieburn Lodge which is our accommodation for the next two nights.

Duration: 1 day

Stop At: Temple Basin Ski Area, State Highway 73, Arthur's Pass National Park 8041 New Zealand
Today we’ll head to either Temple Basin or Mt Olympus, depending on weather conditions.

Temple Basin, the club, was founded in 1929 and still has that pioneering feel and represents a true alpine environment at the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park. We leave those who prefer groomed slopes, a chairlift and lattes at home.

Renowned for its steep and big mountain terrain, you have the choice of three tows: Temple (faster and steeper), Cassidy (sunny smooth runs), and Downhill (ridgeline and advanced terrain). You can also check out the awesome chutes at Bills Basin and the popular back country area of Mingha Valley.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Craigieburn Lodge

Day 11: Craigieburn

Stop At: Craigieburn Valley Ski Area, Off State Highway 73 Craigieburn Forest Park, 7580 New Zealand
Craigieburn has a cult following among locals who love big mountain skiing.

Terrain at Craigieburn Valley is varied, exciting and challenging, with the infamous 600m vertical descent of Middle Basin (which is often compared to a heli-skiing experience) accessible by a short traverse from the tow. Craigieburn Valley offers something for everyone – except beginners.

Steep and deep, with wide open powder bowls and lofty narrow chutes accessed by three high-capacity rope tows servicing a vertical rise of 503m, Craigieburn leaves little to be desired.

Dinner tonight at the Craigieburn Lodge is also included.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Craigieburn Lodge

Day 12: Craigieburn to Christchurch

Stop At: Craigieburn Valley Ski Area, Off State Highway 73 Craigieburn Forest Park, 7580 New Zealand
One last snow day mastering the slopes of Craigieburn before blazing a trail back to Christchurch where your tour ends at around 8pm.

You’re more than welcome to book an additional night of accommodation with us to extend your stay in Christchurch.

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.