Invincible Snowfields is a private
ski resort near
Glenorchy in the
South Island
The South Island, also officially named , is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand in surface area, the other being the smaller but more populous North Island. It is bordered to the north by Cook Strait, to the west by the Tasman ...
of New Zealand.
The area is about one hour's drive west of
Queenstown and is close to
Lake Wakatipu. Although it is a commercial operation, the field has few facilities and is run like an old fashioned
club field
In New Zealand, a club skifield is a small ski resort run by a ski club to provide affordable skiing to its members. While members of the public can ski, members of the club receive heavily discounted rates, in exchange for a yearly membership fee ...
, with its main drawcards being the backcountry terrain and feel, and it is targeted at advanced riders looking for natural chutes and gullies.
[ There are no groomed trails. The field has a single 750m "nutcracker"-style rope tow, installed in 1996, powered by an old Ford tractor.
Access to the field is by helicopter from a site close to Glenorchy.][ The only accommodation available is a 10-person hut equipped with a wood fire and gas stove.][Invincible Snowfields]
Accessed 18/5/7
The field is part of Rees Valley Station, a 7290ha high country sheep station. Extensive snow cover on this property led to the development of both heli-skiing and the Invincible Snowfields operation.[
Visitors to the field need to fend for themselves, carrying ski-touring equipment to ensure their own safety. This includes staying in a group and wearing an avalanche transceiver (beacon).][
]
References
External links
Company website
Ski areas and resorts in Otago
{{Ski-resort-stub