Potts Range
Ski & Split-board Touring
New Zealand's ultimate freeride destination
Winter Adventures Ski Freeride / Ski & Split-board TouringPotts Range Ski & Split-board Tours
Potts Range Ski & Split-board Tours
New Zealand's ultimate freeride destination
Erewhon Hut at Mt Potts sits at 1750m on the historic Erewhon Park Ski Field. Originally pioneered as a club-style ski resort in the 1960's, this became a cat-skiing operation in the 1990's. Heli-skiers enjoyed the area as "Heli-Park" in the late 1990's to early 2000's.
Imagined specifically for ski touring and split-boarding, Erewhon Hut was built in 2024, bringing a fresh perspective and new life to this incredible winter playground.
Come and join us for an epic ski adventure!
Erewhon Hut sits in a wind-sheltered basin below Mt Potts, surrounded by expansive ski-touring terrain ideal for both intermediate and advanced backcountry skiers and riders. From mellow touring loops to steep, technical lines, the area offers something for every ambitious backcountry skier or split-boarder.
- Long runs from nearby peaks with reliable snow cover
- Alpine ridges, couloirs, and glacial bowls within skinning distance
- No ski lifts, no crowds — just raw Southern Alps adventure
The hut is accessible only by foot, ski, or helicopter, ensuring a true wilderness experience far from resort boundaries.
History Meets Adventure
The Potts Range has deep roots in New Zealand’s backcountry ski history. Once home to Erewhon Park Ski Field in the 1960s–2010s, the area was known for heli- and snowcat-accessed powder skiing long before it was trendy. Today, Erewhon Hut revives that legacy for a new generation of backcountry riders — earning your turns the way nature intended.
Erewhon Hut
Erewhon Hut was built in 2024 and sits at 1750m on the historic Erewhon Park Ski Field. This iconic hut was specifically designed for ski touring and split-boarding groups and sleeps up to 12 guests.
Warm, cosy & modern
Well insulated and heated, Erewhon Hut is a cozy mountain retreat for ski / split-board tourers, hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor adventurers. It is the ideal venue to sit out a storm and catch first tracks in fresh powder snow!
Facilities
The hut is split into two identical halves, each comprising 6 bunks, a log burner with drying rack, small kitchen, table and seats. Firewood, gas, solar lighting / USB charging facilities and cookware are all provided. Alpine Recreation has stocked the hut with sleeping bags for each bunk. This will keep the pack volume and weight down for walk-in / ski-in trips.
Access
Walk-in / out access is up the old Erewhon Ski Field access track. Access is initially via a public easement over private land. The track climbs at a steady gradient through many zigzags before gaining the valley below the hut. The track traverses steep scree slopes and in places has been eroded and washed out by slips. The final section below the hut is the most challenging, as the track steepens and is often icy in the shade. It usually takes around 5 hours to walk to the hut, depending on conditions.
Heli access is available by prior arrangement and if weather conditions permit.
We recommend settling guiding dates well in advance since peak season times are often booked up. Please allow extra time in case you are held up in the mountains due to weather.
| Dates | Spaces |
|---|---|
| 28 Jul 2025 - 1 Aug 2025 | 4 guaranteed departure |
| 7 - 10 Aug 2025 | 3 guaranteed departure |
| 10 - 14 Aug 2025 | FULL no availablity |
| 24 - 28 Aug 2025 | 3 guaranteed departure |
| 25 - 28 Sep 2025 | FULL no availablity |
| Updated: 29 May 2025 at 11:34 am | |
Standard bookings
Loyalty discount: If you have been on an Alpine Recreation trip before, you will be eligible for $100 off the standard trip price (does not apply to any already discounted prices).
| Standard Price | 4 days price per person | 5 days price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Individual bookings group size | NZ$3000 2 - 5 per guide * | NZ$3500 2 - 5 per guide * |
Please read the information on minimum and maximum group sizes below.
Group discounts: get a group of family and friends together and book as a group. The amount of discount you will be eligible for, will depend on the group size - the more people you book, the more your discount will be. If our scheduled dates don't suit your group's travel plans, please contact us so we can reschedule a trip to suit (subject to guide availability).
Please note that group bookings are not private bookings - if you wish to keep your group closed and have a private guide just for your group, a surcharge will apply.
| Group Discounts | 4 days price per person | 5 days price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Group booking of 5 | NZ$2,625.00 2 - 5 per guide | NZ$3,115.00 2 - 5 per guide |
Deposit Payment
A non-refundable per-person deposit is payable to secure a booking:
- NZ$500.00
The remaining balance of the trip price (including any applicable discounts) is due 60 days prior to departure. If you are booking within 60 days of the trip start, the full amount will be due.
Booking conditionsInclusions & Exclusions
All prices include the following:
- IFMGA / NZMGA certified ski / split-board guide
- Department of Conservation licence fees
- Heated PRIVATE hut accommodation
- Local accommodation for any nights required during the trip
- Ground transport (Tekapo - Mt Potts Easement Track return)
- ALL meals (including snacks & energy bars) for the duration of the trip
- ALL avalanche safety and technical ski touring equipment (with the exception of ski touring boots)
The following items are NOT included:
- Meals and accommodation before/after the trip are NOT included.
- Flights are NOT included
Flight costs - not included in the trip price
Optional flights to / from Erewhon Hut can be provided on request by Station Air (based across the Rangitata Valley at Mesopotamia Station).
Note that a double flight is required for a full group of 5 plus guide and gear. Agreement to fly or walk is required from the whole group - the group cannot be split if there is only 1 guide.
Flights are not included in the price, as costs vary according to the type of aircraft and occupancy.
Weather dependent: As there is no guarantee of being able to fly (due to weather) and no obligation to fly, we like to be able to pass on any potential savings directly to our guests.
| Price per flight (the cost is split equally amongst guests) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | Aircraft | Spaces | Price |
| Mt Potts Station to / from Erewhon Hut - double flight | MD 520N Helicopter | 6 | NZ$1,500.00 |
| Mt Potts Station to / from Erewhon Hut - single flight | MD 520N Helicopter | 3 | NZ$1,000.00 |
Please note: Flight prices are given as examples only and are subject to change by aircraft operators at any time. In addition to guests, each aircraft will also transport the guide and gear.
Minimum & Maximum Group Size
A minimum number of 2 participants is required to run this trip. If you end up being the only person booked on the trip, you will be offered the choice of:
- paying an additional fee to run the trip at a reduced guide-to-guest ratio
- rescheduling to another trip/date
- a full refund
A maximum number of 5 participants per guide is defined by our safety management plan. For groups larger than this, it is usually possible to allocate additional guides.
Difficulty Ratings
Endurance: 3 - Challenging
A solid level of fitness with aerobic training prior to the trip is expected. Ability to carry moderate to heavy backpacks (8-10kg) for 6-9 hours if required. Expect ascents of 800-1200 vertical meters. Some discomfort expected due to long days and exposure to elements. Prior multi-day hiking/trekking/tramping trips through rough untracked terrain are recommended.
Agility: 2.5 - Basic scrambling agility +
Some scrambling, using hands for balance. Some loose scree descents, slippery grass, mud or snow. Crampons/ice axe not expected, but may be used if conditions are icy. Some exposure to heights at times.
Technical Ski Ability: 3 - Experienced ski tourer / split-boarder
Able to link turns confidently and continuously in most snow and to control speed and follow a precise line in restricted terrain (e.g. crevasses, amongst trees, near gullies or in confined spaces). Able to link turns on longer slopes up to 35° in favourable snow. Comfortable with uphill kick-turns in favourable conditions. Climbing 350m+ per hour with tours of up to 1000m of climbing, with a rest / break each hour. Likely to have own touring kit and is proficient in using pin-tech bindings, heel lifters, ski crampons and avalanche safety equipment.
Trip Difficulty Ratings - more infoPrevious Experience
Touring to Erewhon Hut and skiing in the Potts Range is a serious backcountry undertaking. This trip is best suited for people with prior experience in alpine environments and a solid foundation in backcountry travel. Here's what we recommend:
✅ Solid off-piste skiing or snowboarding ability
You should be confident riding black diamond terrain in variable snow (powder, crust, wind-blown, etc.), including on steeper slopes with a pack on.
✅ Backcountry touring experience
Prior experience with skinning, using pin-tech touring bindings or split-boards, and managing transitions is essential. You should be comfortable with uphill travel using skins and ski crampons.
✅ Avalanche safety knowledge
Completion of an Avalanche Skills Course 1, Backcountry Ski / Split-board Course, Winter Mountaineering Course (or equivalent) is strongly recommended. You should know how to use a beacon, shovel, and probe, and be familiar with basic avalanche hazard awareness.
✅ Multi-day mountain travel experience
Erewhon Hut trips involve multi-day backcountry travel in remote, rugged, and potentially technical terrain. Experience from hut-to-hut trips, alpine treks, or ski traverses is a big advantage.
If you’re new to backcountry touring, we recommend starting with our Backcountry Ski & Split-board Course or Two Thumb Range Backcountry Tours to build skills and confidence before tackling the Potts Range.
Recommended Fitness Training
A trip to Erewhon Hut involves multiple days of ski touring in steep, high alpine terrain with a pack. To get the most out of the experience—and stay safe and strong throughout—we recommend preparing your body well in advance.
Here’s how to build the fitness you’ll need:
🏔️ Endurance & Cardiovascular Fitness
Back-to-back days of ski touring demand strong aerobic endurance. Aim for:
- Hiking or uphill walking: 2–3 sessions per week with increasing elevation gain
- Cardio workouts: trail running, cycling, or ski touring (if possible), 45–90 minutes at moderate intensity
- Target: Ability to sustain 4–6 hours of uphill activity, covering 800–1,200m of vertical per day with a 10–12kg pack
🦵 Leg Strength & Ski-Specific Power
Strong legs help with climbing efficiency and stability during long descents. Focus on strength training 2x/week, including:
- Squats & lunges (weighted or bodyweight)
- Step-ups or stair climbing
- Wall sits and isometric holds
- Include explosive movements like jump squats or box jumps to mimic skiing effort
🎒 Pack Conditioning & Load Carrying
You’ll be carrying a multi-day pack, so get used to the weight:
- Gradually train with a loaded pack (10–12kg) during hikes or stair workouts
- Practice skinning or walking on uneven terrain with the pack for balance and endurance
With consistent preparation, you’ll show up ready to enjoy the terrain, keep up with the group, and make the most of your time at Erewhon Hut in the stunning Potts Range.
| Gear Check | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 pm | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Pre-trip Evening – Gear Check & Briefing
The evening before departure, we meet at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo, for a full gear check, ensuring everyone is properly outfitted for backcountry travel and winter conditions. This is also an opportunity to meet your guide and fellow participants, discuss the trip plan, and review safety protocols, packing tips, and logistics for the days ahead.
If you are travelling from Christchurch, or north of Tekapo, there may be the option to meet at Mt Potts Lodge instead. This will be a group decision and will be arranged by Alpine Recreation.
You need to bring your own alpine touring boots (or split-boarding setup if you're a snowboarder), but otherwise we can provide all other equipment. Please see the equipment section for details.
You'll be carrying a moderate to heavy pack, (depending whether you are flying in or not), including personal gear and group food. Cooking equipment & sleeping bags are at the hut.
First Day
Meet at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo at the above start time. Depart for Mt Potts Station (or meet there if the group stayed overnight). Drive to the Mt Potts Easement Track carpark.
Option to fly in with Station Air (Mesopotamia Station) - note that the whole group needs to agree on all flying or all walking in.
The easement track follows the old ski area access road, initially crossing private land, then conservation land. While the track is a steady gradient and was once used for vehicles, it has long since eroded and there are a couple of tricky washouts and slips to negotiate. Once you get to the snow-line, you can lighten the load and strap skis and skins to your feet. It's a long haul up the valley, with the steepest section on the final slopes up to the hut.
Once you get to the snow (or the hut if flying in), it is common place to do an avalanche rescue skills refresher before heading out for a tour.
4-5 hours hiking / skinning uphill to the hut, 1200m elevation gain, 8 km.
Subsequent Days - Ski Tours from the Hut
Based at Erewhon Hut, we will climb the peaks and ridges nearby, with a variety of tour options available, depending on your energy levels. As this was part of "Heli Park" back in its heyday, there are plenty of named lines.
- The saddles either side of "Sandy's" are quickly accessed from the hut and provide good options for warm up laps.
- "Cathedrals" provides wide open slopes perfect for lapping on powder days.
- "Sandy Mount" is the easiest summit to access, with multiple descent options and couloirs available.
- "Mt Arthur" requires a challenging boot pack up a rocky ridge to gain the summit, but rewards your efforts with the biggest king lines.
- "Brownie's Nipple" is a good option for a longer day tour, returning via the access track below the hut.
There are great views of the Rangitata, Arrowsmith Range and Southern Alps from the upper ridges, so don't forget to take your camera!
Last Day
Short morning ski tour then ski / walk back down the Mt Potts Easement Track, arriving back in Tekapo around 5-6pm. Enjoying a coffee and slice of cake at Mt Potts Lodge is a nice way to end the trip.
Alternatively, if flying out, there is time for a longer morning ski tour.
Potts Range Ski & Split-board Tours - Clothing & Equipment Checklist
Your gear check time will be provided at time of booking. Please bring as many of the items on the equipment list as you can. We can provide (at no extra charge), any of the items in list A that you are missing. Reminder: all food is provided.
Please note that you must bring your own alpine ski touring boots, or if you need to hire them, please see below.*1 All other ski and avalanche safety equipment is provided.
*1 Ski touring boots & split-boarding gear: these can be hired from: Gnomes Alpine Sports, Darfield; Small Planet Sports, Queenstown; or MT Outdoors, Wanaka. Book any hire equipment well in advance.
*2 Blister kit: we recommend Compeed and Leukoplast - available at chemists in Christchurch, Queenstown and Wanaka.
A. Equipment which Alpine Recreation can provide if you do not have your own:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| avalanche safety equipment transceiver, shovel, probe | 1 |
| backpack - 45L must have side tension straps | 1 |
| buff / sun scarf for protecting ears & neck | 1 |
| headlamp with spare battery | 1 |
| hiking boots | 1 |
| lightweight polypro / fleece gloves | 1 |
| polypro / merino thermal leggings | 2 |
| polypro / merino top long-sleeved | 2 |
| ski touring equipment (excluding boots) skis with touring bindings, poles, skins, ski crampons | 1 |
| snow gaiters to fit over ski boots or built-in gaiters in your ski pants | 1 |
| sun hat | 1 |
| synthetic / fleece jacket | 1 |
| waterproof gloves / mitts with removable inner for quick drying | 1 |
| waterproof parka must have a hood | 1 |
| wool hat / balaclava | 1 |
| woollen socks | 2 |
B. Equipment you must bring yourself/Alpine Recreation do not provide:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 3 season sleeping bag lightweight | 1 |
| alpine ski touring boots with removable liners for easy drying | 1 |
| camera | 1 |
| down jacket | (optional) 1 |
| drink bottle / thermos flask wide-mouth, minimum 1 litre | 1 |
| ear plugs in case of snorers | 1 |
| personal first aid please provide your own blister kit | 1 |
| personal underwear | 1 |
| quick-drying shirt long-sleeved, for sun protection | 1 |
| small dry bags for organising gear | 1 |
| snow goggles | 1 |
| soft-shell pants | (optional) 1 |
| split-boarding equipment split-board, boots, poles, skins, split-board crampons | 1 |
| sun and lip screen high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| sun glasses high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| toiletries please keep these to a minimum | 1 |
Recent Adventures
Highlights from Alpine Recreation's recent Potts Range Ski & Split-board Tours adventures
