The Mt Cheeseman Ski fields are the second closest ski area to Christchurch. Mt Cheeseman has a friendly & happy atmosphere. It's a popular family ski area and is known for its sunny protected basin and rolling terrain for intermediate riders. The ridge top gives a 360° 'Southern Alps' vista with plenty of accessible terrain off Mt Cockayne. Two accommodation choices are available. Mountain Lodge accommodation provides bunk style bedding and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Forest Lodge Backpackers are the second choice for budget travelers.

The Mt Cheeseman access road is 110km from Christchurch airport. The access road is approx. 15kms to the base area - 15min drive.

For learner skiers there's a rope tow at the base area allowing easy riding on a small open gentle slope. Ski and snowboard hire is available and lessons are well organised.

The Main Tbar takes you into the centre of Mt Cheeseman's open powder basin. At the top of the Main T-bar the slope is groomed and well maintained. There is good riding to a midway station or back to the ski area base.

The Ridge T-bar is for the more adventurous. To the skiers left, Mt Cockayne will always bring you back for more, or drop into A Basin and back to the bottom of the Main T-bar. To the right is a ridge that traverses above Mt Cheeseman's basin. The top half of the ridge has a number of lips to fly off and the bottom half accesses Sunny Face.

Full hire facilities are available at Mt Cheeseman. Prices are reasonable, and gear is good quality. To further improve your ski skills schools are open in the area. Public group and private lessons are available all day.

Ski holiday packages include bed, 3 meals, lift pass and lessons at a reasonable daily tariff. Guests assist staff with light duties. There is also a backpacker option available at Forest Lodge, which is located half way up the 12 km unsealed private access road. Here you can ice skate under the stars on a nearby skating rink. Each lodge includes a fully equipped kitchen, a drying room, large lounge and 6-bed bunkrooms.

Travelling west on Highway 73, follow the signposts to Arthurs Pass. The Cheeseman turnoff is well labelled on the left, about 10km from the top of the Porters Pass. The access road is an unsealed road which starts by winding its way through beach forest and then continues through alpine terrain. There is an unload point up by the T-Bar and the car park is 200m back down the road.

The laid-back, relaxed style of this club field makes it easy to join in with aprés-ski activities and enjoy every moment from sunrise to sunset.

Mount Cheeseman