Mt Hutt is getting a major base area upgrade, with $12 million being invested into a significant expansion of the ski area’s base facilities over summer 2026/27
The project is designed to create more space, more seating and a better overall experience at the mountain, with the new-look base area expected to be ready for the start of the 2027 ski season. One of the biggest changes will be the outdoor sun deck, which is set to almost triple in size from around 430 square metres to approximately 1,300 square metres.
The entire deck will also be heated, giving skiers and snowboarders significantly more space to sit outside, grab something to eat and enjoy the views between runs.
More space at the Mt Hutt base area
Plans include a new ground-floor toilet block, improved heated access steps to snow level, extra storage space and an additional café and food and beverage outlet.
Mt Hutt Ski Area Manager James McKenzie says the expansion is aimed at improving how the base area works as visitor numbers continue to grow.
Construction is expected to begin following the end of the 2026 ski season, with Ashburton-based Bradfords Building appointed as the principal contractor.
Making Mt Hutt even better
We’re big fans of Mt Hutt and have skied there plenty of times over the years.
One of the things that has always stood out for us is how well the mountain holds its snow. Mt Hutt’s bowl-shaped terrain helps it retain snow across the season, and it regularly carries some of the strongest snow bases in New Zealand.
That consistency is a big part of what makes Mt Hutt such a reliable option.
The new base-area investment should only improve the ski experience, especially on those busy bluebird days when the mountain is at its best.
About Mt Hutt
Mt Hutt sits above the Canterbury Plains near Methven and has been operating since 1973.
At 2,086 metres above sea level, the mountain offers a vertical drop of 683 metres and around 365 hectares of skiable terrain.
It is known for its wide-open terrain, big snowfalls and long ski seasons, with views stretching across the Canterbury Plains towards the Pacific Ocean and back across the Southern Alps. The views from the top are spectacular.
Mt Hutt is also one of New Zealand’s most renowned ski areas. The ski field includes a high-speed eight-seater chairlift and the Summit Six chairlift, along with learner facilities and terrain ranging from beginner slopes through to advanced and off-piste skiing.
