The New Zealand ski season lasts from June to October.

We're keen skiers at Southern Crossings, we know the slopes and we are very familiar with a range of accommodation options.

Queenstown, Wanaka or Methven in the South Island make an ideal base with ski fields close by and with wilderness heliskiing options available.

The Tasman Glacier near Mount Cook provides a true adventure on skis amid the towering mountains. Helicopters and ski planes provide easy access to this amazing experience. A variety of runs are available on the glacier, which are usually enjoyed in small groups, each with a professional guide.

Stunning alpine scenery surrounds Queenstown, the resort town on Lake Wakatipu. Two ski fields are close to the town - Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, which open in early June, have varied terrain to suit all levels of expertise.

Queenstown is noted for the range of its luxury lodge accommodation options, including the lifestyle property Millbrook Resort, the boutique Nugget Point hotel at the foot of Coronet Peak and the acclaimed Matakauri Lodge.

There is also a range of other options, including self-catering apartments, a number of hotels of good standard, and charming bed and breakfast establishments for a taste of the true New Zealand lifestyle.

The Queenstown district is renowned for its golf and adventure activities, most of which are available during the ski season. The Queenstown Winter Festival during July offers 10 days of fun and festivities on and off the slopes with races, carnival fireworks, night skiing and music.

Wanaka, only an hour's drive from Queenstown, is located on one of New Zealand's most beautiful lakes, with ski fields Treble Cone and Cardrona nearby.

Treble Cone offers challenging and exciting skiing and boarding terrain, while Cardrona is a large field with excellent facilities and terrain to suit all skill levels and is well suited to families.

Wanaka has a thriving restaurant and cafe scene with a high standard and accommodation available, including River Run Lodge, Edgware Resort, bed and breakfasts, houses and apartments.

Further north, skiers at Mt Hutt can base themselves at Methven, at the foot of the mountain, or at Christchurch and travel to the mountain each day.

Methven, a quiet country town in summer, comes to life in the ski season and the town's pubs and bars offer true Kiwi hospitality. Mount Hutt s s field, which opens in late May, enjoys a vertical drop of 655 metres and offers slopes for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers.

Enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere at a number of smaller fully equipped ski fields in the nearby Arthurs Pass National Park including - Porter Heights, Craigieburn and Broken River. Arthurs Pass is located approximately 90 minutes drive from Christchurch.

Accommodation options include the charming Bangor Country estate or Grasmere Lodge, near Arthur's Pass. Many skiers prefer to stay in Christchurch, the garden city of New Zealand, an easy 90-minute drive from the snow which has a variety of accommodation options.