Mt Cheeseman Ski Field Faces First Ever Season Without Opening In 96 Years

Mt Cheeseman, one of Canterbury’s historic club ski fields, has announced it has not been able to open this season due to insufficient snow, the first time in 96 years, except during WWII, that the mountain has remained closed.

Over the past 20 years, Mt Cheeseman has seen seasons ranging from 92 days open at its best, to just 9 days in 2020 during low snow and Covid restrictions.

“This is unprecedented for Cheeseman,” said the Committee. “We are gutted not to be able to host our loyal skiers and families this year, and we especially want to acknowledge the tireless work of our volunteers, staff, and members who have prepared the mountain and waited in limbo for weeks.”

Neighbouring club fields Broken River and Craigieburn have only been able to operate the upper slopes, with limited snow. Temple Basin & Rainbow have also made the call to remain closed for the season. Meanwhile, Mt Hutt and more recently Mt Lyford, facing different directions, have received more favourable conditions.

Acknowledging the later and less guaranteed snow of recent winters, Mt Cheeseman has been investigating a snowmaking system, but the share scale and cost has seen the project parked until future opportunities arise to progress it. Insurance remains a significant cost for the club, with premiums still at $80,000 despite being reduced from $110,000 in previous years.

The club is now focusing on Spring and Summer bookings for its mountain lodges. The Snowline Lodge and Day Lodge have hosted groups for avalanche and LANDSAR training, guided ski touring trips, and private groups.

The lodges are popular for milestone parties, tramping club trips, weddings, yoga retreats, business conferences, school camps, Christmas and New Year family getaways, and community events. A mountain bike event may be on the cards, and the club encourages expedition and party organisers to explore venue hire.

The Club has also published a new web page with a comprehensive guide to walking tracks from the lodges, including two brand new tracks and a “lost” trail for intrepid trampers.

“We remain hopeful this is an anomaly rather than a long-term pattern,” the Committee said. “Our mountain community is strong, and we encourage people to keep enjoying Cheeseman year-round, whether it’s for events, walking tracks, or simply reconnecting with nature and capturing some mountain magic.”

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