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WHAT ARE THE CLUBBIES?
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KIT
How did a snow-sports outlier spawn some of the best skiers in the world?
Have you ever wondered what skiing and snowboarding was like in the ‘good old days’, before mammoth queues, impersonable crowds, untracked powder that lasts as long as it takes to eat the lunch that you’ve had to take out a second mortgage just to buy on the mountain? Cue ‘The Clubbies’. Step back in time (not too far though, our pioneers used to walk a long way just to strap on their planks) and experience the last frontier of skiing and snowboarding at New Zealand's club ski fields, without the disinfected, disconnected feeling that often taints modern day alpine experiences. Find good lines, good people and an amazing vibe at the club fields - an incredibly unique experience near Christchurch, NZ where human ingenuity, quirk and even craft beer combine to make for a cocktail of magic memories on snow.
Just like any ski area anywhere in the world, you’ll need the basic assortment of kit when you visit the clubbies, from warm base layers to waterproof outer layers, sunglasses, goggles, helmet, wooly hat, skis/poles/snowboard & boots, gloves, day pack, and some form of transport to get you there. Below we’ve listed our recommendations on where to get hold of the essentials that you’ll need when you hit The Clubbies.
Tired of waterproof breathable jackets that wear out? Then the Cactus Mountain jacket is for you. Built in ultra tough 3 layer WTF-3 fabric, with real exterior pockets and no bogus lighter-weight pocket linings that leak, this heavy duty jacket will protect you from the elements with way more durability than your average cut-price waterproof/breathable garment.
• Fully seam sealed
• Foldaway hood domes away into fleece-lined tall collar
• Draw cord at hem
• YKK zips because they're the best
• Guaranteed for life, like all Cactus product
• Made right here in NZ
Check out the Mountain Jacket here
Seam sealed Nylon face waterproof and breathable fabric, reinforcing on cuffs, knee, seat and crutch to prevent chilly alpine blowouts. External pockets for extra durability, waterproofness and easy access. Internal snow cuffs - face shots are cool, pow up inside your legs isn't.
• Extended zip fly flap to ensure what's behind your fly stays dry.
• Cordura reinforcement all over the crotch and behind.
• Built in knee mats insure comfort when working on your knees.
• Quick exit/entry ankles with 360 degree cordura and domed/elasticated snow cuff.
• YKK zips for rugged durabilty.
• Made in NZ
Merino wool base layers from Icebreaker are the perfect way to stay comfortable during any activity. Icebreaker merino base layers are an integral part of their signature merino wool layering system. They use only the finest merino wool to ensure that you have the most comfortable, lightweight and moisture-wicking material out there while you're shredding The Clubbies.
Icebreaker Merino is cool in the heat and warm in the cold and can be used as part of a superb layering system; from base layer, through to mid and outer layers. Bivouac Outdoor stocks the entire New Zealand range online, so browse through the latest and greatest merino clothing from Icebreaker.
When you visit The Clubbies you'll usually be given a tow belt - a wide profile belt that's secured around your waist, just above your butt, with a nutcracker attached - essential for riding the rope tows. Good to go.
However, if you're going to be sticking around for more than a week, it's a good idea to get your hands on a good harness and your own nutcracker attached with nutcracker cord and carabiners. This is an inexpensive way to get super comfortable riding up the rope tows, and an easy way to look like a boss!
Gnomes in Darfield have everything you need to get you cruising up the rope tows at The Clubbies with Steez.
Freeriding is about having FUN – and that’s why Icelantic have developed the Nomad Freeride Series. Each ski in this series is sure to turn any club field into your personal playground! Whether you're playing on natural features or bounding through the deepest pow, you’ll find the Nomad Freeride Series is a crowd pleaser!
It's almost like these skis were designed with The Clubbies in mind. Brought to the ski-astute New Zealand public by Inertia, The Nomad 105 is Icelantic’s flagship model, best-selling ski and the foundation of the Nomad Freeride Collection. Its 105mm platform and bombproof construction allows for great floatation and stability all over the mountain.
Icelantic are the bees knees - they utilise the highest quality craftsmanship and materials, creating the most durable skis on the market. They also offer the industry's most comprehensive 3-Year Warranty, ensuring that you believe in their products just as much as they do.
This energetic freeride tool is best described as playful, surfy and most importantly FUN! Go ahead, see what everyone has been talking about and get on a pair!
Ski boots are Salomon's strong suit and they've been playing their hand with confidence over the years, offering uncompromised quality to the skiing community.
120 Flex, 98mm last ,1.58KG, 47° range of motion
The Salomon MTN Lab boot hikes up like a lightweight touring boot, charges down like a freeride boot. There is no compromise with the MTN LAB and it's a perfect accompaniment to any touring expedition over the back of The Clubbies.
Through sublime alignment of the comfort/capacity/common-sense parameters, the Patrol has found an appreciative audience amongst skiers, boarders or anyone wanting a good all around pack.
• Cushy padded C-Lam harness and waist belt for all day comfort
• Front shovel pocket, for fast access to your shovel or a great place for your scroggin
• Ice axe loops
• Side pockets for shovel handles, water bottles and internal pockets for a hydration bladder and avalanche probes
• Ski straps with a side release buckle for easy ski carrying
• Compatible with our DB Boardstraps (sold separately) for carrying your snowboard
• Made in NZ
Check out the Patrol Pack here
Emerging from the shady powder stashes of the Canterbury club fields comes the Sedition. We’re taking the best features of previous Seditions and incorporating elements from our other packs that also get skiing duty to create what we think is the ideal skiing/boarding day pack.
A mid-size pack, designed to be just big enough to carry a jacket, hydration, snacks, shovel and probe and utilising multiple cunningly simple options for carrying ski's or snowboards comfortably and easily.
We’re talking lightweight, stripped down, minimal Cactus durable practicality here, the perfect day pack for hiking lines from the lifts, afternoon booter sessions in the side country or to simply have the safety gear on hand - just in case....
Not just a 10 week a year (ski) pack - the Sedition is also a sweet day walking, commuting, biking or school pack. It's just plain awesome.
In 1992 Blair Jacobs with friend, Ian Luxford, embarked on a 100 day traverse of the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Upon completion Blair needed a means to continue this lifestyle so with the help of designer, Clare Cosson, a business was born.
Drawing on Blair's extensive experience of lightweight trips into New Zealand's most rugged alpine areas, he started making customised down clothing. Twenty odd years later now utilising the latest technology in fabrics and the highest quality goose down from Northern Europe, this philosophy continues.
Wear On Earth custom makes every jacket to fit each individual. Every jacket is still proudly made in New Zealand and still sold directly to you.
Bivouac Outdoor has the backcountry covered with their great range of safety gear from some of the biggest brands in the snow world. Transceivers, shovels and probes are just the start of the basics you need to be safe in the backcountry and they've got a great selection. Whether you're ripping it up in bounds at The Clubbies or out the back on a touring adventure, Bivouac Outdoor have your snow safety needs well and truly covered.
The Touchdown family has over 60 years experience in hospitality. When starting a rental car business in Christchurch back in 2011 their goal was to use this experience to provide a rental car offering with a high level of friendly service.
Their philosophy is to offer late-model car rental in Christchurch at the price you would expect to pay for much older vehicles.
Local knowledge means they tailor your car rental in Christchurch to your trip requirements, whether you need a 4WD equipped vehicle with ski racks or a boutique MINI for a one-way journey. Their level of service along with the quality of their vehicles makes Touchdown your best option for vehicle hire while visiting our beautiful South Island.
Ski racks, snow chains and roof boxes are available with every rental vehicle from Touchdown.
If you're heading over the back, make sure you've got the right gear to handle rock, ice, powder and anything the mountains can throw at you. The nights are dark and the going is tough in the backcountry - so get kitted up with a head torch, crampons, a helmet, ropes, carabiners and specialty ice climbing equipment to keep you protected in the backcountry. Bivouac Outdoor offer friendly, expert advice and have the largest selection of winter tools and gear across New Zealand.
Whether you're accessing some big peaks in the Black Range or simply wanting to be comfy during some down time in and around the huts of The Clubbies, Bivouac Outdoor have your feet sorted.
Inspired by the best peaks and trails in New Zealand, Bivouac Outdoor have put together a range of footwear that will last the test of time both in durability and in performance. Whether you're walking round the local park, or climbing Mt Cook, they've got top performing footwear built to last in a variety of terrain.
Feel at ease shopping in your undies. Gnomes Alpine Sports offers the same great products through their swanky website where you get access to thousands of quality products, backed up by solid advice which is just an email or phone call away.
Browse through the latest and greatest snow gear to whet even the most retail-addicted appetites and get sorted for winter.
When visiting the Clubbies you may want to rent some gear, rather than splashing out, or drop your gear off for a tune on your day off. Check out these awesome providers of top notch offerings that'll be just-the-job for your foray into the hills.
20 years of experience in arranging, organising, planning and guiding your students and guests.
Tours
Apart from a modern fleet, you require a happy driver to guide you around. All the Smylies drivers get special happiness training so they can pass on the good vibes to everyone.
Ski field Transport
Smylies service Porters Ski Area, Broken River, Craigieburn and Mt Cheeseman and can get you there in a 4WD van or bus from Christchurch International Airport or City.
The Ski & Snowboard Surgery has been operating from back alley locations around Christchurch since 1998. Now in their 20th year of operation in Christchurch, they're providing skiers and snowboarders from the club fields of Canterbury with solid as rock repairs and smooth as silk tunes to keep you sliding with ease down your favourite runs.
They offer regular tunes, including base grinds and waxing, to comprehensive repair jobs after those "Bugger" moments.
Call in and say hi to Hampi - he'll sort you out with excellent service, a friendly smile and repairs to match. You can find them at 81 Clarence St, Tower Junction, Riccarton.
Gnomes Alpine Sports offers high quality ski and board rental at the lowest prices. Located in Darfield on state highway 73 which is en route to all Canterbury ski areas, Gnomes have a solid technical background combined with friendly service.
Gnomes are your one-stop shop for everything you need for your day or even a week in the snow:
Skis
Boards
Boots
Clothing
Snowchains
Backcountry Gear
Avalanche Equipment
Touring Skis
Helmets
And much more....
Book online and save 10%! Check out prices using the link below.
The Touchdown family has over 60 years experience in hospitality. When starting a rental car business in Christchurch back in 2011 their goal was to use this experience to provide a rental car offering with a high level of friendly service.
Their philosophy is to offer late-model car rental in Christchurch at the price you would expect to pay for much older vehicles.
Local knowledge means they tailor your car rental in Christchurch to your trip requirements, whether you need a 4WD equipped vehicle with ski racks or a boutique MINI for a one-way journey. Their level of service along with the quality of their vehicles makes Touchdown your best option for vehicle hire while visiting our beautiful South Island.
Ski racks, snow chains and roof boxes are available with every rental vehicle from Touchdown.
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