Ski Holidays & AccommodationBOOK
Activity: School Trip to Mt Cheeseman
Location: Mt Cheeseman Ski Field, Castle Hill, Canterbury
Date: [Insert date]
Lead Teacher: [Insert name & contact]
Number of Students: [Insert number]
Staff/Adult Supervisors: [Insert names and ratios]
Transport Provider: [Insert details]
Mountain contact in event of emergencies: Cam Lill 021 104 0599 or Sam Timbrell 027 483 9671
There are some general risks associated with a trip to any alpine or ski area including Mt Cheeseman Ski Area. These include but are not necessarily limited to the following:
Below is a list of possible hazards to consider prior to your visit:
| Hazard | Risk | Preventive Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Conditions | Hypothermia, sunburn, blizzard risk | Check forecasts; cancel or modify trip if unsafe; ensure students wear appropriate gear. Bring sunblock. Sunblock available in Day Lodge café during winter, if forgotten. |
| Slippery/Icy Surfaces | Slips, falls, fractures | Enforce safe walking/skiing behaviour; ensure appropriate footwear. |
| Separation from Group | Lost child | Use buddy system; regular headcounts; clear meeting points; hi-vis vests/armbands for juniors, EPIRBs useful. |
| Equipment Malfunction | Injury from poorly fitted gear | All snow gear fitted by Mt Cheeseman rental staff; helmets required. |
| Inexperience on Skis, hiking trails or bikes | Falls, collisions, avalanches, slips | Mandatory ski lessons with instructors; learners kept to designated areas. |
| Ski Lift Use | Loading/unloading mishaps | Lift safety briefing; beginner lifts OR lower T-bar only unless approved; adult monitoring. |
| Altitude/Sun Exposure | Dehydration, sunburn | Encourage hydration, sunscreen reapplication, regular rest breaks. |
| Transport to Field | Road accident | Licensed mini bus provider (9–18 max – buses can’t get up) or group of 4WD vehicles with chains; seat belts; staff spaced throughout vehicles. |
| Medical/Emergency | Allergy, injury | Ski patrollers have full first aid facilities in winter; in summer, your teachers and instructors are responsible for any injury or emergency. |
| PEOPLE | EQUIPMENT | ENVIRONMENT |
|---|---|---|
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In order to minimize the risk associated with the hazards presented by the mountain environment, Mt Cheeseman recommends Risk Management Strategies be implemented by your group.
| PEOPLE | EQUIPMENT | ENVIRONMENT |
|---|---|---|
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The ski area access road to Mt Cheeseman Ski Area is checked and maintained by our experienced and competent maintenance staff. A road grader is employed in snow and ice clearance and there are four chain fitting bays along the road. In Summer, there is a locked gate to drive above Forest Lodge. Contact the office to get the code.
Please observe all road signs and instruction from staff members; if in doubt please call ahead.
| PEOPLE | EQUIPMENT | ENVIRONMENT |
|---|---|---|
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Reckless or dangerous skiing, snowboarding, or mountain biking will not be tolerated.
Tobogganing is only allowed in the designated areas. No tobogganing is allowed on the ski area.
Summer: Emergency plan: call 111, then emergency contact/ambulance if needed.
Winter: Mt Cheeseman Ski Area is committed to the health and safety of all employees and guests. We aim to protect every employee and guest from accidental injury and/or damage. However an unforeseen emergency may arise during your visit. In the event of such an emergency occurring Mt Cheeseman will implement its Emergency Management Plan for the event. Possible emergencies include but are not limited to: significant vehicle accident, medical/trauma incident, fire, avalanche, earthquake etc.
Cheeseman staff when the ski field is open in winter include highly qualified and experienced Ski Patrol. Our Ski Patrol staff are trained in emergency response and evacuation procedures, general first aid techniques, mountain rescue and avalanche safety. If an emergency were to occur during ski field operations, our Ski Patrol staff will respond as soon as possible. Outside of ski field operating, there are no staff at Snowline Lodge. There is a manager at Forest Lodge year-round.
A general first aid medical facility is located in the base area of the ski field. In the event of a serious or life-threatening accident medical rescue helicopter(s) may be available for evacuation to Christchurch hospital. Helicopter rescue is dependent upon the current weather and the availability of the rescue helicopter.
The nearest medical centre is in Darfield, then Christchurch.
• Every adult has:
o A list of student names & allergies/medical needs.
o Emergency contact info & ski patrol contact number.
o A phone or radio for communication.
• Clear meeting point (e.g. “Meet at the lodge at 1pm”).
• First aid kits carried by supervising staff or available at the lodge.
Student Briefing (Before & On Site)
• Brief students on:
o Safe behaviour (no snowball fights, no reckless skiing, biking, keep clothing away from heaters in lodges).
o How to read ski signage and obey rope/tape barriers.
o What to do if separated (go to lodge or tell an adult).
o Using the buddy system — always!
Other Considerations
• Permission slips signed by guardians, including medical and emergency contacts.
• Contingency plan for weather closure or accidents (e.g. indoor activity backup or early return).
• Trip report/log for accountability and review.
The Mt Cheeseman team looks forward to welcoming you to our amazing alpine playground. It is our goal to make it a safe, memorable and fun day for your group. If you have any questions or concerns about your visit, please do not hesitate to contact us:
General Enquiries: T 03 318 8794 | E ski@nullmtcheeseman.co.nz
We look forward to seeing you on the mountain!
