Snowboarding

This summer, many people are flocking to the pools, beaches and lakes to enjoy the sun and heat that summer brings. But for some, the summer’s heat is not desired. This is why many people flock to the other half of the world to have winter again in the Northern Hemisphere’s summer. New Zealand offers winter wonderland activities in the summer months of June, July and August. In these winter months, the tourists go away, leaving many of the off-the-mountain sights to see virtually tourist-free.

Last summer, RealTravelers V&Rob took advantage of this low season, trekking through the New Zealand countryside making several stops, the first of which in Arrowtown, just twenty kilometers outside of Queenstown:

“Coronet Peak: The skifield nearest to Queenstown, this area has a fairly unscary access road for NZ and the 2 chairs and t-bar offer a reasonably good variety of terrain access. A good terrain park (including some girl sized jumps) meant a few days fun was had here. Great view of Queenstown from the top of the mountain.

Cadrona: Although billed as a “beginners resort” we found plenty to amuse us for a day - a huge park (with v scary jumps) but a good beginners box area. V and Nic surprised themselves by riding entire runs switch! Quite easy access road too.

Treble Cone: Slightly further away from Arrowtown, this resort has the most expensive lift passes ($99 per day!) but in our opinion is worth it. Nic wasn’t mad about the mogul count, but V&Rob loved the steep terrain and softish moguls as well as the awesome natural half pipes and “backcountry” feel. We will be returning…” (more…)

After conquering the slopes, these RealTravelers discovered an unexpected tourist attraction that New Zealand has to offer. V&Rob describe the experience climbing Fox Glacier:

“With the familiarization over, we got stuck into some climbing - Axes and all!! We started with some relatively easy angles and but progressed to climbing cracks and overhangs (or trying to at least) These more challenging faces meant a more technical type of climb - trying to place your axe and feet carefully to take advantage of natural cracks rather than just hammering it in with brute force.

We finished the day with almost a reverse climb, being lowered into a huge crevasse in the glacier and climbing out. This was a pretty amazing experience and provided you with spectacular views whichever way you looked - straight down was a sea of jagged ice which looked like it could tear you to pieces with one false move, to your right was a wall of deep blue ice which seemed to extend for ever (it was about 10km thick I suppose) and then to your left was an amazing view down the glacier valley.” (more…)

For glacier climbing, slalom skiing fun and more, New Zealand is a great and unique summer getaway for any adventurous traveler.

Discover more about New Zealand:

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Looking for some snow-related adventure in these last waning days of winter? Then, hurry up to South Lake Tahoe, an ideal destination for skiers and snowboarders alike, with several luxury resorts all nestled within the California and Nevada mountains. The vistas sprawl, the mountain ranges crest majestically across the crystal-clear blue skies and the powder is always fresh. Check out the voice-post below for a first-hand account of one of its many beautiful resorts: Kirkwood Mountain.

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