Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort

Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort is a popular ski destination located in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. It is situated in the Canterbury region of the South Island, approximately 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch. The resort has a skiable terrain of approximately […]

Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort is a popular ski destination located in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. It is situated in the Canterbury region of the South Island, approximately 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch.

The resort has a skiable terrain of approximately 50 hectares, with a vertical drop of 375 meters. It offers a mix of groomed runs and off-piste terrain, suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginners to experts.

The resort boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys, making it a beautiful location to ski or snowboard.

You can visit Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort’s official website at www.mtcheeseman.co.nz

What Type of Skiing and Snowboarding Experience is Mount Cheeseman Resort Renowned For?

Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort is a club ski field renowned for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, making it a popular destination for families and those seeking a more laid-back skiing and snowboarding experience. The resort offers a range of groomed runs and off-piste terrain, suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginners to experts.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers other winter activities such as snowshoeing, tobogganing, and cross-country skiing. 

The emphasis at Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort is on enjoying the stunning natural surroundings and having a fun, safe and memorable time in the mountains.

What is the Snow Quality like at Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort?

The typical ski season at Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort runs from late June to early October, depending on snow conditions. However, please note that the season dates may vary from year to year depending on weather conditions, so it is always best to check with the resort directly for the latest information.

In terms of snow quality, Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort is known for its high-quality snow, particularly during the peak of the season. 

The resort’s location in the Southern Alps means that it receives consistent snowfall throughout the winter months, creating excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. The snow at Mount Cheeseman is typically dry and powdery, which is perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

It’s worth noting that, like all ski resorts, the snow quality can be affected by weather conditions, and there may be occasional days of firm or icy snow. 

What Types of Ski Runs Does Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort Have?

Breakdown of the ski runs at Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort:

• Beginner Runs: Approximately 20% of the resort’s terrain is dedicated to beginner runs, which are suitable for those who are new to skiing or snowboarding. These runs are generally gentle and have a slight gradient, making them ideal for practicing basic skills.
• Intermediate Runs: Around 60% of the terrain at Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort is made up of intermediate runs, which offer a bit more challenge for those who are comfortable on skis or a snowboard. These runs have a steeper gradient and more varied terrain, providing a fun and enjoyable experience for intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders.
• Advanced Runs: The remaining 20% of the resort’s terrain is dedicated to advanced runs, which are suitable for more experienced skiers and snowboarders. These runs have a steeper gradient, more challenging terrain, and often require technical skills such as carving or mogul skiing.

It’s worth noting that Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort is known for its off-piste skiing and snowboarding terrain, which is accessible from the top of the T-Bar lifts. This terrain is not groomed or patrolled, so it is important for skiers and snowboarders to have the necessary skills and equipment before venturing off-piste.

How Many Ski Lifts (and What Type) Does Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort Have?

Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort has three ski lift, including: 

2 T-Bars and 

A Rope Tow for beginners

What Other Features are Available at Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort?

Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort offers a range of features and facilities to make the skiing and snowboarding experience more enjoyable for visitors. Some of the key features and facilities include:

• Terrain Park: Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort has a small terrain park with a variety of features such as jumps, rails, and boxes. The park is designed for intermediate and advanced riders and is perfect for practicing freestyle skills.
• Café and Restaurant: The resort has a café and restaurant located in the day lodge, offering a range of food and drink options for visitors. 
• Ski School: Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort has a ski school with qualified instructors who offer lessons to skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginners to experts. Private and group lessons are available, as well as programs for children.
• Ski Rentals: The resort has a rental shop that offers a range of ski and snowboard equipment for hire. This includes skis, boots, poles, and snowboards, as well as helmets and other accessories. Rental equipment can be booked in advance or on the day of arrival.

 

Where Are The Best Places to Stay When Skiing at Mount Cheeseman Ski Resorts?

Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort is located in a remote area of New Zealand, and there is limited accommodation available nearby. We recommend staying in Methven or Christchurch. However, there are a few options for visitors who want to stay overnight or for a few days. Here are some recommended options, listed in no particular order:

1. Forest Lodge – This lodge is located a short drive from Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort and offers comfortable and affordable accommodation. Rooms are available in a range of sizes, and there is a communal lounge area with a fireplace.   
2. The Ski Time – This hotel is located in Methven, a small town about an hour’s drive from Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with ensuite bathrooms, as well as a restaurant and bar.
3. Terrace Downs Resort – This luxury resort is located about an hour’s drive from Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort and offers a range of accommodation options, from hotel rooms to villas. The resort features a golf course, spa, and restaurant. 
4. Mt Hutt Lodge – This lodge is located in Methven and offers comfortable and affordable accommodation for skiers and snowboarders. The lodge features a restaurant and bar. 
5. Ski Time Lodge – This lodge is located in Methven and offers affordable and comfortable accommodation for skiers and snowboarders. The lodge features a communal lounge area with a fireplace, as well as a restaurant and bar. 
6. Methven Motels & Apartments – This property offers a range of affordable and comfortable accommodation options in Methven, including motel rooms and apartments. The property features a communal lounge area with a fireplace. 
7. The Lodge Methven – This lodge is located in Methven and offers comfortable and affordable accommodation for skiers and snowboarders. The lodge features a restaurant and bar, as well as a communal lounge area with a fireplace.   
8. Brinkley Resort – This resort is located in Methven and offers a range of accommodation options, from hotel rooms to self-contained apartments. The resort features a restaurant, bar, and spa. 
9. Skiwi House – This lodge is located in Methven and offers affordable accommodation for skiers and snowboarders. The lodge features a communal lounge area with a fireplace, as well as a kitchen for guests to prepare their own meals.  
10. Methven Resort – This resort is located in Methven and offers a range of accommodation options, from hotel rooms to self-contained apartments. The resort features a restaurant, bar, and spa. 

 

Where are the Best Places to Eat When Skiing at Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort?

As Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort is located in a remote area of New Zealand, there are limited dining and entertainment options nearby. However, there are a few places to eat and drink in the surrounding towns. Here are some recommended options, listed in no particular order:

1. Blue Pub – This pub is located in Methven and offers a range of pub food and drinks. The pub features live music and is popular with locals and visitors alike. Suitable for singles, couples, and families. 
2. Primo e Secundo – This restaurant is located in Methven and offers authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is popular with couples and families and offers a cozy and intimate dining experience. 
3. The Dubliner – This Irish pub is located in Methven and offers a range of pub food and drinks. The pub features live music and is popular with locals and visitors alike. Suitable for singles, couples, and families. 
4. Two Rivers Cafe – This cafe is located in Springfield and offers a range of breakfast and lunch options. The cafe is popular with families and offers a kid’s menu. 
5. Ski Time Restaurant – This restaurant is located in Methven and offers a range of international cuisine. The restaurant is popular with couples and families and offers a cozy and intimate dining experience.  
6. The Brown Pub – This pub is located in Methven and offers a range of pub food and drinks. The pub features live music and is popular with locals and visitors alike. Suitable for singles, couples, and families. 
7. The Blue Duck – This restaurant is located in Methven and offers a range of New Zealand cuisine. The restaurant is popular with couples and families and offers a cozy and intimate dining experience.  
8. The Station Cafe – This cafe is located in Springfield and offers a range of breakfast and lunch options. The cafe is popular with families and offers a kid’s menu.   
9. The Pantry – This restaurant is located in Methven and offers a range of New Zealand cuisine. The restaurant is popular with couples and families and offers a cozy and intimate dining experience.  
10. The Lodge Bar and Restaurant – This restaurant is located in Methven and offers a range of international cuisine. The restaurant is popular with couples and families and offers a cozy and intimate dining experience.   

 

What are the Best Bars and Entertainment Venues When Skiing near Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort?

There are limited nightlife options nearby. However, there are a few bars in the surrounding towns that offer entertainment and drinks. Here are some recommended options, listed in no particular order:

1. Blue Pub – This pub is located in Methven and offers a range of drinks and live music. The pub is popular with locals and visitors alike and is suitable for singles, couples, and families. 
2. The Dubliner – This Irish pub is located in Methven and offers a range of drinks and live music. The pub is popular with locals and visitors alike and is suitable for singles, couples, and families. 
3. The Brown Pub – This pub is located in Methven and offers a range of drinks and live music. The pub is popular with locals and visitors alike and is suitable for singles, couples, and families. 
4. The Terrace Bar & Bistro – Located in the nearby town of Springfield, this bar offers a range of drinks and food options. 
5. The Blue Pub Sports Bar – This sports bar is located in Methven and offers a range of drinks and live sports. The bar is popular with sports fans and is suitable for singles, couples, and families. 
6. The Lodge Bar – This bar is located in Methven and offers a range of drinks and live music. The bar is popular with locals and visitors alike and is suitable for singles, couples, and families. 
7. The Pantry – This bar is located in Methven and offers a range of drinks and live music. The bar is popular with locals and visitors alike and is suitable for singles, couples, and families. 
8. Ski Time Bar – This bar is located in Methven and offers a range of drinks and live music. The bar is popular with locals and visitors alike and is suitable for singles, couples, and families. 
9. The Blue Duck Bar – This bar is located in Methven and offers a range of drinks and live music. The bar is popular with locals and visitors alike and is suitable for singles, couples, and families. 
10. The Station Cafe & Bar – This bar is located in Springfield and offers a range of drinks and live music. The bar is popular with locals and visitors alike and is suitable for singles, couples, and families. 

What Are Some Other Things to Do When Skiing At Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort?

Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort is primarily a ski resort, but there are a few other activities that visitors can enjoy in the area. Here are some options:

1. Snowshoeing – Snowshoeing is a popular activity in the area and is a great way to explore the winter wonderland that surrounds the ski resort. The resort offers snowshoe rentals and there are several trails nearby that are suitable for all skill levels.
2. Backcountry Skiing – For more experienced skiers, backcountry skiing is a thrilling way to explore the untracked powder that surrounds the resort. The resort offers guided tours and there are several backcountry areas nearby that are popular with locals.
3. Hiking – During the summer months, hiking is a popular activity in the area. There are several trails nearby that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
4. Mountain Biking – Mountain biking is also popular in the area during the summer months. There are several trails nearby that are suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
5. Fishing – The nearby Rakaia River is a popular spot for trout fishing during the summer months. Fishing permits are required and can be obtained from local shops and outfitters.
6. Hot Springs – There are several hot springs located in the area, including the Hanmer Springs and Tekapo Springs. These hot springs are a great way to relax and rejuvenate after a long day on the slopes.
7. Wildlife Watching – The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, chamois, and kea (a type of parrot). Visitors can spot these animals in their natural habitat by taking a guided tour or hiking in the area.

 

How to Get to Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort?

Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort is located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island. The closest airport to the resort is Christchurch International Airport (CHC), which is approximately 130 km away. Here are the most common ways to get to Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort from the airport and other popular transportation hubs:

1. Private Car – The most convenient way to get to the resort is by renting a car or hiring a private car. This allows you to travel at your own pace and stop along the way for sightseeing or other activities.
2. Shuttle Service – Several shuttle services operate between the airport and the ski resort, including Methven Travel, Canterbury Leisure Tours, and Ski Time. These shuttles typically run on a set schedule and require advanced reservations.
3. Public Transportation – There is no direct public transportation to Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort, but you can take a bus or train to nearby towns and then arrange for transportation to the resort. The closest towns with public transportation are Springfield and Darfield.
4. Rental Car – You can also rent a car from the airport or nearby towns to get to the resort. This gives you more flexibility than taking a shuttle or public transportation.

It’s worth noting that the road to Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort is unpaved and can be steep and winding in places. It’s recommended that you have a 4WD vehicle or chains during the winter months.

Mount Cheeseman Ski Resort is a small resort with limited terrain compared to larger ski resorts. However, the resort has a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, as well as off-piste terrain for more experienced skiers and riders. If you are looking for a resort with a lot of variety and challenging terrain, Mount Cheeseman may not be the best choice. However, if you are a beginner or intermediate skier or rider, or you enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere, then Mount Cheeseman can be a good option.

 

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