Day Pass Discounts

One of the serious downsides of being a fully-fledged, salary earning responsible adult is certainly the loss of discounted day passes. Once you hit 6 years old, the price just keeps on climbing… for the next 60-odd years! But fret no more: the multitude of day pass discounts and two-for-one adult offers available at some of New Zealand’s top ski areas will have you (and your wallet) thinking you’re a money grubbing student once more. You just need to know where to look…

The cure for Mondayitis

If you can wheedle a long weekend, Monday is probably the best value day for hitting the slopes. Porters, for example, offers two-for-one adult day passes on every Monday of the season except during school holidays. That’s just $79 for two adults, all day!

Mt Dobson offers the same two-for-one Monday deal for just $70 all up.

At Rainbow Ski Area, when you’re purchasing a full price day pass during a weekend you can also purchase a Monday day pass for half-price. Even better, the Monday pass is redeemable on any Monday throughout the entire season. Better yet, purchase a 5 day anytime pass in a weekend and you'll get a Monday day pass for FREE.

Super specials

As well as their fantastic two-for-one discount on Mondays, Porters is offering two-for-one deals on adult learn to ski or snowboard packages. Two hours of lessons, ski hire equipment and beginner's lift passes for two for only $95 !

At Mt Dobson in the Mackenzie Country, ladies can ski all day for half day rates (that's just $50 in 2010). Also, visit Dobson on your birthday, prove your DOB and you ski FREE!

My Lyford is a family friendly ski area offering a 10% discount for families purchasing full day passes and ski or snowboard hire for two adults and two or more children.

Discounts for dossers

If you’ve got a few days to spend on the field it makes sense to stay nearby. Accommodation packages often make for serious savings on lift passes.

Guests of Lake Ohau Lodge, for example, can get an Ohau adult day pass for just $60 and a child pass for only $24 .

Hanmer Springs Ski Area offers non-members some great accommodation discounts: Pay for 2 nights and get the third free or pay for 3 nights and get two nights free!

Or why not make a night of it at Broken River Lodge? For $70 you’ll get dinner, bed (byo sleeping bag) and breakfast in true ‘club style’ (as in, they supply the food, you help with cooking and cleaning). Plus, squeeze in a few night runs: 5pm-9pm for just $30 .

Speaking of night riding…

Coronet Peak also offers night skiing. For $49 per adult you can ski from 4-9pm every Friday or Saturday from July to mid September (conditions permitting, of course). At less than $10 per hour, who needs daylight?

Or why not make a night of it with Coronet Peak's Family Nights on Saturdays: Kids eat FREE at the base restaurant (1 free kids meal with every adult meal purchased), and sightseeing lift passes are available for just $15 per adult or $10 per child or senior.

Ongoing specials

For significant ongoing savings at Cardrona, check out the Cardrona Club Card. It costs $35 to purchase and adult day passes thereafter are $74 as opposed to $89 . It also gives you discounts at local tourism operations like AJ Hackett bungy jumping, Shotover Jet Queenstown, Southern Lakes Heli Ski and Skydive Lake Wanaka.

Many fields offer off-peak rates at the start and end of the season. These are usually priced around $10 less than peak rates, so worth keeping an eye out for.

And eyes should also be peeled for some ski area promotions that will be popping up in local newspapers or online throughout the season (like Hanmer Springs' free kids skiing in the July school holidays!)

So why not take a long weekend, venture somewhere new and stay a night or two? Make the most of the great deals on offer, and remember – if you don’t ask, you don’t get!

All prices are correct as at winter 2010. Please contact ski areas directly to confirm pricing before purchase.