Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cat-Skiing?

Snowcat skiing, catskiing, call it what you like, is a whole lot of fun.  Cat skiing is a form of backcountry skiing or snowboarding where you are taken to the top of an isolated mountain range using a snowcat.  You then ski or ride down over and over, using the snowcat as your personal ski lift.  It is like heli-skiing, but much cheaper and you get a fantastic quality backcountry experience.

What is a Snowcat?

A snowcat is a snowgroomer with a custom built cabin on the back which seats 10 people.

Can I make a group booking?

Yes.  We only take day charters (i.e. group boookings only).  The group can be any size up to a maximum of ten people.

Where are You Located?

We are located on Clayton Road, 30 minutes from Fairlie, which is on SH 8. Driving times from Fairlie:

Christchurch 2 hours 30 mins

Methven 1 hour 30 mins

Geraldine 40 mins

Lake Tekapo 25 mins

Aoraki Mt Cook National Park 1 hour 50 mins

Wanaka 3 hours

Queenstown 3 hours 30 mins

What do other people say about Alpure Peaks

Rachel Oakes-Ash from Chill Factor Magazine had this to say about Backcountry Skiing at Alpure Peaks (pdf)

Mountain Safety

Your safety is of paramount importance. Safety briefings are held before the trip begins and each group member is fitted with a personal avalanche transceiver, regardless of the avalanche threat level on the day.

Because we undertake avalanche control, cat skiing and boarding on our mountain is safer than other backcountry activities.

Food and Beverage

We provide a picnic lunch and beverages and snacks - you may still want to bring additional snacks to eat throughout the day. You should bring bottles of water to drink.  Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.

What equipment do I need?

Bring all the normal equipment for a day of skiing or snowboarding, including skis and/or snowboard, boots, hats, gloves, goggles, sunscreen, bottled water. Plan for a cold day - if you have too much gear you can leave it in the snowcat. Hire equipment is available at the Ski Shack in Fairlie, in the main shopping area.

What time does the day trip start?

You need to be at the Homestead on Clayton Road at 8.00am. The Homestead is sign-posted.  The last run of the day starts at around 3.00pm and you should plan to be returned to your transport around 5pm.

What level of skill is required?

We cater to intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders, and will plan the routes accordingly to suit the group.

Where can we go on the mountain?

The snowcat can provide access to most areas of our mountain. If you spy a chute or jump that you wish to attempt, we can take you there, conditions permitting.

Do you build kickers?

Yes. You can design your own jumps and the snowcat driver will build them for you.

Do you provide accommodation?

We do not provide accommodation. Sugar Loaf B&B (ph: +64 3 685 4890) is located 1km from us along Clayton Road.  The town of Fairlie has motels, hotels and numerous B&Bs.

What happens if there is bad weather?

When booking we try and pencil in some back up days in case we are unable to operate due to the weather conditions.

If we are unable to find a suitable replacement day you will recieve a 100% refund of your deposit.  There are no refunds for cancellations without prior notice.

Are the other ski fields nearby?

There are 3 skifields in the near vicinity from Fairlie:

Fox Peak Club Field: 30 minutes to the car park

Mt Dobson Ski Field: 30 minutes to the car park

Roundhill Ski Field: 1.25 hours

It is 115km to Methven, 147km to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and 130km to Lake Ohau.