Alternative Slopes

Scotsman feature urges snow bunnies further afield than the Alps and Rockies, recommending NZ alongside Iran, Alaska and Chile as a desirable alternative. “The Alps that run spine-like through the South Island are dotted with ski resorts. Mt Hutt ski field, just 90 minutes’ drive from Christchurch, is very popular with locals, while further south the lakeside developments of Queenstown and Wanaka are snow season favourites for an increasing number of American and Japanese visitors. There is Lord of the Rings location-spotting to be had on the downhill runs at Cardrona or, for a frisson of risk, head up to the North Island’s main ski field – the active volcano, Mt Ruapehu.”