`Ski the Tasman. Image by Trevor Streat.

FAQ | Ski The Tasman

Please contact us if you can’t find the answer you need here.

Numbers and Dates

Reservations and Cancellations

Ability and Skiing questions

 

Numbers and Dates

What dates does Ski The Tasman operate?

Every fine day from 1 July to 30 September. Check our Blog or snow report update for the latest conditions.

Are minimum numbers needed?

Each day we need a minimum of 3 total bookings to operate. Individuals are welcome to book.

What are the group sizes?

We guide small groups of 3 to 7 skiers. Your party is always accompanied by a professional mountain/ski guide.

How long does a Ski The Tasman day take?

First flights on to the glacier depart 09:30 in August and September and by 10:30 in July. Skiers should be back at Mount Cook Airport by 15:30 to 16:00.

A standard day - all times are approximate:

  • 07:00 Weather and conditions check by guides
  • 08:15 Registration and payment opens
  • 09:00 Rental ski gear organised - at Mt Cook Airport
  • 09:30 Each group is given a safety briefing and issued with avalanche transceivers. First aircraft depart for the glacier.
  • 13:00 Lunch
  • 15:00 First aircraft return to Mount Cook Airport

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Reservations and Cancellations

When should I book?

We recommended booking 2 weeks in advance for Ski The Tasman in August (our peak month). At other times at least 3 to 4 days advance booking is recommended.

Cancellation Policy

Please see the cancellation policy detailed on the bookings page ›

Accommodation at Mt Cook. Where can I stay?

Mount Cook Village has several accommodation options, and there are more available in the wider Mt Cook/Mackenzie region. See the Accommodation Links page for details ›

Children. Are there age restrictions, or a minimum age?

Ski The Tasman is family-friendly, but glacier skiing can be beyond younger children. The minimum age is 8 years, and is dependent on the child's ability. Supervising adults must be prepared to ski at the pace of their children.

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Ability and Skiing Questions

What skiing ability level is required?

Intermediate level skiers, able to ski “blue“ runs at ski areas can ski the Tasman. The runs are not difficult but the terrain varies between open snowfields, deep bowls, and ‘canyons’ between seracs. Side adventures to visit ice caves are a highlight.

Snow conditions | What will the snow be like?

All snow is ungroomed and variable. Powder is more common in July, through mid August. Spring conditions are typical through September. However, the Tasman can get a fresh powder top-up with any winter storm. New Zealand’s temperate maritime climate means conditions change quickly, even over a single day! See the latest snow conditions report ›

Snowboarders | Can I bring my snowboard?

Sorry, no. Ski The Tasman is for skiers only. The terrain down the length of the glacier is not suited to snowboarding. Some traversing is required through the icefall areas, and lower sections of the glacier are not steep enough for easy riding.

How Long are the Runs?

Very long! Run length varies with the amount of snow cover. The average is 8 km (5 miles) , and up to 10 km (6.2 miles) when snow cover is at its greatest extent. See the terrain map for more details ›

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Do I need special clothing or equipment?

Dress in what you normally take to a ski area, but remember, it will be colder at the altitudes we operate. Please bring:

  • Ski goggles or quality sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen
  • A small backpack. This is useful for carrying water, sunscreen, and a spare pair of gloves
  • Your camera. This is something you don't want to miss!

Most of the time we recommend fat skis.You can hire Fat skis, boots and poles from us ›

Where is Mt Cook Airport located?

Mount Cook airport is 5 km (3.1 miles) from Mount Cook village. We provide free return transfers from Mount Cook village if required.

What if the weather turns bad?

Ski The Tasman operates only in "fine weather". This means good visibility and light to moderate wind. On average we operate 4 days per week.

The decision to operate (or not) is made by 07:00 each day. However, we can take advantage of late weather clearances and start later for guests staying in Mt Cook Village.

New Zealand has a temperate maritime climate, and very changeable weather patterns. We encourage you to have flexibility in your plans. We can 'carry over' bookings to the following day if requested.

What kind of aircraft are used?

Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters provide aircraft for Ski The Tasman. Primarily we use Pilatus Porters and Cessna 185 aircraft fitted with retractable skis. If landing conditions are not suitable for fixed wing aircraft, AS350 B2 “Squirrel” Helicopters will be used.

Passenger capacity:

  • Pilatus Porters: 7 skiers plus guide & pilot
  • Cessna 185: 3 skiers +guide & pilot
  • B2 Squirrel Helicopter: 5 skiers plus guide & pilot

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Ski The Tasman. Image by Rob Lile

"a twenty minute flight in a ski-equipped plane to a snow saddle at the very head of the glacier, a mammoth 12 km long, 3500 vertical-foot, run down one branch of this glacier... lunch al fresco in a setting that dwarfs Mont Blanc", Lito Tejada-Flore, Breakthrough on Skis ›

Rental Skiing Equipment

Alpine Guides rents powder skis, ideal for snow conditions on the glacier. Most “fat” skis are Volkl Explosive, and various Atomic models.

Boot sizes range from approximately Euro size 33 through to 48.

We will fit your hire skis after registration. You don't need to arrange fitting earlier.

Rental rates 2010

  • Skis: NZ$45/day
  • Skis, boots, and poles: NZ$60/day

Bringing your own gear

Good skiers with off-piste experience can bring their own equipment - downhill, AT, or telemark skis.

If you are renting, make sure that your skis are well waxed.