Fox Peak Ski and Snowboard Terrain

The ski club picked a really nice piece of terrain for the ski field. A large steep face rises up towards Fox Peak, with even steeper runs that drop off either side into chutes and bowls. Fox Peak has 17 trails (apparently!) but considering only a couple of runs are groomed and there are no trail markings and treeless terrain, the “trails” are really off-piste areas.

The main part of the Fox Peak ski field is serviced by three ropetows, so a large degree of traversing is required to access the 500 hectares of terrain inside the resort boundaries. As a major plus, the ski field is characterised by a distinct lack of crowds. And considering the ski field’s only open on weekends, there are quite a few days that the powder can accumulate; another bonus for powder hounds.

Lifts

The 75 metre long Skid Row platter lift is located right at the base area, and services the beginners’ area.

The Meadow nutcracker rope tow is also located at the base and is reasonably easy to ride. It provides access to blue runs that are generally groomed. Next are the Tasman and Apex rope tows that access the upper trails and the breadth of the ski field.

All three ropetows are located on the left side of the rider, so they’ll be somewhat easier for goofy snowboarders to ride. The machinery that operates the tows is very rudimentary, and definitely wear your old gear because the ropes are filthy. The nutcracker equipment provided by the ski field may be equally rudimentary. Check out our nutcracker ropetow page for some tips on how to ride these unique lifts.

Lift Tickets

The lift tickets at Fox Peak are ridiculously cheap, but are probably in line with the facilities on offer. Buy a lift ticket when you arrive, or Fox Peak is covered on a Chill 11 pass (along with Roundhill).

Fox Peak Snow Conditions

Like other NZ ski resorts, the snow conditions at Fox Peak can be highly variable. And as to be expected, the various aspects of the ski field have very different snow quality. Hunt for powder on the southern slopes, or if the snow’s gone crunky, wait for the snow to soften on the north basin and other northern aspects.

Fox Peak is staffed (often by club members) but it doesn’t have a formal ski patrol per se. Fox Peak isn’t a wealthy ski club, so there’s no avalanche bombing or the like, just the basics when it comes to avalanche control work. Considering the low skier traffic to pack down the slopes, it wouldn’t hurt to kit yourself out with avo gear if you plan to hit any of the steep slopes.

Beginner & Intermediate Ski Terrain

Fox Peak claims that they have great terrain for beginners and intermediates, but keep in mind that Kiwis are built tough so their definition of easy terrain may differ from elsewhere in the world! The easy-to-ride learners platter lift services a small slope that is mellow relative to the rest of the mountain, but rather steep for novices. Hardcore beginners will be fine.

A small amount of the slopes are groomed, so these runs are great for intermediates. Over half of the “trails” marked on the trail map are designated as blue, many of which take a wide berth down the mountain. They’re mostly off-piste runs and depending on the snow conditions, they’re really only suitable for confident off-piste intermediates.

Terrain Park

Fox Peak doesn’t have a terrain park, but occasionally someone gets out a shovel to make a little jump.

Advanced Skiing Fox Peak

The Fox Peak terrain is well suited to advanced riders. Head straight down the steep fall line of the ski field, or explore around the fringes. Considering the ski field is above the timberline, you can easily scope a line that takes your fancy.

The South Basin has bowls that fill nicely with powder. Or head skiers’ left to the North Basin for sun softened snow that leads into the very Happy Valley.

Expert Ski and Snowboard Terrain

Slightly greater challenges can be found in the chutes to the skiers’ right as you head down to the South Basin. The many rock features also provide some hucking opportunities.

Sidecountry/Backcountry

The Peak ascent is a popular out-of-bounds trip (check in with "ski patrol" first). The easiest route up to the peak is via the North Basin ridge. At the top you can gawk at the dramatic Mt Cook and surrounding mountains. The best route to descend is via the southern side of the peak to drop into the top of the South Basin.

Either south or north of the top of the Apex ropetow provides an abundance of ski touring opportunities. For those who are super keen, it’s possible to do a full day traverse to the Roundhill ski field.