Mount Olympus Ski AreaMount Olympus is a volunteer-run club skifield set high in the Craigieburn Range of Canterbury and operated by the Windwhistle Ski Club. The field sits among a handful of Craigieburn club fields and is mentioned alongside nearby Broken River and Mount Cheeseman.
The skiable area ranges from about 1,430 m to 1,880 m and offers roughly 60 hectares of terrain with a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes; rope tows provide access and a short walk opens more terrain. Facilities are basic compared with commercial resorts, with an emphasis on self-reliance, club huts and a convivial volunteer atmosphere.
The field has a long club history but operations can be affected by seasonal snow and the condition of the access road; in recent years there have been seasons with limited snow and occasions when road repairs were required. Check the club’s current status and local reports before traveling.
- Craigieburn ridgelines: Exposed ridgelines and skyline couloirs provide dramatic, technical skiing and wide mountain views for experienced skiers.
- Alpine bowls and chutes: Open bowls and steep chutes reward those prepared to walk a little from the tows and seek fresh lines.
- Rope tows and club huts: Historic rope tows and simple club facilities give the place a hands-on, community feel unlike commercial resorts.
- View toward Lake Coleridge: On clearer days you can pick out Lake Coleridge and surrounding ranges from higher slopes.
Nearby Attractions to Mount Olympus Ski Area#
Best Time to Visit Mount Olympus Ski Area#
Skiing is concentrated in the austral winter when temperatures are lowest and snow is most likely; conditions are variable year to year so check reports.
Weather & Climate near Mount Olympus Ski Area#
Mount Olympus Ski Area's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -6°C to 18°C. Heavy rainfall (3302 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 4° - 18° | 11° | 149 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 5.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.8h |
| February | Good | 4° - 18° | 11° | 103 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 5.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.7h |
| March | Acceptable | 2° - 15° | 6° | 190 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 4.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.2h |
| April | Acceptable | 0° - 11° | 2° | 192 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 5.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.7h |
| May | Poor | -3° - 6° | -4° | 358 mm | partly cloudy | 92% | 7.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| June | Poor | -5° - 2° | -7° | 213 mm | partly cloudy | 94% | 4.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| July | Poor | -6° - 1° | -7° | 207 mm | partly cloudy | 93% | 3.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
| August | Poor | -5° - 3° | -6° | 228 mm | partly cloudy | 92% | 4.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| September | Poor | -4° - 6° | -4° | 500 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 5.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.6h |
| October | Poor | -2° - 10° | -1° | 491 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 6.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.1h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 13° | 3° | 307 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.5h |
| December | Acceptable | 2° - 16° | 6° | 364 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 15.2h |
How to Get to Mount Olympus Ski Area#
The nearest settlement is the small township of Windwhistle; the closest major city and transport hub is Christchurch, about a two-hour drive under good conditions. Christchurch International Airport handles flights for most visitors.
The last part of the approach climbs into the Craigieburn foothills on rural mountain roads that can be rough or affected by weather and storm damage; cover the final stretch by car from Windwhistle or arrange club or local transport and always check current road and snow conditions.
Tips for Visiting Mount Olympus Ski Area#
- This is a club field with basic facilities, so bring food, warm clothing and any personal gear you need.
- Terrain is weighted toward intermediate and advanced; true beginners have limited terrain available.
- Expect to walk a short distance from the tows to reach many runs and to carry skis when required.
- Check snow, road and club notices before you travel, as access and opening depends on conditions.
- If you plan to ski off-piste, carry avalanche safety gear and know how to use it.