Overview
Ski New Zealand's longest glacier! All packages for Tasman Glacier skiing include 2 amazing ski runs, 2 breathtaking scenic flights and a delectable picnic lunch surrounded by your snowy surroundings. Ski the Tasman Glacier has wide-open and gentle slopes which make it perfect for skiers of intermediate level and up. The terrain is natural and all off-piste. Even the knee deep powder can be easily navigated with our rental fat skis.
The ski runs along this trip are long and range from 8 to 10km with a vertical drop of up to 1,000 metres. One of the main highlights of this trip is the opportunity to visit the Darwin Icefall and Canyon Land areas. These amazing areas are lined with glorious blue caverns and ice formations. With all the amazing views, you'd best not forget your camera!
The size of each skier group is a maximum of 8, plus a guide. If you head up here on a “busy” day, you might have to share this huge glacier with another dozen or so people.
Skiing is enjoyed here at a leisurely pace with more than enough time to enjoy the natural quiet and magnificence of the Southern Alps. Your guides will provide you with a full explanation of all the features of the Mount Cook area and the forces of nature that have resulted in the formation of these amazing landscapes.
Ski The Tasman from Queenstown or Wanaka
With our fly/ski/fly package, you can ski the Tasman from Queenstown or Wanaka in the same day. This is a wonderful option if you cannot afford to spend much time at Mt Cook. After enjoying a 40-minute scenic flight, you will climb into your ski plane at Mount Cook. This will take far less time than if you were to drive to a local ski area.
Children. Are there age restrictions, or a minimum age?
Ski the Tasman is a family-friendly trip but it should be noted that glacier skiing is not suitable for younger children. As such, the minimum age for this trip is 10 years and also depends on the skill level of the child. Adults are responsible for supervising their accompanying children and should be prepared to ski at their children's pace.
Ability and Skiing Questions
What skiing ability level is required?
This is activity is for skiers only. Skiers of intermediate skill level who are able to ski “blue” runs at ski areas, will be able to ski the Tasman. The runs are not too difficult and the terrain ranges from open snowfields to “canyons” between seracs and deep bowls. Another highlight of this trip is the side adventure to the ice caves.
Snow conditions | What will the snow be like?
All of the snow in this area is variable and ungroomed. The powder is far more common from July to the middle of August. The spring continues throughout September but the Tasman may get some fresh powder should a winter storm hit. Due to the temperate, maritime climate of New Zealand, the weather conditions change quickly – even within the time frame of a single day.
Snowboarders | Can I bring my snowboard?
Unfortunately, Ski the Tasman is for skiers only. The terrain along the length of the glacier is not suitable for snowboarding. Traversing through the icefall areas is required and the glacier's lower sections are not steep enough for boarders to enjoy easy riding.
How Long are the Runs?
Really long! The run lengths vary depending on the mount of snow cover. On average, the runs are 8km (5 miles) in length and, should the snow cover reach its largest extent, can extend up to 10km (6.2 miles).
Do I need special clothing or equipment?
Wear whatever you usually take to any ski area. Do, however, remember that at these altitudes it can get even colder than you may be used to.
Where is Mt Cook Airport located?
Mount Cook airport is just 5km (3.1 miles) from Mount Cook Village. We are happy to provide free return transfers from Mt Cook Village if needed.
What if the weather turns bad?
Ski the Tasman only operates in “fine weather” which means good visibility and light to moderate winds. We operate, on average, 4 days per week.
By 07:00 each day we decide whether or not we will be operating. However, for those who are staying in Mount Cook Village, we can make the most of late weather clearances and get a later start to our day.
Due to the temperate maritime climate in New Zealand, the weather is known for its changing nature. We encourage flexible travel plans and we are happy to offer “carry over” bookings to the next day upon request.
Where can I stay?
There are a number of accommodation options in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and even more in the wider Mount Cook / Mackenzie region.
Details
CHECK-IN
- 9:00am from Mt Cook Village.
- 7:30am from Queenstown/Wanaka
GROUP SIZE
Minimum of 4 people per day - singles, couples - and all bookings are very welcome.
DURATION
Approx. 5 hours on the snow.
MINIMUM AGE
10 years. All Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. A maximum of 2 children per adult.
Start: Mt Cook (9am), Queenstown or Wanaka
Finish: Mt Cook (about 3pm), Queenstown or Wanaka
Includes:
From Mt Cook:
- NZ’s 2 longest ski runs - 8 to 10 km long.
- 3 breathtaking helicopter flights
- Professional mountain guide services
- Generous picnic lunch on the snow
- Safety equipment, including avalanche transceivers
- Free return airport transfers from accommodation in Mount Cook (if required)
From Queenstown or Wanaka:
- Standard Ski The Tasman package (above)
- Return flights from Queenstown or Wanaka to Mount Cook
- Return airport transfers from your accommodation
Pricing:
Minimum age 10 years and is dependent on the child's ability. Supervising adults must be prepared to ski at the pace of their children.
Overview
Ski New Zealand's longest glacier! All packages for Tasman Glacier skiing include 2 amazing ski runs, 2 breathtaking scenic flights and a delectable picnic lunch surrounded by your snowy surroundings. Ski the Tasman Glacier has wide-open and gentle slopes which make it perfect for skiers of intermediate level and up. The terrain is natural and all off-piste. Even the knee deep powder can be easily navigated with our rental fat skis.
The ski runs along this trip are long and range from 8 to 10km with a vertical drop of up to 1,000 metres. One of the main highlights of this trip is the opportunity to visit the Darwin Icefall and Canyon Land areas. These amazing areas are lined with glorious blue caverns and ice formations. With all the amazing views, you'd best not forget your camera!
The size of each skier group is a maximum of 8, plus a guide. If you head up here on a “busy” day, you might have to share this huge glacier with another dozen or so people.
Skiing is enjoyed here at a leisurely pace with more than enough time to enjoy the natural quiet and magnificence of the Southern Alps. Your guides will provide you with a full explanation of all the features of the Mount Cook area and the forces of nature that have resulted in the formation of these amazing landscapes.
Ski The Tasman from Queenstown or Wanaka
With our fly/ski/fly package, you can ski the Tasman from Queenstown or Wanaka in the same day. This is a wonderful option if you cannot afford to spend much time at Mt Cook. After enjoying a 40-minute scenic flight, you will climb into your ski plane at Mount Cook. This will take far less time than if you were to drive to a local ski area.
Children. Are there age restrictions, or a minimum age?
Ski the Tasman is a family-friendly trip but it should be noted that glacier skiing is not suitable for younger children. As such, the minimum age for this trip is 10 years and also depends on the skill level of the child. Adults are responsible for supervising their accompanying children and should be prepared to ski at their children's pace.
Ability and Skiing Questions
What skiing ability level is required?
This is activity is for skiers only. Skiers of intermediate skill level who are able to ski “blue” runs at ski areas, will be able to ski the Tasman. The runs are not too difficult and the terrain ranges from open snowfields to “canyons” between seracs and deep bowls. Another highlight of this trip is the side adventure to the ice caves.
Snow conditions | What will the snow be like?
All of the snow in this area is variable and ungroomed. The powder is far more common from July to the middle of August. The spring continues throughout September but the Tasman may get some fresh powder should a winter storm hit. Due to the temperate, maritime climate of New Zealand, the weather conditions change quickly – even within the time frame of a single day.
Snowboarders | Can I bring my snowboard?
Unfortunately, Ski the Tasman is for skiers only. The terrain along the length of the glacier is not suitable for snowboarding. Traversing through the icefall areas is required and the glacier's lower sections are not steep enough for boarders to enjoy easy riding.
How Long are the Runs?
Really long! The run lengths vary depending on the mount of snow cover. On average, the runs are 8km (5 miles) in length and, should the snow cover reach its largest extent, can extend up to 10km (6.2 miles).
Do I need special clothing or equipment?
Wear whatever you usually take to any ski area. Do, however, remember that at these altitudes it can get even colder than you may be used to.
Where is Mt Cook Airport located?
Mount Cook airport is just 5km (3.1 miles) from Mount Cook Village. We are happy to provide free return transfers from Mt Cook Village if needed.
What if the weather turns bad?
Ski the Tasman only operates in “fine weather” which means good visibility and light to moderate winds. We operate, on average, 4 days per week.
By 07:00 each day we decide whether or not we will be operating. However, for those who are staying in Mount Cook Village, we can make the most of late weather clearances and get a later start to our day.
Due to the temperate maritime climate in New Zealand, the weather is known for its changing nature. We encourage flexible travel plans and we are happy to offer “carry over” bookings to the next day upon request.
Where can I stay?
There are a number of accommodation options in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and even more in the wider Mount Cook / Mackenzie region.
Ski the Tasman from Queenstown or Wanaka itinerary
Check-in Time: 08:45am
Depart 09:45am:
After your guide performs a safety briefing, we will board the ski plane and begin our adventure.
After 15 minutes, it's time to disembark at 2,500 metres on the Tasman Glacier. Once the aircraft leaves, its nothing but you, your professional guide and the peace and quiet of nature all around you.
When you compare the size of the great peaks to the rest of the surrounding terrain, it's easy to feel like you're in the Himalayas. Mount Cook/Aoraki stands 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) tall from the valley floor. The Tasman Glacier measures 27km (17 mi) and is the longest temperate glacier in the entire Southern Hemisphere. On average, the run length is approximately 8km and, in some seasons, can reach 10km. Skiing on The Tasman is enjoyed at a relaxed pace so you will have plenty of time to take in the wilderness and nature of Aoraki and the Mount Cook National Park.
Most of the skiing terrain on The Tasman are undulating bowls or wide-open slopes which are perfect for cruising along at your own pace.
Lunch Time:
After making the most of several kilometres of untracked snow, you will be transported by ski plane to a new landing site. Here you will enjoy lunch on the snow with amazing views all around you. Enjoy some hot soup or fruit juice with filled rolls, delicious crumbed chicken, fresh pastries, chocolate and some fresh fruit all on the menu! Just imagine spreading out your tablecloth over a snow mound and tucking into a delicious meal as you take in that crisp fresh air and picture perfect surroundings.
Second Run:
Next up, it's time for your second run down a different line along the glacier. As you make your way down, you will head for your ski plane to conclude your trip.
Two of the most amazing features of this trip are “Darwin Ice Fall” and “Canyon Lands”. The ice caves and seracs here are second to none and, with your skilled guide by your side, you will be in good hands when you explore these wonderful features.
Seracs are towers and blocks made from ice and snow. They can be as large as buildings and are formed when softer ice breaks away from the denser ice, or where multiple crevasses come together.
Approximate Timing from Queenstown:
07:00 - We telephone to confirm we are operating.
07:15 - Airport transfers begin.
07:30 - Arrive at Queenstown Airport - fly to Mount Cook.
09:00-09:15 - Arrive in Mt Cook – Ski The Tasman day begins.
15:45 - First flights back to Queenstown begin.
16:30 -17:00 - Back at Queenstown, transferred to your accommodation (if required)
Times above are approximate and may vary slightly on the day.
Minimum age 10 years and is dependent on the child's ability. Supervising adults must be prepared to ski at the pace of their children.
Ski the Tasman from Queenstown or Wanaka itinerary
Check-in Time: 08:45am
Depart 09:45am:
After your guide performs a safety briefing, we will board the ski plane and begin our adventure.
After 15 minutes, it's time to disembark at 2,500 metres on the Tasman Glacier. Once the aircraft leaves, its nothing but you, your professional guide and the peace and quiet of nature all around you.
When you compare the size of the great peaks to the rest of the surrounding terrain, it's easy to feel like you're in the Himalayas. Mount Cook/Aoraki stands 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) tall from the valley floor. The Tasman Glacier measures 27km (17 mi) and is the longest temperate glacier in the entire Southern Hemisphere. On average, the run length is approximately 8km and, in some seasons, can reach 10km. Skiing on The Tasman is enjoyed at a relaxed pace so you will have plenty of time to take in the wilderness and nature of Aoraki and the Mount Cook National Park.
Most of the skiing terrain on The Tasman are undulating bowls or wide-open slopes which are perfect for cruising along at your own pace.
Lunch Time:
After making the most of several kilometres of untracked snow, you will be transported by ski plane to a new landing site. Here you will enjoy lunch on the snow with amazing views all around you. Enjoy some hot soup or fruit juice with filled rolls, delicious crumbed chicken, fresh pastries, chocolate and some fresh fruit all on the menu! Just imagine spreading out your tablecloth over a snow mound and tucking into a delicious meal as you take in that crisp fresh air and picture perfect surroundings.
Second Run:
Next up, it's time for your second run down a different line along the glacier. As you make your way down, you will head for your ski plane to conclude your trip.
Two of the most amazing features of this trip are “Darwin Ice Fall” and “Canyon Lands”. The ice caves and seracs here are second to none and, with your skilled guide by your side, you will be in good hands when you explore these wonderful features.
Seracs are towers and blocks made from ice and snow. They can be as large as buildings and are formed when softer ice breaks away from the denser ice, or where multiple crevasses come together.
Approximate Timing from Queenstown:
07:00 - We telephone to confirm we are operating.
07:15 - Airport transfers begin.
07:30 - Arrive at Queenstown Airport - fly to Mount Cook.
09:00-09:15 - Arrive in Mt Cook – Ski The Tasman day begins.
15:45 - First flights back to Queenstown begin.
16:30 -17:00 - Back at Queenstown, transferred to your accommodation (if required)
Times above are approximate and may vary slightly on the day.
