Mt Olympus is a 45km drive from Windwhistle, which in turn is an easy one hour ten minute drive from Christchurch, or just twenty minutes from Methven. Mt Olympus is placed at the south end of the internationally-recognised Craigieburn range. The superior location of Mt Olympus means that it gets snow from both the southeast and the northwest storms, which is why it's known as the home of power skiing in Canterbury.

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Access to the field is by 4WD or vehicles that have chains that can be fitted. Please check the conditions on the morning snow report, and read and obey all signs. There is a radio in the Bottom Hut (3km from the ski field), which you can use to contact the Top Hut and enquire about onward road conditions.

If you do not have a 4WD vehicle or one capable of wearing chains, catch a lift up to the ski field from the Bottom Hut car park. Ensure that you arrive at the Bottom Hut by 9.00 am at the latest if you require transport.

******* Please Note ********* Once you turn off from Highway 77 From Christchurch at Windwhistle and head up to Lake Coleridge, Turn right on to Homestead Road, follow this road to Harper Road and Turn Left, the Mount Olympus entry is via Private Farm land, It is the first gate on the Right once you have passed the Ryton river and is a couple of Km's up the road, sometimes the Entry Gate is shut with a sign saying somethig like "Private farmland use only", Please open the gate and shut the gate once you haven't driven through it, if you have found it in that position. Keep followig the road and you will find teh bottom hut about 11.5 km from the entry gate, please use the radio in the bottom hut to make sure it is fine to come up to the Access tow car park and come ski. Good Luck!

Other options are to organise a lift to the field via Black Diamond from either Christchurch or Methven, or via SnowPool and carpool with fellow back country skiers heading to Mt Olympus.

It is normally not possible to drive the whole way to the Top Hut. The main car park is located by the Access Tow along with the ticket office. From here, you can take the Access Tow up to the Top Hut and main ski field. Note that there is no baggage lift: ensure you use a backpack so you can carry your belongings up the tow yourself.