Access Information & Maps

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: KNOW THE CODE OF CONDUCT

The land tenure and access arrangements are complex: All kiters should familiarise themselves with the information below, and read the SSKA code of conduct before they arrives. Your behaviour will directly impact (positively or negatively) access arrangements in the future for all kiters.

If you are unsure, please ask on the Southern Lakes Snow Kiers facebook group. Better to ask than to do the wrong thing and jeapordise access for the rest of us….

GETTING THERE: SNOW FARM ACCESS ROAD & CARPARK

The road from Cadrona Valley to the Snow Farm Carpark is not a public road, and may be closed at any time. Road maintenance is done by the SHPG, and a road toll is payable for those who use it. Please park as directed by Snow Farm staff when you arrive.

There are a few ways to pay your road contribution;

Per vehicle

You can pay a road toll for the vehicle either;

  • at the Snow Farm Office in season (Jun-Aug) or
  • Online at the Snow Farm Website*,
  • in the honesty box located in the main carpark to the south of the Snow Farm base building at other times (Sep-May).
  • Or by paying a for a whole winter season’s road toll** (which goes to SHPG) when joining the SSKA.

NOTES: *Snow Farm would really appreciate as many people opting for the online road toll payment, due to staff shortages with covid. **this season’s toll is valid for the entire winter, ie, after Snow Farm closes and until the snow runs out… )

Per person

An individual has paid their contribution by holding any valid Snow Farm pass (day or season), during the official Snow Farm Season*.

*Once Snow Farm closes, even if you held personally held a Snow Farm season pass, the vehicle you travel up needs to have a road toll paid via one of the methods listed in ‘per vehicle’.

Snow Farm allows us to use their customer car park. If there are Snow Farm Staff directing traffic, explain that you are going kiting for the day, so they can direct you to park in a suitable spot.

PISA CONSERVATION AREA (Crown land, administered by the Dept of Conservation)

From the Snow Farm Carpark, stick closely to the DOC route, which is marked with orange triangles on the fences and on waratahs(poles). This is a public access route through the Snow Farm, which is illustrated in green on the map below. Only when you have crossed the Roaring Meg stream are you in public land and free to roam as you wish. This information is also displayed on the SnowFarm Website.

Do not go onto any other Snow Farm trails or use Snow Farm facilities (including huts) unless you hold a valid Snow Farm day or season pass.

An alternative access easement exists from the Snow Farm carpark, through the Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground (SHPG) leading to the Pisa Conservation Area. To use this legal easement, you MUST call in at the SHPG office beside the carpark to arrange for induction and escort.

ROBROSA STATION (private farmland)

This is the land directly in front of the carpark and extending to the north of the SHPG up to Mt Pisa.

Access to Robrosa land is a privilege, not a right. To snow kite on Robrosa Station you must be a member of the Southern Snow Kiting Association and follow all rules relating to access and safety while on Robrosa Station land.

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE PROVING GROUNDS (SHPG)

Other than the SHPG easement, there is STRICTLY NO access to SHPG land. Serious hazards are present and trespassers will be prosecuted. The SHPG area is fully fenced and signposted, so you can’t inadvertently wander into the wrong place.

To use the SHPG easement, refer to the SHPG Office for access protocols

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY – Phone 111

Ask for AMBULANCE (or POLICE if the accident site is not accessible by road)

Hazards to snow kiting exist on Robrosa Station and the Pisa Conservation Area. Common hazards include: Rocks / Cliffs / Fences / Avalanche Conditions / Inclement Weather / Streams / Ice / Whiteout Conditions. Weather can change quickly, so be prepared even if it is fine when you set out.

KITE ON ROBROSA STATION LAND AT YOUR OWN RISK

Robrosa Station is not liable for death/injury to yourself or any loss/damage to your personal property.

BACK COUNTRY CODE

  • Dispose of your waste properly – you packed it in, pack it out! Use the toilets (At base building or Kirtle Burn Hut).
  • Respect wildlife and farm animals
  • Respect private property, leave gates as you find them
  • Be considerate of other user

RECOMMENDED SKILLS / EQUIPMENT:

  • Snow kiting is a back country activity. Be prepared.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go.
  • Carry appropriate navigation equipment to find your way back to the carpark in a storm or whiteout (and know how to use it).
  • Have avalanche awareness and snow skills – check the
  • Avalanche Advisory before you go backcountry
  • Carry an emergency communication device and know how to use it – note cellphone coverage is sporadic on the Pisa range

USEFUL REFERENCES:

Copyright Southern Snowkiting Association – All rights reserved

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