Winter 2025 is on the way. Opening June 28th depending on snow coverage.
Winter 2025 is on the way. Opening June 28th depending on snow coverage.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or are a seasoned snow enthusiast, you’ll find everything you need right here—from road access and chain requirements to lift hours, lessons, and rental gear.
We’ve organised the most common questions into helpful categories for easy browsing, so you can quickly find the answers you need. And if something still isn’t clear, our team is always here to help—just get in touch with us via the contact form on the site.
Get ready to plan your perfect day on the mountain!
Ours is one of the best alpine roads in the country. It is wide enough for two vehicles to easily pass, with plenty of places to stop. Cars, camper vans and buses are suitable for the road. Please carry snow chains at all times and fit them where indicated by advisory signs and on our website.
Please note there are no chain rentals in Fairlie or Tekapo .
Please carry snow chains at all times and be familiar with how to fit them. The Snow Report and signage at the snowchain fitting bay will indicate what type of vehicles(s) need to fit them. If you are not a confident or experienced driver on ice , steep roads and alpine conditions , please fit your snow chains regardless of vehicle type.
In poor weather and alpine road conditions keep your speed low, When traveling down the mountain 10 KPH is advised in icy conditions, remember to brake very gently and turn slowly and gradually.
If you have winter grade tyres you are a “4WD”. If you have low-profile or street tyres , you are classed as a “2WD” car. Please be familiar with how to fit your snow chains.
Fit your snow chains at the snow chain fitting bay, and keep an eye out for the blue signs and road cones as you are driving up the road. There is parking at the chain bay to fit your snow chains.
Yes, provided you carry snow chains and can fit them. Large camper vans with dual rear wheels require snow chains that cover both tyres.
We have a 8 seater 4wd snowshutttle bus that operates weekends and nz school holidays.
Departure times are 9.30am and 10.30am from the Top Saddle carpark , 7 km travel up our gravel road from the main gate entry at 1274 Fairlie-Tekapo highway.
The shuttle bus driver phone number is 027 283 6938. Please call or message ahead .
No, please be familiar with how to fit your snow chains before your visit.
15 km from where you leave the Fairlie – Tekapo Highway. Maximum Speed is 40KPH.
The Mt Dobson ski season runs from the July school holidays until the middle/end of September, depending on the snow.
The road is normally open at 8am with the first lift opening at 9am . Ophua Saddle Chairlift opens at 10 am.
We have 400+ acres of skiable terrain and more than 14 trails to explore. 25% green (beginners), 50% blue (intermediates) and 25% black (advanced). We have the Ophua Saddle Triple Chairlift, the Fairlie Ridge T-Bar, the Bunny Platter, and the beginner slope tow.
Mt Dobson is on State Highway 8, the main route between Christchurch and Queenstown. The alpine road starts 11km west of Fairlie and 18km east from Lake Tekapo. Mt Dobson is a 40min drive on a smooth gravel mountain road; one of the best alpine roads in the country. It is wide enough for two vehicles to easily pass, with plenty of places to stop. Cars, camper vans and buses are suitable for the road. Please carry snow chains at all times and fit them where indicated by advisory signs.
Mt Dobson does not run a shuttle service, Snow Riders NZ is a ride share option.
Relax in our Foote Rest Café where you can get Underground Coffee, Fairlie Bakehouse pies plus a range of snacks, confectionary and cold drinks.
You sure can. We have 150+ sets of skis on the mountain, including carving skis. We also have 40 snowboards and protective equipment such as helmets. There is a limited range of clothing for hire plus ski and snowboard boots, poles, helmets.Please bring your own goggles and gloves. The Ticketing Team can assist you when you arrive and get you kitted out. When you’re finished with the equipment – just bring it back to our Rentals Team.
Mt Dobson is all about great snow, varied terrain and views for miles and miles. So there’s not much to do up here other than ski or snowboard. If you’ve not tried snow sports before, we have a fantastic snow school. All of our instructors are super friendly, and they offer private or group lessons. To find out more, check out our Learn page.
Alternatively, we have The Foote Rest Café, which does great coffee and has Fairlie Bakehouse pies. So if your group is only looking to hit the slopes for half a day, bring a good book and an empty stomach and you can always set up shop in there while you wait for the others.
The beauty of skiing at Mt Dobson is that you’re never too far from your car. So whatever you don’t need while you’re skiing, just keep it in your vehicle.
We recommend you contact us on gs1@mtdobson.co.nz or book at least 48hrs ahead by sending us the Enquiry form on the “Private lesson” page . Our Group ski lesson starts at 10am and Group snowboard lesson at 12pm each day, Private lessons are 10am ,12pm and 2pm . Please arrive at least 1 hour before your lesson to check in with guest services and get fitted with any gear/equipment.
We have EFTPOS and accept Visa , mastercard and cash, but there is no cash machine on site
Yes, but Mount Dobson Ski Area is located in the TeKahui Kaupeka Conservation Park so discourages bringing your dog. If you cannot leave your dog at home, you must have your dog on a lead at all times, your pet must not wander from your car or cause a nuisance to other guests.
These Guest Services are located in the main car park, straight ahead of you as you first arrive in the car parking zone, adjacent to the Fairlie Ridge T-bar. You will pass the toilets on the way.
Foote Rest Café
Accessible Roads
What to Bring
Dobson Live
Foote Rest Café
Accessible Roads
What to Bring
Dobson Live
