World Snowboard Guide 11th edition

Mt Lyford, New Zealand

Introduction

Located just hours from Christchurch and only 18 miles from the town of Kailoura, is the small and commercial resort of Mount Lyford. This totally privately owned mountain may not be the biggest resort in New Zealand, but by the same token it's not the smallest, and unlike some of the other commercial resorts, Mt Lyford is far more affordable and offers great value for money for any rider who can handle a few days. Mt.Lyford is a very snowboard friendly hangout and on occasions has boarders out numbering skiers. Still who ever is there, will tell you that its pretty dull for any more than a couple of days if you stick to the marked slopes but great if you go heli-boarding into the backcountry areas. The area gets good natural snowcover that is spread out over two areas which are somewhat different to each other. The lake Stella area a short drive around the mountain, is the advanced riders spot while beginners will find the best slopes on the Terako field.

New for season

2005: new half-pipe shapper & 120m earth shaped pipe. Some more rails in the park
2004: new t-bar, 2 new groomers

Resort Statistics

Resort Type:  Alpine
Winter: June to Oct
Summer: None

Lifts

Total Lifts: 6
Drag lifts: 6
Board Leashes required: No

Mountain

Total ride area: 305 hectares
Longest run: 1.2miles (1.9km)

Top lift: 1750m
Vertical drop: 450m
First lift: 1249m

Piste suitability

Green runs: 30%
Red runs: 40%
Black runs: 30%

Lift Passes

Lift Passes:  Half-day pass NZ$45
Day pass NZ$50
Season $329
Lift times:9.00am to 4.30pm

Snowfall

Average annual snowfall: 2.6m

Facilities

Night Riding: :  No
Snowboard Schools: Group lessons $15 per hour
Private lessons $45 per hour
Snowboard Hire: Board & Boots $40/30 per day/half

Heliboarding: :  Not available
Snowmobiles: Not available

Further information

www.mtlyford.co.nz/
Email:lyfordski@xtra.co.nz

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