Mt. Hutt Ski Area operations manager James “JMac” McKenzie grabbed a sledgehammer and took a few ceromonial swings to begin demolition on what will be a transformative construction project for the New Zealand ski area.
After a few swift whacks, JMac announced Mt Hutt is planning a NZ$12 million expansion of its base area this summer, including a heated outdoor deck nearly three times larger than the one skiers use today.
Construction will begin after the 2026 season wraps and is scheduled to be finished before winter 2027. The centerpiece of the project is a major expansion of Mt Hutt’s outdoor sun deck, which will grow from roughly 4,600 square feet to nearly 14,000 square feet. The entire deck will be heated.
The project will also add a new ground-floor restroom block, heated steps providing improved access to snow level, another cafe and food outlet, and additional storage for guests and employees. Ashburton-based Bradfords Building has been selected as the principal contractor.
More Room At A Growing Ski Area
Mt Hutt says the investment is being driven by steadily increasing visitation and crowding around the base facilities, particularly on clear days following fresh snow.
JMac said the existing lodge continues to work well operationally, but the mountain needs additional seating and space as more skiers and snowboarders visit.
“We’re now at the point where adding more space and seating will make a real difference, particularly on those bluebird days after new snow when everyone wants to be up the mountain.”
The new heated deck should be especially useful at a ski area known for an exposed alpine setting and rapidly changing weather. Mt Hutt’s base facilities sit directly below the lifts, concentrating dining, storage and other services in a relatively small area when the mountain is busy.
Mt Hutt has already made operational changes aimed at easing that congestion. On designated carpool-priority days, the resort asks guests to leave bags in their vehicles rather than storing them inside cafes so indoor seating remains available for people eating and drinking.
Construction Starts After The 2026 Season
Mt Hutt is currently scheduled to operate through Oct. 11, weather permitting, with construction beginning after the lifts stop turning for the season.
The expansion is intended to give the resort more capacity without replacing the existing base lodge. McKenzie said the project is designed to bring the facilities in line with the mountain’s gradual growth while leaving room for future development.
“We’re now matching our investment in the base facilities to accommodate that growth.”
Mt Hutt plans to reveal more details about the new food and beverage outlet during the summer. If construction remains on schedule, the expanded base area and nearly 14,000-square-foot heated deck will be ready when the 2027 ski season begins.
