Ski New Zeland?

G

GreatWh842

Member
yo, I found some sick airfare offers for this summer to NZ, and I was just wondering if anyone on NS has ever skiied down there during their winter. If so, whats it like, is there powder etc. and what kind of area in the US is it most like, ie. Alaska, Tahoe, Colorado, etc. Thanks, b/c i would kill to ski powder in July
 
Definitely take advantage of that airfare!!!! I'm living in New Zealand rihgt now, orriginally from Washington, and trust me, it is totally worth it. THe skiing is a bit different than in the states. First of all, it is much smaller. Their mountains are a little too extreme to have huge ski areas. Secondly, all of the skiing is above the timberline. THat means, no trees. The skiing that it is most like is in Alaska. You should go to the South Island and stay in Wanaka. The best area to go to is Treble Cone (www.treblecone.com) for big mountain stuff. They have just addd a new chairlift and the terrain there is like none you have ever seen. If you love park, the have Snowpark (www.snowparknz.com). Snowpark is by far the coolest park I have ever skied. It is built and maintained by Frank Grimes (not sure if that is his name, but he is the X-Games guru guy). Basically all the big names in skiing and snowboarding train there during the summer. Guys from every sponsored team are there. I skied with the Burton guy (i.e. Shawn White, J.P. Walker.....ect..) for a week while they were doing their magazine shoot. The only problem is that they usually don't get a ton of snow. But, their mountains in the South Island are almost completely grass, so you don't need much to ski on. They do have pow days and when that happens, it is AMAZING. You should check out my profile for a few of the pics from my New Zealand trip a few years ago, or check students.washington.edu/skibum23 for more pics. Click on New Zealand 03. Hope that helps!
 
yea dude im lookign to try to set this up for this summer. what exactly is their season? (when's first snow usually?) how often does it snow? how much does it snow? do you know any sites that give a GOOOD review/feel for the mountians doen there?
 
do any of the mountains/hotels at them have emplyee housing and stuff liek that (free pass, free housing, free food, get paid next to nothing)
 
its frank wells.. Snow Park is the shit!!!!! But if you are looking for a big mountain experince it is something you wont really find in new zealand or the southern hemisphere.. the powder is oftne heavy but still fun.. you will have an awesome time wanaka is soooo much fun stay out of queenstown full of tossers!!but go man i promise good times and i will see you there
 
the best one that comes to mind is http://www.snow.co.nz/ You should check out all the ski area websites as well. I think you would be lucky to find employee housing. I tried to work as a ski instructor one year, but you need to be level 2 or 3 cert. to work. You also need a worker's permitt, which are not easy to get. They do not want Americans taking locals jobs. There are places to stay in Wanaka. It is seriously the most beautiful place in the world. And yes, stay out of queenstown....it is full of asian tourists! I would try contacting each ski area for employment stuff. Go and apply at snowpark first, then treblecone. I know you get a free pass if you work there, plus prob discounts on meals...ect...the usual benefits.
 
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