What makes a ski field special? Is it the snow, the weather, your friends, or a combination of them all?
We’ve all had memorable days, the ones you tell yourself you will never forget. In 2023, I had one of those experiences: an exceptional day skiing at Roundhill in Tekapo.
It started with a two-week ski trip through the South Island of New Zealand, with skiing at The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona in Wanaka. The snow conditions in Queenstown at the time were very scratchy (and that’s being generous), with limited cover on many trails, but hey, we certainly made the most of it on the skiable runs.
After hearing the forecast that a significant snowstorm had just hit Canterbury, we headed to Tekapo as fast as we could pack our gear. It turned out to be a great call!
Now, back to the original question: What makes a skifield special? This trip started with our approach to Tekapo. The Mackenzie District is unique. Your sense of scale is thrown. The Mackenzie District feels like a giant’s playground. The hills thrust themselves up from the plains, giving the impression of large jelly moulds on a tabletop.
Imagine a perfect winter wonderland postcard
Snow had fallen to the lake’s edge in Tekapo, so the whole town and landscape were a brilliant white contrasted by the lake’s turquoise. It was the stuff of dreams. I had never skied Roundhill before, and it was all set to be an exciting day.
One of the great things we love about travelling is comparing landscapes. It’s incredible how similar landscapes are around the world. As we drove around Lake Tekapo to Roundhill, the natural beauty of the lake and mountains brought back memories of Lake Tahoe in California.
The road to Roundhill Skifield is easy; it rolls through farmland and is well-maintained. You hit the main tar-sealed section of the mountain road to the skifield after about 15 minutes.
Roundhill Ski Area is a round hill! Funny that!
After a leisurely unpacking, as that is the vibe of Roundhill – very chill, we ventured to the ticket office, which, by the way, is a shed; however, it is a big shed but still a corrugated iron shed.
We noticed the ticket prices board on the wall when we weren’t looking at the view. It was surprising to see an old-fashioned red price board. In today’s world of doing everything digitally, it was refreshing to see something as basic as a board, not a digital screen or online. We were showing our age here!
Tickets were bought, and it was onto the lifts. Roundhill Skifield has no chairlifts, only rope tows and T-bars. Again, this added to the feel of skiing “old school” with no modern comforts, removing the connection with the mountain.
The joy of skiing is being immersed in the environment, with all the discomfort that comes with it.
On the T-bar, to the top, you can’t help but notice the imposing hill on the right, Australasia’s most significant vertical drop. It’s enormous and steep! It only opens when there is enough snow. Luckily, it was closed, so skiing that run wouldn’t be a problem. However, another day, possibly?
Now, the snow. It was fresh and chalky, with an air of spring skiing. Older powder off the trail. It was the perfect mix of snow we all love. You didn’t feel the need to leave the trails; the snow was so smooth and forgiving that you just kept skiing the groomed runs repeatedly.
You feel you ski “on the mountain” at Roundhill, not “in the mountain.” On other ski fields, you can disappear into gullies and chutes; you never feel enclosed at Roundhill, which is wide open. The sky is big, Lake Tekapo is always visible on the right, and the runs are super-wide and super-groomed.
There were no queues; in fact, there were no people! Hang on, is it Sunday?
Wow! We had the mountain to ourselves for the morning, and in the afternoon, a few people arrived – however, not enough to create queues. That alone would have been good enough to make this day one of the best skiing days on the South Island ever!
Now comes the good part: as I’m sure you do, we always judge a skifield by its facilities. So when it came to lunch, we headed to the cafe, a simple building with glass windows for the view. There’s no point in hiding that!
I am a big fan of toasted sandwiches, the ultimate food group – there is not much you can’t put in a “toastie”. So when their menu said you can choose your fillings and they make them fresh for you, I nearly fell over – who does that?
I have never seen a cafe on a skifield do this before. By the way, it was the “best” toasted sandwich with the best view. Five-star food!
The unforgettable memory of Roundhill Ski Area is the view!
It’s not just the skiing or the facilities that make Roundhill special. Although the skiing is excellent, the unforgettable memory of Roundhill Ski Area is the view! It is staggeringly gorgeous. Today, with the low snow coverage, the image was the quintessential winter postcard.
Yes, we were lucky with the snow that had just fallen, but if you’re not there, you won’t experience it. Is that the underlying message from this day?
Nothing beats the company of friends
The best part was skiing with my best friend of over 30 years. We enjoyed each other’s company and pushed each other, as blokes do. We laughed, skied, ate, and drank, but mostly skied our legs off.
This day was one of the most memorable days of my ski life. I got to ski and journey with my best mate on a two-week ski trip throughout the South Island, culminating to this day at Roundhill.
That day had all the elements we talked about, such as snow, views, weather, and the company of friends, which created an unforgettable skiing experience at Roundhill.
Is there really an answer to the question?
Probably not. Ultimately, it is more about creating as many unforgettable moments as possible, whether on a skifield or not. The more you ski, especially with friends, the more you will create moments that you will never forget.
Roundhill Ski Area FAQ
What makes Roundhill Ski Area special?
Roundhill offers a unique skiing experience thanks to its stunning views, wide-open slopes, and “old school” feel. The absence of chairlifts and the presence of rope tows and T-bars create a more intimate connection with the mountain. The expansive views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding Mackenzie District contribute to the unforgettable experience.
How do I get to Roundhill Ski Area?
You head towards Christchurch from Tekapo town, then turn onto Lilybank Road on the left. Enjoy the 24km along the eastern side of Lake Tekapo, then turn off onto our access road, which is only 8km long and has a wide and gradual gradient. It’s an easy drive.
What the facilities at Roundhill Ski Area?
The lifts at Roundhill are 2 x T-Bars, 1 x platter, and 2 x rope tows. Base Lodge Facilities: Ski & Snowboard Rental, Licensed Café, Guest Services, Ski Patrol & First Aid
Is Roundhill suitable for beginners?
While Roundhill has a range of terrain, its wide-open slopes and lack of challenging terrain make it a good option for beginners. It is always advisable to check the trail map and snow conditions.
How would you describe the terrain at Roundhill?
Roundhill is known for its wide-open slopes and groomed runs. Unlike other ski fields with gullies and chutes, Roundhill provides a sense of openness, allowing skiers to enjoy the vastness of the landscape. The most imposing feature is the steep slope on the right, boasting Australasia’s most significant vertical drop, though it only opens with sufficient snow cover.
What are the snow conditions typically like at Roundhill?
I can only say what I experienced: fresh, chalky snow with an “air of spring skiing” and off-trail powder, describing it as “the perfect mix.” However, snow conditions can vary, so it is always recommended to check the latest reports before visiting.
What are the dining options like at Roundhill?
Roundhill is a simple cafe with stunning views. A standout for me was the made-to-order toasted sandwich! Who does that?
How would you describe the overall atmosphere at Roundhill?
Roundhill has a relaxed and “chill” vibe. Its friendly atmosphere and focus on the natural surroundings contribute to a unique and enjoyable experience. I love it so much that I wrote this article about it.
