Ski The Tasman

Trade-in bustling groomed runs for fresh untouched powder, and shred down the longest glacier in New Zealand. For the avid skier, Ski the Tasman Glacier should be right at the top of your bucket list and is an excellent introduction to backcountry skiing.

The experience begins in a ski plane. Fly up the Tasman Valley, past the Hochstetter ice fall and cloud piercing Aoraki/Mt Cook before landing on Tasman Saddle – at around 2,400 m. Two alpine huts sit amongst the snowy expanse, somehow moving with the mass of ice beneath their wooden floorboards yet shuddering in the fierce Southerly winds. Surrounding peaks poke their noses out of the glacier, icefalls cascading down to join the main flow.

The ski plane skims onto the saddle, you clip into your bindings then follow your guide down the first run of the day. Past the Darwin Icefall, visit ice caves and peering into deep crevasses. Over your left shoulder, you can see Tasman Saddle Hut perched above on a rocky cliff.

The sweeping ski run follows the gentle gradient of the glacier for 8 to 12 km, down 1,000m to your awaiting ski plane, and a deliciously scenic lunch. After your stomach is full and sunscreen is reapplied, round two is beckoning. Minimum 2 people.

The second ski run showcases a different section of the top of the Tasman, meandering through the Canyon Lands. Giant-sized ice blocks and deep glacial canyons demonstrate the sheer size of the glacier – with nearly 600 meters of ice beneath your skis. Your expert guides ensure your safety and comfort at all times, providing local knowledge and tales, all with lashings of good humour.

With the second ski run done and dusted, you’ll hop on board the ski plane for the third and final time, finishing up with a scenic flight back to the Mt Cook Airport. Under 12 year olds will be assessed on the day.