Frequently Asked Questions About Skiing The Tasman

Equipment

  • Dress in what you normally would to go skiing at a ski area. Remember, it may be cooler on the glacier at high elevations, so bring layers and warm accessories.

    You can bring your own ski boots and poles. If you are bringing your own skis, or renting from elsewhere, make sure they are well waxed!

    If you have your own boots, we recommend bringing them along. You know how rentals are never as good.

  • 1- Skis - at least 90mm wide underfoot.

    2- Ski goggles or quality sunglasses.

    3- Plenty of sunscreen.

    4- A small backpack with water, sunscreen, and a spare pair of gloves.

    5- Ski helmets are optional on the Tasman (no rocks).

  • We have a great fleet of powder skis, and a limited range of ski boots.

    Rental gear is fitted after checking in. You won't need to arrange an earlier fitting.

    Skis: Powder skis in a range of sizes, ideal for the variable snow conditions on the glacier.

    Boots: Our sizes range from approx. Euro size 33 through to 48. Please check with us about your size.

    Prices

    Powder Ski or Boot Rental: $55/day
    Skis, boots, and poles: NZ$80/day
    Helmet: NZ$20/day

Snowboarders

  • We’ve been running Ski The Tasman since the early 1970s. Experience tells us that the Tasman is best suited to skiers. The glacier is long and rolling, NZ’s longest green run. We often have to traverse and sidestep through the icefalls and in “Canyonlands”. The lower end of the runs are gently angled, so boarders can have trouble getting up any momentum at all.

    So, sorry, snowboarders can’t join Ski The Tasman

    Why not take a look at Mount Cook Heliski? This is perfect for strong-intermediate, or better, snowboarders.

All the details

  • Ski The Tasman takes place in a natural uncontrolled environment. The safety of our guests is our highest priority.

    The decisions that our experienced, professional guides make in the mountains prioritise safety above all else.

    We issue our guests with avalanche transceivers as a precaution, although the chance of an avalanche is remote due to the nature of the terrain. Our guides carry avalanche and glacier rescue gear and radio. Someone in your group may also be issued a radio.

    Guides give a safety briefing to all guests before leaving the airport. This briefing includes aircraft safety precautions, using an avalanche transceiver, and a general plan for your day.

    No matter how experienced you are, we leave nothing to chance. Everyone is treated the same.

    Our guides are qualified to ski in glaciated terrain and have trained in emergency first aid, mountain survival, and rescue.

  • Our guides only provide interpretation and safety instructions in English. The inability to understand your guide’s instructions is a safety risk. We reserve the right to cancel a booking is guests cannot understand or follow safety instructions.

    If you cannot understand basic English instructions, you must accompany a person who can translate for you. If you are hearing impaired, please inform our staff.

  • If you can ski a blue run at the ski area, you can Ski the Tasman. The runs are easy and flowing. The terrain varies between open snowfields, deep bowls, and “canyons” between seracs.

    The Tasman is suitable for people who may ski only a handful of days a year. A reasonable level of fitness is required. More advanced skiers will still enjoy the expansive and adventurous ski experience.

    Not sure about your ability? Try our ability checker here

  • We ski natural, ungroomed snow. Conditions vary through the season, through the day, and over the length of a run!

    Conditions are colder and we get more 'powder' days from July to mid-August.

    September offers great corn, which is perfect for first-time off-piste skiers.

  • The average length of the ski runs on the Tasman is 8 to 10 km. This varies during the season depending on the extent of snow cover each winter. You can ski for miles and miles!

  • A group of between 4 to 8 skiers will ski together with a professional mountain/ski guide.

  • Yes. We take a picnic lunch on the snow between runs. The menu varies, but there will always be plenty of tasty fresh food and warm drinks.

    Let us know if you have any dietary requests when booking. GF, vegan, and most allergies can be catered for.

  • Yes - we welcome children as young as 10 years old. They usually ski better than their parents.

    However, it is a long and tiring day for some little ones. Supervising adults must be prepared to ski at the pace of their children.

  • Ski The Tasman operates only in "fine weather". There is no booking fee if we cannot operate due to poor weather. Any pre-payments will be fully refunded.

    Fine weather 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 07:30 each day. If you are staying in Mt Cook Village we may be able to take advantage of late weather clearances, and start later.

    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.

Accommodation