Awakino Ski Field is a climb of 15.9 kilometers (hors catégorie). Awakino Ski Field tops out at 1,445 m above sea level. It is located in Kurow, Canterbury, New Zealand / Aotearoa. The average gradient is 7.8% with a maximum of 22.6%. The climb has 1251 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: At 15.9 km, this climb is a genuine hors catégorie challenge. What makes it so hard is its two-part structure: a relatively moderate first half (average gradient of 3.5% over 8 km), followed by an extremely steep second half, with gradients peaking at 18% over nearly 4 km. The stretch from km 12 to 15 is particularly brutal, averaging 17.5% over 3 km.
Tips for managing your effort:
1. Pacing: Use the first 8 km to settle into a steady rhythm without burning your legs. The real effort starts after km 10.
2. Plan ahead for the steep sections: Shift into an easier gear before the 12%+ sections (km 11-15.9). Keep your cadence high to save your legs.
3. Stay mentally sharp: Break the final kilometres down one at a time. The gradient stays brutal right to the top (14% on the last segment), so don't ease off too early.
For cyclists seeking authenticity, the climb up to Awakino ski area is an immersion into a place frozen in time. Riders' accounts describe a simple, unpretentious spot, a true "old school ski field" where the essentials take precedence over the superfluous. This simplicity, far from being a drawback, is seen as its main charm.
The experience is closely tied to the weather. Riders report that the road, which had suffered from recent flooding, is back in good nick. However, the climb can depend on snow cover, which is described as unreliable. It's an adventure where it's wise to check conditions before setting off.
What makes this climb unique is its private club vibe, run entirely by volunteers. Riders' accounts praise the warm, community atmosphere waiting at the top. The effort of the climb is rewarded with an incredible welcome and a convivial experience, with a special mention for the whisky.
Beyond the sporting effort, riders get a one-of-a-kind escape here. The place offers accommodation and an atmosphere described as fantastic, at a price that might well make it the cheapest ski field in New Zealand. It's the promise of a well-earned reward after a demanding grind uphill.
15.9 km • 1251 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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