Just over 2 hours from Christchurch, it could be another world away. Hanmer Springs Ski Area is situated on Mt. St. Patrick, and is an easy 40 minutes drive from the alpine thermal holiday resort of Hanmer Springs. At 1850m its, part of the St James range that dominates the region. The ski runs Hanmer Springs for all stages of skiers, but especially anyone of intermediate grade who'll literally discover a mountain of fun. Access to the runs is by way of one of the longest poma lifts in the country and two rope tows.