Mons Royale's Guide to Must-Ski New Zealand Mountains. The Four Mountains You Need To Hit This Winter

So you say you want to ski in New Zealand this winter? Well, we here at Mons have our favourites and in order to help you make the most of your days on snow, we've asked for the help of our local ambassadors to give you the best tips, tricks and secrets of four legendary mountains. Get ready to ski, New Zealand.

Like a good riding buddy, Mons Royale has your back this winter. From providing your merino mountain essentials to knowing where the best snow stash is. Or even grabbing the first round at apres... okay maybe we'll let you get that.

Let's start at the top, or rather, the base.

Skier at Mount Olympus

"Ski in the playground of the Gods" is the phrase Mount Olympus uses to describe its slopes; Mons ambassadors and locals Henry Freeman, Harry Cookson and Harriet Beaven are inclined to agree. They both agreed on some of the finer points of planning a trip to Mount Olympus.

Best spot on the mountain to drop in? A hike up to Little Alaska chutes early in the morning provide the best views. Catch some frozen waves in the afternoon sun. Top tip for visiting Mount Olympus? Make sure to book a bed at the Top Hut in advance because it fills up fast! And don't miss out on grabbing a lunch ticket with you pass. A pair of trusted Kinco gloves will help you defeat the rope tows. Best after-ski activity? Hot tub, hot tub, hot tub. (You'll see what we're talking about). A beverage at Rum Rock is also a great way to finish off the day!
Skier at the Remarkables in New Zealand

One of New Zealand's most notorious landmarks, we bet you thought you knew everything about the Remarkables. But when they say "Find Your Freedom", they mean it. Because there's a lot at the Remarkables to discover. Mons ambassador Blake Marshall has a few tips to help get you started.

Favourite in-bounds area? The weather station in Shadow Basin. Before you drop, you can look over Queenstown and enjoy one of the best views of the Wakatipu Basin. Top tip for riding the Remarks? Try to get to the look-out above Shadow Basin. If you need a guide, book your buddy Blake Marshall. On a powder day, park at the bottom of Homeward Bound and you can ski down right to your car. Best place to apres? The ice bar down Curvy Basin is the best place to visit on your last run down.
Skier at Treble Cone in New Zealand

The largest ski area in New Zealand's South Island, Treble Cone is one that every rider puts on their season bucket list. Uncrowded groomed runs, epic off-piste skiing and incredible views make this mountain legendary. For the Mons crew, Treble Cone is our local mountain, so we'll let a few secrets loose.

Best place to drop in? Powder Bowl and the Motutapu Chutes. It depends on the wind, but they always have a stash - you just have to follow your nose. Top tip for riding Treble Cone? Be prepared for steep and technical slopes. Keep your tips up on the Saddle Chair. And the Oven is an epic lunch spot… if you can find it. Best after-ski activity? Car park beers, a "refreshing" dip in Glendhu Bay and watching the sunset over Black Peak.
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The beauty of Ohau is that it feels like club field in that you escape the crowds that you'll find at mountains further south. In-bounds caters to all abilities, but if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, there's some incredible hiking off the tops, lending access to the best powder and views. Mons ambassador Mike Handford can let you in on some tricks of the trade.

Best place to drop in? Just get in as many laps Hemi's Bowl as your legs can manage. It's a short hike over, but totally worth it and you can traverse back to the main field. Top tip for riding Ohau? Be prepared to hike. Like I said above, the best terrain is outside the resort boundary. Best after-ski activity? Head to the Ohau Lodge - it's infamous for hangovers. Also, stay the night. A couple days in Ohau and a three-course dinner is good for the soul.

Follow our social channels for the next four weeks because we're on a mission to ski New Zealand and learn more tricks and tips from our local Mons ambassadors. Then, we'll share it all with you.

One last tip before you start packing. You never know what the mountains are going to throw at you, so make sure you have gear that keeps up. We're talking merino accessories. Lightweight, but warm. Performance with an edge. Pack less, do more on all your mountain missions.

So grab your essentials, start the car and get to the mountains. We've got your merino, we've got your local knowledge, all you need to bring along is the chilly bin full of beers. See you out there.

Photos: Henry Freeman, Harry Cookson, Louis Charnaud, Blake Marshall & Mike Handford

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