Industry News
Mt. Cheeseman ski area has called off its 2025 winter season, saying a prolonged lack of snow has left the mountain unable to operate safely or sustainably. The club field, located about 90 minutes northwest of Christchurch in the Craigieburn Range in New Zealand, is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, open alpine bowls, and strong volunteer culture. Unlike larger commercial resorts, Cheeseman relies heavily on community support and prides itself on offering an affordable, low-key alternative to busier South Island ski areas.
In a Facebook post, management said that despite a series of passing storms, conditions never improved enough to run lifts or safely open terrain. After nearly two months of waiting, the board opted to close operations for the season, citing the need to provide certainty for staff and to avoid further financial strain. Attention will now shift to preparations for winter 2026 and to Cheeseman’s centenary celebrations in 2029.
“Unfortunately, we have had to make the hard decision to close our ski field operations for the 2025 winter. Due to limited snow, prudent financial management and staff certainty we now need to preserve and look ahead to winter 2026 and also our 100th birthday in 2029,” the ski area wrote on Facebook.
Ski operations may be over, but Cheeseman’s Snowline Lodge and Daylodge will remain open for group bookings, weddings, backcountry trips, and summer events. Managers added that if an unusually strong storm arrives in the coming weeks, they would review whether limited operations could be possible.
The closure comes amidst a season of challenges facing New Zealand’s smaller, community-run ski areas. Just days earlier, Temple Basin, a club field in Arthur’s Pass National Park, also announced it would not open this winter after concluding its rope tows could not operate safely. Its lodge will remain available for accommodation and avalanche training courses.
Both Cheeseman and Temple Basin are part of New Zealand’s storied club field network—smaller, more rustic ski areas where members and volunteers help run operations. This year’s double closure make evident how fragile such operations can be in poor snow seasons, even as larger commercial resorts further south, including The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, continue to run despite reporting below-average snow depth.
For Cheeseman’s community, the early shutdown is a disappointment. But for now, the focus turns forward; toward the hope of deeper winters ahead and the promise of celebrating 100 years on the mountain.
