Cheeseman

Cheeseman has a distinctive family friendly atmosphere as well as offering diverse terrain for all abilities and loads of great facilities. The main runs are accessed by 2 T-bars lifts and there are easy trails down courtesy of extensive grooming.

About Cheeseman

Hands up if you like a getaway! Yes, now pack your woollies, grab your favourite people and make the most of your winter weeks and weekends by heading into the heart of the Southern Alps. Start a snowball fight, build a snowman, or race your mates downhill, Cheeseman is the place to be this winter – great value, uncrowded sunny slopes and old school camaraderie.

Open to the public Cheeseman has a distinctive fun, family friendly atmosphere. Only a 90 minute drive from Christchurch on the Great Alpine Highway just past Castle Hill Village, the safe, well-maintained access road is suitable for 2WD vehicles with chains. You can drive right to the ski area where you will find diverse terrain for all abilities and loads of great facilities including: a sunny day lodge with large wrap around decks; the licenced Cockayne Café; ticket office; gear hire; and plenty of storage for bags etc.

The sunny deck out front is perfect to watch the on-slope action from. The learners rope tow is located immediately in front of the day lodge, so the deck is also a great spot to watch the kids once they’ve found their feet while you enjoy a fresh espresso coffee.

The main runs are accessed by two T-bar lifts and there are easy trails down, courtesy of extensive grooming and a freshly built easy track linking the upper and lower mountain. The top of the Main T-bar lift has plenty of wide open groomed slopes ideal for building your confidence. The Ridge T-bar lift takes you to the top offering challenging off-piste skiing with spectacular views. For the adventurous, the Ridge T-Bar lift also offers access to Tarn Basin, a popular touring option outside the ski area boundary for backcountry enthusiasts.

Trail Map

Terrain and Weather Tip

Mt Cockayne provides plenty of powder during winter and you can keep scoring fresh tracks by sacrificing a little vertical and heading wide. Come Spring, Sunny Face softens early and provides a long run back to the Cockayne Café. For those that like natural features the mountain is scattered with heaps of hips that make for creative lines. Cheeseman’s east facing basin has north and south aspects that ski well after fronts from either direction.

Accommodation

Snowline Lodge is located right on the ski area, truly ski-in, ski-out. Ski weeks provide fully catered service and professional instruction all as part of an all-inclusive package or accommodation is available on a nightly basis including dinner, breakfast and lunch.

Cheeseman is also home to Forest Lodge, tucked away 6km from the highway on the ski area access road. Forest Lodge is off-grid and has dorm-style rooms. It's self-catered and has a well-equipped kitchen. There's a natural ice-skating rink and beautiful walking tracks to explore.

Snowline Lodge Prices:
Including dinner on arrival, bed for the night, breakfast and lunch the next day.
Non-members
Adult $135
Student $115
Youth (11-17 years) $95
Child* (3-10 years) $79
Senior (65+ years) $115
*Children must be 3 years or older to stay at Snowline Lodge in winter

Forest Lodge Prices:
Non-members
Adult $40
Student $30
Youth (11-17 years) $25
Child (3-10 years) $25
Private Dorm (6 beds) $180
Private Family Room (1 Double, 1 Single) $100
Exclusive Lodge (38 beds) $1000

Check List

For the Weary: Grab a quick fix with an espresso from the Cockayne Café.
For the Hungry: Overnight in Snowline Lodge for a delicious dinner and divine dessert!
For a Laugh: Strip down and enter the quirky Undie 500 where everyone who enters is guaranteed an awesome prize.

Chill Tip

Make a weekend of it and stay overnight at Snowline Lodge for first tracks in the morning!

Snow Forecast

View detailed snow forecast for Mount Cheeseman at:
snow-forecast.com

Mt Cheeseman Stats

Beginner 15%
Intermediate 50%
Advanced 35%

Pistes Main Runs Groomed
Main Lifts 2x T-Bars Lifts
Learner Lifts 1x Rope Tow
Terrain Park Rails and jumps

Top Elevation 1860m
Bottom Elevation 1540m
Skiable Terrain 50 hectares

Ski/Board Hire Yes
Lessons Yes

Access 2WD with chains when required

Day Pass Rates
Adult: $95
Student: $65
Youth/Senior (65-74): $45
U10 & 75+ FREE!
Parent Pass: $95 (conditions apply)

Half day, Learners and Family Rates also available.

Draw Card:
Family friendly, excellent terrain for learning, uncrowded open slopes.