Craigieburn
Resort Info

Craigieburn Valley Ski Area, located in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps, has achieved cult status amongst NZ's hottest skiers. Steep deep and cheap, the only catch is that you wish you had discovered it before. Wide open powder bowls, steep narrow chutes and when you come off the hill at the end of a big day, kick back in the bar at the cosy alpine lodge. Craigieburn Valley offers something for everyone (except beginners!!).

Three high capacity rope tows service a vertical rise of 503m. Terrain at Craigieburn Valley is varied, exciting and challenging with the infamous 600m vertical descent of Middle basin (which is often compared to a heliskiing experience) accessible by a short traverse from the tow.  A quick trip through the beech forest will take you back to the ticket office or from Big Bend it’s a 20 minute walk back to the bottom tow. Whakamaru Day Lodge on Kea Ridge provides a place to stop and rest, where you can admire the breath-taking panoramic views of Middle Basin and Hamilton Face.

The Craigieburn day pass allows you to ski Allan’s Basin and over to Broken River. A 20 minute stroll along the ridge drops you back at the top of Hamilton Col. From there a 500 vertical metre run down Hamilton Face to the bottom tow.

Koroheke and Matuhi Lodges are nestled amongst native beech forest at the base of the field and offer accommodation ranging from bunk and double rooms, to family rooms.

Craigieburn Tips:

1. There are no ski-hire facilities on the mountain
2. Tow price includes nutcracker or towbelt which are both required for our surface tows.
3. Craigieburn offers an après ski atmosphere with a bar on hand to make the most of happy hour or if you’re hungry, the chef can cooks an excellent 3-course feast
4. If you are new to the rope tows, alert the staff who are on hand to help you get used to them