Mt Lyford
Alpine
Resort
Get to Mt Lyford from just $30.00 return trip per person!
Tucked away in the stunning Kaikōura Ranges of North Canterbury, Mt Lyford Alpine Resort is a hidden gem for snow lovers looking for a more relaxed, authentic alpine experience. Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, this family-owned and operated ski field offers breathtaking views, uncrowded slopes, and a true Kiwi mountain vibe.
Whether you're a beginner finding your feet or an experienced skier or snowboarder chasing powder, Mt Lyford has something for everyone. With well-groomed trails, backcountry access, a dedicated learner’s area, and even a terrain park, it’s the perfect spot for all ages and skill levels.
The resort also boasts one of the most picturesque and rustic alpine lodges in Aotearoa — the Mt Lyford Lodge, your basecamp for pre-ski coffee, post-ski craft beers, and hearty Kiwi kai. And if your crew’s keen, the Snow Express is happy to stop at the Lodge on the way home for a bit of après-ski action (just let us know when booking).
Highlights of Mt Lyford Alpine Resort:
Family-friendly with a warm, local feel
Natural terrain with a great mix of runs
Beginner slopes, intermediate trails, and advanced backcountry
On-site café and alpine lodge with bar and restaurant
Epic views of the Kaikōura coastline and alpine valleys
Fewer crowds than the big-name fields – more space to play!
If you're after a laid-back snow adventure with soul, Mt Lyford is the real deal — and the Snow Express is the easiest way to get there.
Questions and answers
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The lifts open at 9am and close at 4pm every day.
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From Mt Lyford Lodge, it’s an 8km drive up a well-maintained gravel road that winds through beautiful native beech forest and climbs into stunning alpine terrain.
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The Snow Express does not sell day passes to Mt Lyford Ski Resort.
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The Snow Express aims to arrive at Mt Lyford around 9:00 AM — just in time for the lifts to start turning! After a full day on the slopes, we’ll depart from the ski field at 3:00 PM and head back down the mountain.
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Absolutely! Your go-to spot is Mt Lyford Lodge – one of the largest log cabins in the Southern Hemisphere, beautifully refurbished and reopened in September 2022.
Open Thursday to Sunday, the lodge dishes up alpine goodness with a stone grill, an all-day menu featuring local produce, and a top-notch selection of craft beers — including their own Lyford Porter on tap.
Even better, if you're keen to enjoy some après-ski vibes, the Snow Express can stop at the lodge for dinner on the way home. Just let us know when you book, and we’ll lock it in.
Great food, cosy vibes, and a cold beer – the perfect end to an epic day on the slopes!
Show the Snow Express Team some love and shout us a coffee!
