Big Al's Club Field Info
Nestled amidst the breathtaking Southern Alps landscapes of New Zealand's South Island, the Club Fields offer an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Known for its legendary ski terrain, vibrant après/lodge-ski scene, and stunning mountain vistas, the clubbies destinations are a must-visit for anyone seeking adrenaline and natural beauty.
Along the central length of New Zealand's South Island, you'll find many must-visit club fields we know all about! Big Al and the crew love the peaceful atmosphere these clubs offer, combined with pristine snow conditions following fresh snowfall. The club field scene in New Zealand is truly unique and is an essential part of any winter holiday experience.
Let's start in the north of our region:
Porters
Although Porters is a commercially operated ski area, its relaxed atmosphere sets it apart from larger resorts, providing a perfect environment for a enjoyable and family-friendly winter experience. The way Porters faces means it can be open in the strong Nor-West winds, so is an excellent alternative when Mt Hutt is closed!
Porters alpine resort caters for all abilities. It is around 1 and a half hours drive from Big Als. Porters have a range of ways to access the slopes, whether you take the chairlift, T-bar or carpet, you can access a variety of different trails. Porters also has a terrain park for all the freeride enthusiasts. Their lodge has an epic restaurant with a range of delicious food to have during your stay. Porters is the next biggest commercial ski area in the Canterbury area to Mt Hutt, and provides some awesome terrain for all skiers and riders.
Access Porters Alpine Resort website here.
Craigieburn
Craigieburn valley ski area is just over 1 and a half hours drive from Big Als. Situated in the Craigieburn range, this ski area offers some great steep terrain with awesome chutes and powder bowl skiing. Cragieburn has a friendly club atmosphere, and is most suited for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders. The Craigieburn playground is nicknamed ‘the big one’. It has three tow ropes, so you'll need to be confident with a harness and nutcracker, and has some awesome hiking terrain off the ridges. Craigieburn’s lodge has epic 360° views of the ski area, and the cafe is awesome. The lodges are located in the beach forest, with great fun and friendly club atmosphere. Craigieburn is a mountain for the more confident skiers and riders.
Access Craigieburn Valley Ski Areas website here
Mt Cheeseman
Mt Cheeseman is another friendly, fun club ski field perfect for families. It is just under 2 hours drive from Big Als and the easy access road allows you to drive straight to the first T-Bar. Mt Cheeseman has both groomed runs and off piste terrain which is great for all abilities. Cheeseman has two T-Bars and a beginner rope tow. It provides great views along with services like a cafe and lessons! Kids 10 and under ski free at Cheeseman which makes it great for young families looking to skip the busy crowds. Mt Cheeseman has both ski-in-ski-out and base area lodges, so whether you're looking to stay the night or just day trip and use facilities it has what you need. Mt Cheeseman is a great mountain for skiers of all abilities.
Access Mt Cheeseman's website here
Broken River
Broken River is just under 2 hours drive from Big Als. Best known for their epic powder skiing even days after a snowfall, Broken river has an epic community atmosphere and a wide range of terrain. Broken River has 5 tow ropes, so you’ll need your harness and nutcracker. This club field even offers night skiing for those wanting the extra thrill. Their cozy lodges are located at the tree line, 10 minutes walk from the first tow. Or hop on the tram that takes you through native bush. A great club field for intermediate and above skiers.
Access Broken River's website here
Mt Olympus
Mt Olympus, also known as “Playground of the Gods”, is just under 2 hours drive from Big Als. It sits at the end of the Craigieburn range. With big bowls and narrow rock chutes, Olympus has a wide range of expert terrain for freeride enthusiasts. Olympus also has a beginners slope. The four rope tows require you to use a nutcracker and harness. The top lodge is a ski in ski out, comfy warm place to have a nice chat and cuppa with the residents. Best suited for intermediate and above skiers.
Access Mt Olympus' website here
Fox Peak
Fox Peak is a quiet club run ski field with a friendly atmosphere and some epic terrain. This small ski field is located near Fairlie, around 2 hours drive from Big Als. Fox peak has a platter lift along with 4 rope tows which require a nutcracker and harness. The beginner tow is FREE for all beginners! Fox Peak offers great terrain for intermediate skiers, but covers all abilities. Fox Peak has a lodge settled half way up the access road for those wanting easy access.
Access Fox Peak's website here
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Mt Dobson
Mt Dobson is just over 2 hours drive from Big Als. The big open basin means some great learners trails and epic off piste skiing/riding. Dobo has a novice tow, T-Bar, platter and chairlift getting you from the bottom to the top. Dobson has an awesome wee cafe, offers lessons and has groomed trails. It is a perfect field for all abilities of skiers and riders. Their friendly staff are awesome at helping you out!
Access Mt Dobson's website here
Round Hill
Round Hill has epic views of Mt Cook. Located near lake Tekapo, Round Hill is under 3 hours drive from Big Als. Round Hill has a great social atmosphere and is great for families. It has some great beginner terrain, with two main T-Bars taking you to the top. The beginners area has lifts, a platter and tows to learn. Round Hill has some epic groomed terrain amongst the off piste. They also make snow with their snowmakers, which further adds to your experience. Round hill has an awesome cafe, and is in close range of some awesome accommodation and activities in nearby Tekapo.
Access Round Hill's website here
Ohau
The Ohau ski field is just over 3 and a half hours drive from Big Als. Nestled above the picturesque lake Ohau, this ski area has some epic terrain for all abilities. Mainly catering for intermediate skiers and riders, Ohau has a chairlift, platter and conveyor to suit beginners through to advanced people. Oahu runs snow making and grooming, to make your experience even better. They run a ski school and sometimes have a few terrain parks running. Ohau has a great day lodge to have a cuppa and rest the legs. Ohau has great terrain for all abilities and is a great mountain, especially for families not wanting to be in long lines!
That's it from Big Al on our Club Field Info! Stay posted on our blog with more things to do in our awesome back yard!
Let us know how you go at the local club fields. ✌️
