The Southern Alps in Canterbury offer some of the most exciting experiences for advanced and expert skiers in the world. On the South Island – about 30 minutes’ drive from ski town Methven or 90 minutes from Christchurch – is world-class skiing with a 683-metre drop, four freestyle parks, and 365 hectares waiting to be explored. Renowned snowboard brand Burton shoots its catalogue amongst the Arrowsmith peaks, and the Austrian ski team have used the runs at Mt Hutt to train during their summer. Also, big-time skiers Glenn Plake, Seth Morrison and Sam Smoothy have graced the unique club fields.

Set in the middle of the North Island, Ruapehu is an easy drive from Auckland or just about anywhere, so a weekend trip is more than possible. The panorama is dominated by three volcanoes and it has two main ski areas, Whakapapa and Turoa. The terrain and weather means even spring skiing is possible. Whakapapa is Mount Ruapehu’s north-west facing slope, and – as NZ’s largest ski area – its home to the country’s premier beginner playground, Happy Valley. There’s a sledding area, and four cafes for exhausted parents. For down days (or post-ski recovery) the old-school Chocolate Eclair Shop in Ohakune is notoriously delicious.

Those hunting challenging black runs with miles of untracked powder, and those after well-groomed beginner slopes find what they’re looking for at Mount Dobson. Famous for its all-day sunshine, wide and uncrowded runs, and easy-going atmosphere this is the skiing and boarding destination for families wanting a variety of ski levels. This family-owned and operated field is located on State Highway 8, the South Island’s main tourist route between Christchurch and Queenstown. The gentle access road leads to a three kilometre wide basin, boasting 14 separate runs. Mount Dobson offers the largest learner and intermediate area in New Zealand, and has a natural halfpipe as well as miles of untracked snow for all levels.

The closest ski field to Queenstown – just 25 minutes’ drive away – Coronet Peak offers dawn (8am) to dusk skiing making it the place for night skiing in New Zealand. The afternoon sky transforms into glorious pink before night falls and the lights spark on. The resort is known for its rollercoaster terrain for all abilities, and there are supervised kids’ programs and an early learning centre for children aged three and up. The views and incredible back bowls cater to more advanced skiers, and a pass at Coronet Peak covers skiers and boarders for its sister mountain, The Remarkables, so your day can be as action packed as it gets.

With a view towards Coronet Peak, the sun-drenched, north-facing snow-packed bowls of The Remarkables cater to advanced skiers as well as beginners, but it’s those searching for freedom who will really make the most of this spectacular resort. The natural snow is supported by the power of more than 100 snow guns that keep trails topped up across a 385 hectare terrain. There is plenty of space for beginners, plus dedicated freestyle areas, incredible big-mountain possibilities, and some of the best alpine views in the world. The area has just completed a multi-million dollar development with a new, purpose-built lodge, high speed 6-seater chairlift, and mostly sealed access road.