Mt Hutt has consistently been voted New Zealand best ski resort and I can certainly see why. That being said Mt Hutt is a frustrating place to snowboard and needs to be approached with a degree of flexibility. A real positive to an Mt Hutt ski trip is the people who make this resort. The staff here do an exceptional job in tough conditions and ultimately I feel this is why Mt Hutt continues to earn accolades. Mount Hutt is a more laid back approach to a snowboarding trip and it is possible to find affordable lodging in nearby Methven.
View fullsize
Mt Hutt Ski Resort
MT HUTT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Mt Hutt is a top-notch ski resort but it’s fair to say that isn’t necessarily the first impression. The town of Methven has nowhere near the glitz or the glam of Queenstown or Wanaka but we kind of like that. It is a quiet town with good people and this is reflected in the staff at Mt Hutt. The road up to Mt Hutt is … well not ideal. The whole of the road from the base car park is unsealed and rather bumpy and driving up in a campervan was possible but not great fun, especially in snowy conditions. There was even a time when we received a helping push from the Mt Hutt site team in their range rover. Once at the resort, there is a nice base lodge and some modern lifts. Sadly our first day here was cut short by strong winds and this is something you will have to factor into any trip to Mt Hutt.
MT HUTT SKI RESORT
Mt Hutt Ski Area seems bigger than the other New Zealand ski resorts I visited. This could be due to its greater vertical drop of 600m+ resulting in longer runs from the summit to the base area. Beginners and intermediates will love that you have mellow terrain from the summit meaning they can head to the top of the resort to take in the views of surrounding Canterbury. From here beginners and intermediate skiers will have the option of taking blue runs back to the base. The more advanced will enjoy the pitch of Upper Fascination, however, this run can become icy in adverse weather conditions.
There is easy access hiking that opens up more terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders with The Towers accessing a range of chutes. Visible from the base area there is a pitch of off-piste that looked great fun but sadly the conditions didn’t allow for riding. If hiking doesn’t appeal then Mt Hutt has terrain parks dotted around the resort to keep you occupied. Mt Hutt refreshes the set up regularly which is great for those who enjoy freestyle.
Snowboarding at Mt Hutt is mainly suited to intermediates who pretty much have their pick of the whole mountain. There is a designated beginner area near the lodge with its own magic carpet which is an ideal place for those first turns. Advanced riders will like that pretty much everywhere there is a line to hike or explore although the lack of trees can mean no cover from the conditions on those bad weather days.
Mt Hutt is prone to receiving high winds and adverse weather conditions which can lead to regular lift closures. This has led to Mt Hutt receiving the nickname of Mt Shut. The staff at Mt Hutt do a fantastic job to keep punters occupied and often have alternative activities set up. During my visit to Mt Hutt, they organised a rugby match, a rail jam, and various other activities.
WHEN MT HUTT IS CLOSED
There is plenty to do around Mt Hutt should the resort be closed. Head to Rakaia Gorge to take a jet boat or hike around the beautiful trails. The local town of Methven has some great bars with the local Irish Pub serving incredible food. Methven cinema is also good for whiling away the hours. Like most places in New Zealand, there is plenty to explore outdoors in the local area.
View fullsize
Bad Weather Days At Mt Hutt
MT HUTT PISTE MAP
Mt Hutt ski area is great for families as pretty much all runs lead back to the lodge at the base. This makes it easy for families to head down runs of varying ability and meet right back up at the chairs. The most challenging terrain at Mt Hutt is found on skiers right. It is here where you will find a number of interesting black diamond runs. The hike to the Towers is quick and from here you can access Chute 3 and Dog leg. A further traverse will take you to 1st Chute, Main Chute and Saddle Face.
Virgin Mile is an interesting run for those competent on reds. Virgin Mile winds its way around the top of Mt Hutt offering panoramic views across Canterbury. Along Virgin Mile, there are plenty of places to drop into on a powder day to get some freshies.
Beginners will probably make their first exploration of Mt Hutt on the Quad chair and take Inside Leg back to the base. Broadway is one of the more popular blue runs at Mt Hutt and can be crowded on the weekends.
View fullsize
Mt Hutt Ski Resort Piste Map
Article Continued at: