FAQ
What do I do with my gear? Are storage facilities available on mountain?
Yes, most ski resorts provide on-mountain lockers or storage areas. These are handy to store your shoes, surplus clothing and other gear. Fees may apply.
How do I find out about on-mountain conditions and weather?
All ski resorts provide comprehensive reports early each morning. You can check these out either by visiting the respective website/app, listening to the local radio, or asking the reception desk at your accommodation.
Staff will monitor conditions throughout the day and will advise of any changes that require action. Safety is paramount.
Are there any airports near the ski areas?
Yes. Christchurch International Airport is only 1 to 1.5 hours away from both Mt Hutt and Porters.
Queenstown Airport is located within 30 – 40 minutes of Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. About 1 hour to Cardrona and 1.5 hours’ drive to Treble Cone.
Both airports are international and offer connecting flights to Auckland and other domestic locations.
I want to work at a ski resort. How is the recruitment managed? Do I need a work permit?
The individual ski resorts manage recruitment directly and take applications online via their respective websites. You can find those links on this site under the ‘Ski Resorts’ area.
Generally applications open from February/March, for the season ahead. Ski resorts open from June and some continue through until October. If applicants are non-NZ or non-Australian residents, proof of eligibility to legally work in New Zealand must be shown at the application stage.
Is there anything to do at the resorts if I am not skiing or snowboarding?
Most ski resorts provide tickets for sightseeing on their chairlifts and many offer other activities. Don’t forget all ski resorts have warm and welcoming cafes so grab a hot chocolate!
Is there accommodation at the mountain resorts in New Zealand?
A variety of accommodation options are available for visitors in the resort towns nearby to the ski areas in the South Island.
The majority of visitors stay in resort towns such as Queenstown, Wanaka, Tekapo and Methven and enjoy the après ski action each night.
Within the Ski TMN partner resorts there are a few exceptions. Cardrona have on site accommodation. Ohau has their own lodge (managed by the same people as the ski area), but it is located at the bottom of the ski area.
I don’t have any ski/snowboard gear or clothes. Can I hire them?
You sure can. The resorts all offer extensive equipment hire on the slopes. This includes boots, skis/snowboards, poles and protection gear. You can also hire jackets and pants. However, you will need to bring your own gloves, hats and undergarments with you.
The ski resorts are located high in the alpine areas of New Zealand, where the weather can be changeable. You are advised to ideally wear woollen under garments, or poly props.
The ski resort towns generally have good sports and clothing shops where you buy extra clothing if needed.
I’ve heard you have to drive up and down to the slopes every day. What are the roads like?
Yes, most holiday makers drive to the mountain resorts each day. This works well if you’re within easy access of several resorts, as you can check the snow & weather conditions and choose the best slopes for you on that day.
The resorts provide road reports, so you are thoroughly informed before starting your journey. If chains are required to be fitted this can be tricky in the cold weather and if you are not used to them! Most resorts have staff on the access roads that will do this for you, for a small fee.
What healthcare options are available if I become injured?
New Zealand’s healthcare system is very good and all resorts have medical staff on location. Most resort towns have medical centres and Christchurch has a major hospital. You are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance when travelling.
