High in the Two Thumb Range, 30 minutes drive from Fairlie, is a family owned and operated commercial field that becomes more popular with every season.

Mt Dobson has well groomed slopes for novices and intermediates, and soft, smooth powder up to 2,046 metres to challenge the die-hard powder-pumpers. A Doppelmayr triple chairlift opens up a wide area of the mountain giving 400 hectares of skiable terrain with a 415 metre vertical drop.

The field is an ideal place to learn new skills in a relaxed environment. There is ample space, no crowds and an excellent ski school, which offers group and private lessons for all levels of ability. Special discount packs are available for lift tickets, rental and lessons. The snow warranty means you can ride with confidence at Mt Dobson. If the weather or snow conditions are adverse you can return your lift pass before 10.30 am and receive a voucher for another day.

Mt Dobson has come of age with the installation of the triple chairlift, and has a good future as a popular boutique ski field with a 3 km wide basin of varied terrain. The West Valley intermediate slopes are the largest in New Zealand. The learner’s area, served by a platter lift, has the longest beginner’s slopes in the country. There are programmes for school students and race training for promising young skiers.

The season runs from June to October and the snow ratings are 20% beginner, 50% intermediate and 30% advanced. Access is on a 15 km unsealed farm road off the Fairlie-Tekapo highway. Snowboarding is popular in the expansive West Valley, with a natural half-pipe and a terrain park, where locals and an increasing number of visitors are charging and tweaking airs. Transport is available from Fairlie, 26 km away on holidays and weekends. Accommodation can be found in Fairlie, Tekapo and Burke’s Pass.

Mt Dobson has exciting dry powder slopes for expert skiers and boarders, excellent facilities for beginners, long hours of sunshine and very friendly staff – all the ingredients for a bright future.