Craigieburn Valley Ski Area

Craigieburn Valley Ski Area
Looking up the valley
Location	Canterbury NZ
Nearest city	Springfield
Coordinates	43°07′08″S 171°41′50″E / 43.1188°S 171.6971°E / -43.1188; 171.6971Coordinates: 43°07′08″S 171°41′50″E / 43.1188°S 171.6971°E / -43.1188; 171.6971
Top elevation	1922 m
Base elevation	1308 m
Skiable area	400 hectare
Runs	Backcountry
Lift system	3 Rope tow
Terrain parks	0
Snowmaking	no
Night skiing	On a full moon
Website	http://www.craigieburn.co.nz

Craigieburn Valley Ski Area is a club skifield in the Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island, about 104km west from Christchurch. Catering only to intermediate and advanced skiers, it features a vertical range of 1308—1811 m, 600 hectares of skiable area and 3 fast rope tows. The resort has several ski lodges but no gear hire. It is also the base for ski touring expeditions when conditions permit. It is immediately adjacent to the Broken River Ski Area, with which it shares a ski pass system. Skiing between the two is possible with some skinning involved.

Craigieburn has two accommodation lodges, the main Koroheke lodge which has comfortable 6 bed dorm rooms and Matuhi which has private rooms. Through the winter there are many ski and accommodation package options as well as a ski week system, where people come and stay for a Sunday to Saturday week. Duties are shared between staff and guests and, while there is a cook and a manager, light duties are normally done by guests. This is the nature of most club fields in New Zealand. There is also a bar in Koroheke lodge, the normal meeting place after a day on the field. The services available during the day are at the day lodge located near the top of the mountain. There you can find hot food options and fresh coffee, and it is a warm spot to stop off with a great view of the ski area.

Craigieburn is internationally famous for its steep terrain, 45% rated as advanced. There is no grooming and the hiking and ski touring options are excellent, including Middle Basin, a 600m open bowl back to the access road, commonly compared to heli-skiing. Hamilton Peak is a popular spot, giving the skier access to the upper Hamilton face. The trip to the Broken River ski field lift system can be accomplished from Hamilton Peak without any further ascent. There are also many back-country and touring options past Middle Basin into North Middle, True North basins and Mt Manson.