Wanting to go ski touring at Mt Hutt? Please read our Ski guidelines and safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Mt Hutt is a 24 hour, seven days per week operation with multiple natural and operational hazards. Ski touring within the ski area boundary is dangerous and can result in serious injury so please respect ALL CLOSURES.

Backcountry Message

Please refer to the Canterbury Backcountry Avalanche Report www.avalanche.net.nz for up to date information.

Mt Hutt Ski Area and the Summit chairlift are an easy way to access great backcountry riding and skiing. Please respect the closed runs within the Ski Area when accessing the backcountry, and use the designated “Boundary Exit” gates provided. (You can not access the Mt Hutt backcountry through any closed terrain within the Ski Area.)

Backcountry terrain is not controlled for avalanche hazard with explosives. As soon as you pass through the ski area boundary rescue can take some time so please be prepared. Leave intentions, ensure you have a transceiver, shovel, probe and communication device and know how to use your rescue gear.

The southwest Face and Rakaia side of Virgin Mile are backcountry and non-controlled/patrolled areas where avalanches are possible.

Call in and see Ski Patrol (despatch hut top of Summit Six chair lift) to sign out your intentions before heading into the backcountry. 

• View our backcountry touring access guidelines. 
• Check out the route map.

Avalanche and Rescue

Our Mt Hutt Ski Patrol teams are out every day making sure the inbounds terrain is safe, and are your rescue team.

Ski Patrol continually observe weather and snow-pack conditions and monitor the increasing or decreasing avalanche danger within the ski area throughout the season. Avalanche Control starts early in the morning and can continue during the day. Please respect closures and other signs, they are there for your safety.

Ski Patrol does not control the backcountry. The southwest Face and Rakaia Side of Virgin Mile are backcountry terrain and non-controlled areas where avalanches are possible. Please respect the closed runs within the ski area when accessing the backcountry, and use the designated “Boundary Exit” gates provided.

If you get injured or come across someone injured please cross skis above the person and contact a staff member with location, clothing colour and nature of injury. Ski Patrol will then be with you soon.

Our Ski Patrol team can give you advice on the current snow conditions and may even give the run choice of the day.