It’s here, it’s official – what many would argue to be the best part of winter – ski season! We Cantabrians are lucky enough to have the widest variety of ski fields in the country right on our doorstep.

Our nine brilliant local fields are all within a couple hours’ drive from Christchurch (plus another four a little further afield in the Mackenzie district), and skiers and snowboarders are spoiled for choice, from gentle beginners’ slopes to off-piste thrills.

Maybe you’re a first-timer needing to know which field is best for you, or a casual skier who’s never ventured beyond the bigger commercial fields, or maybe you’re an expert wanting to hit all the thrill-seeking action you can get your planks on. Before planning your next snowsports adventure, get the lowdown on what the excellent ski fields near Christchurch have to offer.

Mid Canterbury

Mt Hutt is the big boy, the largest field in Canterbury and voted the best ski field in New Zealand for six years running. The field also has a great snow-making setup, so you can usually get on the white stuff earlier in the season than the local club fields, and the field tends to stay open longer.

Selwyn District

Just 90 minutes’ drive from Christchurch, Mt Cheeseman offers ski and board instruction, full rental facilities, a licensed café and uncrowded, sunny, groomed terrain. There’s a great learners’ tow and a heap of blue and green runs off the main T-Bar, as well as challenging off-piste action with spectacular views.

A warning to the uninitiated – you won't find any chairlifts, gondolas, grooming, snow-making, or fine dining at Craigieburn. What it does offer is a friendly club atmosphere, an environmentally responsible approach to skiing and snowboarding, and ready access to some of the best off-piste skiing terrain in the world.

Laid back and accessible, Porters Alpine Resort is a fantastic and welcoming field just 89km from Christchurch – and the drive swings past the incredible Sheffield Pies. The learner facilities are outstanding and there are also some great discounts for those new to skiing. More advanced skiers and boarders love to tackle the legendary Bluff Face and Big Mama runs, as well as the natural chutes and bowls in the centre of the field.

In the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park, Temple Basin requires a bit of commitment before you get to the field – a 50-minute scenic uphill walk’s worth. Once you’re there, however, this quintessential clubbie offers sweeping blue runs and adventurous blacks, with a few welcoming green areas down low. Many international skiers rank it as one of the best areas in the world.

Broken River has wide slopes, rolling bowls and steep chutes to go along with its friendly atmosphere and no lift lines. Start your day with a stunning four-minute ride up through native forest on New Zealand’s only alpine funicular railway – the Tyndall Tramway.

Offering something for all abilities and with some legendary on-mountain accommodation, Mt Olympus bills itself as the ultimate club field experience. The field has 60 skiable hectares with varied terrain offering challenges for all abilities. It’s a proud groomer-free zone and snow conditions can vary a lot, so it’s a good idea to check them out before heading up the hill.

North Canterbury

Hanmer Springs Ski Area is a club ski field known for its friendly and welcoming vibe. It has a groomed learners’ area to get you started with a 60m easy-to-use fixed grip tow. For intermediate and advanced riders, there’s the poma – the longest in the Southern Hemisphere – which accesses natural and groomed riding.

Head to Mt Lyford Ski Area for a true Kiwi clubbie experience: you’ll get friendly local families showing you all the best runs, stunning high-alpine views and a café that showcases the history of the slopes in the area. Near the café you’ll find a great learners area with space for tubing if you’re more into sliding along on your bum.

Mackenzie District

Providing old-school club-field skiing high on the Two Thumb Range in South Canterbury, Fox Peak Ski Area’s views alone make a ski trip worthwhile. Big, wide-open faces and fabulous hidden basins mean that over half of the massive ski area consists of long, adventurous blue runs that are never too crowded, plus there’s a beginners’ area to ease in newbies.

Beginners, roll up! Mt Dobson has New Zealand’s largest learner/intermediate area, and the Snow School boasts a team of international instructors who can do private and group lessons for any ability level. For more advanced riders, the triple chair and T-bar provide access to the steep terrain at the top of the bowl where you can ride off-piste all day.

Roundhill Ski Area’s diverse terrain mix provides awesome skiing and riding for all levels – smooth, wide, undulating trails for beginners and intermediates, with snowfall boosted by snowmaking facilities, as well as plenty of advanced terrain for the adventurous. Roundhill boasts Australasia’s highest vertical (783m!) for the experts.

Perched above the blue waters of Lake Ohau in the Mackenzie country, Ohau Snow Fields have a reputation for their super-friendly vibe and uncrowded slopes. The mountain caters for all abilities – there’s a fun snow mat for learners, a double chairlift accessing a wide flat area for intermediates, and great hiking for those wanting to open up huge powder bowls and chutes in the wider area.