Mount Lyford, New Zealand

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Mount Lyford summary

Mount Lyford Alpine Resort is situated approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by road north of the main city, Christchurch and its international airport. The area is ideally located at the southern end of the Seaward Kaikoura mountain range, between the thermal resort town of Hanmer Springs and the eco-tourism town of Kaikoura (only 50 minutes drive to either destination). There may only be a handful of surface lifts at Mount Lyford but these open up some excellent terrain packed with natural features and there is seldom a lift queue. At Mount Lyford there is a terrain park, the infamous international tuck jump and a new pipe groomer for 2005.

Resorts close to Mount Lyford include: Hanmer (23 km), Rainbow (67 km), Temple Basin (139 km), Craigieburn (140 km), Broken River (142 km),

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	Trails (Pistes): -	Halfpipes: 1
	Summit: 1750 m	Toplift: m
	Beg: 30% Int: 40% Adv: 30%	Terrain Parks: 1
	Vertical Drop: 350 m	X-Country: -
	Lifts: 6 surface lifts	Snowmaking: -
	Gondolas / Cable Cars: -	Slopeside accom.: -
	Restaurants: 1	Acres of ski: 360
	Bars: 1	Nearest Airport: Christchurch
	Nearest Train:	Info phone: +64/3/3661220, Mount Lyford Resort Info Website

Visitor Reviews of Mount Lyford

Rob from UNITED KINGDOM writes:

Mt Lyford is a very worthwhile little resort. It is located on the edge of the Kaikouras about 40 minutes drive from the famous surf breaks. The location gives it a rather different climate to any other New Zealand reports and so it can have good seasons when other places are poor and vice versa. It is not terribly far from either Hanmer or Rainbow yet the weather at Mount Lyford is often very different. Easterly winds favour snowfall here but there is some exposure to southerly fronts too. Depending on the season, snow bases can range from 50cm to almost 5m.

Mount Lyford is also unusual because there are many wooden chalets located above the winter snowline in the beech forest giving it a tranquil and Alpine feel. You can either hire a chalet here or stay in the ski-lodge down by the main road where there are rooms for all budgets. Alternatively, stay at popular Hanmer Springs or even at Kaikoura.

The actual ski area is located several kms away and chains and/or 4WD are usually needed for access. Skiing is all above the trees which can cause problems if it is windy or if visibility is poor.

Skiing facilities comprise of various drag lifts and a rope. They cover a modest area but as long as the lower lifts are running some longish runs are possible. It is nice terrain - not as challenging as say Broken River or Craigieburn, but good enough for most. Mid week tends to be very quiet here.

The top rope tow gives access to a very nice off-piste area and ski touring options abound as long as it is safe to do so. The staff are friendly and there is a small Day Lodge for food and drinks or just a break. The views are incredible.

2008-08-06

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