Backcountry Users

Roundhill Ski Area – Backcountry Access Guidelines

✅ Before You Go

• Check Conditions:
  – Daily snow report (issued ~6am) on our website.
  – Two Thumbs Avalanche Advisory at avalanche.net.nz.
• Permission Required:
  – You must report to Ski Patrol and log your intentions.
  – Access to the backcountry from within the ski area is at Ski Patrol’s discretion.

🏔️ Access Rules & Routes

• Ski Touring Hours: Permitted only between 7am–4pm. No ski touring before 7am or after 4pm.
• When Heritage Tow is Closed: All in-bounds terrain accessed from it is closed.
• Uphill Access Route (when open):
  – Start left of Karl’s → pass Von Brown Hut → top of T1 / Ski Patrol → top of T2 → exit via Uphill Access Gate.
  – Continue up North Ridge to the summit using ski area boundary signs for direction.
  – Stay off-piste at all times.

⚠️ Safety & Equipment

• Must travel with a buddy
• Required gear: Avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel – and usage knowledge. Consider carrying a PLB.
• Expect to self-rescue – outside the ski area boundary is unpatrolled, unmanaged avalanche terrain.
• Emergency: Dial 111 if outside the ski area boundary. Contact Ski Patrol if in-bounds.
• Expect any organized rescue to be delayed and time consuming.

🚫 Prohibited

• Do not enter closed terrain or ski area after hours.
• No skiing or boarding on-piste without a valid lift pass.
• Snowmobiles are not permitted anywhere in the Roundhill Lease Area.
• No leaving vehicles beyond the gate overnight — $350 fee to open gate.
• No ski touring inside the Roundhill Lease Area during avalanche control work. Explosives may be used.

🅿️ Parking & Gate Info

• Overnight backcountry users – park at the DOC carpark gate (includes access to Camp Stream Hut).
• Gate is unlocked during ski area operating hours (7am – 5pm). Locked at all other times.

📌 Additional Notes

• Roundhill reserves the right to close access at any time for safety.
• Always check:
  – Backcountry Access status sign near the ticket office.
  – Information board by ski rentals.
  – Speak directly with Ski Patrol before heading out.
• If considering the Fox to Roundhill Traverse, contact Ski Patrol. Exceptions may apply on a conditional basis.