So you’re doing the research and trying to rally the troops for a winter trip. Maybe you’re looking for a 3 day “All you can slay” powder buffet in Hokkaido. Or a 10 day balanced diet of pow, ramen and onsens. Or maybe you want to put first tracks into some chutes in the Craigieburn Range, or link up some alpine passes in Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park.
Whatever you’re planning, here are some tips from us to get the most out of your trip.
New Zealand is the land of helicopters. They're involved in just about every kiwi outdoor activity. Mountain bikers, kayakers, hikers, hunters, fly-fishers, snowshoers, glacier walkers, and mountaineers all regularly use helis for access. It's only natural that skiers would see this was the transportational equivalent of peanut butter and jelly, and NZ has long had a reputation for great and (relatively) affordable heliskiing.
Kurodake have posted their opening dates for 2017.
The gondola and lift will close on the 4th of January.
The gondola re-opens on the 27th of January (the top lift will still be closed, so you'll have to buy single-ride tickets for the gondola).
The lift re-opens on the 17th of February.
There's already 2m of snow under the lift, and there have been some slides in the steeper terrain, so hopefully the gullies will fill in nicely down low for later in the season.
See you out there!
