Backcountry Skiing in New Zealand

Did you know that “there’s more high alpine terrain in New Zealand than France, Italy and Switzerland combined?” “With its natural beauty, abundant peaks and adventurous culture, New Zealand, in particular, should rank high on your list of” places to go backcountry skiing, writes Dan Kasper for Freeskier Magazine.

These are the five can’t-miss places to go backcountry skiing in New Zealand:

1. The Remarkables
   Queenstown’s best-known resort, The Remarkables “is great for groups with varying levels of off-piste experience,” according to the article. The more experienced backcountry skier can explore an area known as The Doolans, which offers relatively steep headwalls and powder-filled bowls. The less experienced can “split time between sidecountry stashes, corduroy cruisers and the park.”
2. Garvie Mountains
   According to Kasper, “the Garvie Mountains provide stellar backcountry touring opportunities in a remote range southeast of Queenstown.” Steep and deep terrain is easily accessible from the remote Blue Lake Huts and the numerous lakes provide a beautiful backdrop.
3. Fox Peak
   Considered a classic Kiwi ski field, Fox Peak offers a number of moderate runs and “serves as the jumping-off point for some excellent backcountry tours.” The article recommends the Fox Peak to Roundhill Ski Field traverse tour (both ways up to 10 hours!), “because it is moderately technical and features relatively low-angle slopes.”
4. Eyre Mountains
   The Eyre Mountains are relatively easy accessible from Queenstown. One of the backcountry favourites according to the article is the Symmetry Peaks area with frozen waterfalls and steep coulors.
5. Towers Ridge
   The Towers Ridge area is “the continuation of the Summit Ridge of Treble Cone” as stated on Ski Touring NZ’s website and “features south-facing slopes with steep pitches that give way to powder-filled bowls.”

Article Source: Freeskier Magazine, Dan Kasper, August 10, 2016

Image Source: Wikipedia