Three must-try New Zealand ski experiences

Heading south for a summer of snow? Here’s three of New Zealand’s best powder offerings

Sidecountry hits in Treble Cone

#motatapuchutes epicness with @samsmoothy today @kastleski

This is where NZ’s best freeriders (including Sam Smoothy, Fraser McDougall and Pete Oswald) honed their skills. Overlooking Lake Wanaka, it has two chairlifts serving two distinct basins filled with natural gullies and hits in every direction.

The Motatapu chutes (accessed via Saddle Basin) are a freerider’s paradise, with steep, feature-filled terrain and hidden powder stashes. A 20-minute hike back to the lift system keeps the hordes away.

Powder on a budget in Craigieburn

Anyone know who took this photo please!?

One of the country’s clubfields (small, non-commercial resorts), Craigieburn has just three basic rope tows which open up two large bowls of ungroomed terrain. Time your visit after a good easterly storm and you could be skiing the kind of deserted powder-laden bowls normally only accessed by heli for just $75 (£35) a day.

Backcountry traverses in Mt Cook National Park

#motatapuchutes epicness with @samsmoothy today @kastleski

The region surrounding NZ’s tallest mountain offers up endless touring options, including the Tasman, Murchison and Mueller glaciers. The terrain varies from the intermediate friendly to full-on technical descents and with a good network of huts in the area, there’s even the option to attempt a multi-day traverse. Most touring routes are initially accessed via skiplane or heli. Alpine Guides offer a choice of trips.