We took a hike part way up the mountain following the trail to the ski field.
This is the ski field...the light green part.
Yes, people hike for about 30 minutes up a trail (with equipment in hand) used by the DOC (Dept of Conservation) to here, where they put their skis and stuff on the cable car.
Then, they go through this tunnel (which is an avalanche shelter)...
...down, across the gully, up the other side (you can see the railing in the shot below)...
...to get to the lodge to ski.
It seems like a whole lot of work to me but it must be worth it.
