Craigieburn Valley Ski Area is a club skifield in the

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, about 104 km west from

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.Guide to New Zealand ski fields
, ''Craigieburn'', Accessed 3/5/07 Catering only to intermediate and advanced skiers, it features a vertical range of 1308–1811 m, 400 Acres of skiable area and 3 fast

rope tow A surface lift is a type of cable transport for mountain sports in which skiers, snowboarders, or mountain bikers remain on the ground as they are pulled uphill. While they were once prevalent, they have been overtaken in popularity by higher ...

s, the first installed in 1949. In 1954 a project was attempted to install a T-Bar lift, with components airdropped from an RNZAF Bristol Freighter, but the tow suffered from engineering problems after only one season. The resort has several ski lodges but no gear hire.Craigieburn Valley Ski Area
''General Info'', Accessed 21/1/7 It is also the base for

ski touring Ski touring is skiing in the backcountry on unmarked or unpatrolled areas. Touring is typically done off-piste and outside of ski resorts, and may extend over a period of more than one day. It is similar to backcountry skiing but excludes the ...

expeditions when conditions permit. It is immediately adjacent to the Broken River Ski Area, with which it shares a ski pass system. Skiing between the two is possible with backcountry ski touring involved . Craigieburn has two accommodation lodges, the main Koroheke lodge which has 6-bed dorm rooms and Matuhi which has private rooms. Through the winter there are many ski and accommodation package options as well as a ski week system, where people come and stay for a Sunday to Saturday week. Duties are shared between staff and guests and, while there is a cook and a manager, light duties are normally done by guests. This is the nature of most club fields in New Zealand. There is also a bar in Koroheke lodge, the normal meeting place after a day on the field.Craigieburn Valley Ski Area
''Accommodation'', Accessed 21/1/7 The services available during the day are at the day lodge located near the top of the mountain. There you can find hot food options and fresh coffee, and it is a warm spot to stop off with a great view of the ski area. Craigieburn is internationally famous for its steep terrain, 45% rated as advanced. There is no grooming and the hiking and ski touring options are excellent, including Middle Basin, a 600m open bowl back to the access road. Hamilton Peak is a popular spot, giving the skier access to the upper Hamilton face. The trip to the Broken River ski field lift system can be accomplished from Hamilton Peak without any further ascent. However you are entering uncontrolled avalanche terrain and should bring proper equipment and the knowledge to use it. There are also many back-country and touring options past Middle Basin into North Middle, True North basins and Mt Manson.

References

External links

Craigieburn Valley Ski Area
{{Club skifields Ski areas and resorts in the Canterbury Region