Snowsure: 2.6
- Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing
- Is often closed due to a lack of snow
- Occasionally suffers from a lack of snow
- Rarely suffers from a lack of snow
- Mount Lyford is snowsure even in the poorest seasons
Visitor reviews for Mount Lyford Ski Resort
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(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
Latest
January 31, 2023
C.T
C.T
We received a poor guest rating from the management where it was stated a 1 star for communication, 3 for house rules and overall experience and 4 for cleanliness.
Lets start with communication: we sent a few emails to clarify a few points and before our departure I called to make sure all was ok only to find out that the hot tub was $80 instead of $40 and we had to pay $20 pp for bedding or provide your own. We did not agree /request for the tub and or the bedding during that call. So on the day of arrival after asking us for bedding payment, which we did not request for as we had our own, a not so impressed manager spoke to us in a cold, quite disrespectful and stern manner. This attitude was far from professional and clearly not deserving from our end. She said rudely ”does it matter then” and gave us the keys. The place was comfortable but not completely cleaned. The stove and the grill were oily and the oven had some food residue. And, yes, the place was cleaner and the firewood basket was extra full after we left. So our guest cleanliness rating of 4 stars would mean the original state of the place was either 2 or 3.
So instead of being nasty and giving your guest a poor review because of your own stuff ups, do your job properly next time. Such a shame a majestic place like Mr Lyford has such a person working there.
[note from the editor: names of individuals are not included in reviews.]
April 17, 2009
jamie heemskerk from
New Zealand
jamie heemskerk from
New Zealand
For those of us whom relish club atmosphere fields - Mount Lyford is one of the best that New Zealand has to offer. The snow gods were with us on our visit of 2008 with base of 400cm and 200cm of that being powder, only a dozen local 4wds and a blue bird day. Being a young student and not owning a flash ride, the ski field owner even towed us to the carpark as Billy the Civic could not handle the ride up - gotta love Kiwis.
As our last ride on our return drive home to Nelson from the crowds at nearby Mt Hutt, I had the best day in over 15 years riding with the Mount Lyford experience: great team, great snow and no showponys - just a hill covered with lovely white stuff and fantastic people enjoying it together; Bliss. Only gripe was no halfpipe, maybe it was buried that day aye? =)
August 06, 2008
Rob from
United Kingdom
Rob from
United Kingdom
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.
May 23, 2005
Rossi from
New Zealand
Rossi from
New Zealand
Mt Lyford's got a friendly "club" feel to it though it's a family owned commercial field. If it's got good snow coverage then the terrain's great for advanced skiers; if not then it can be a bit limiting but will still suit intermediate and family skiers. The field rarely gets crowded even on weekends so first tracks can still be had on a Saturday afternoon after a dumping; off-piste terrain is pretty huge. All tows are poma or T-bar, exceept the top rope tow.
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