Ski

Affectionately known as “Dobo”, the Mt Dobson Ski Field is a monument to the tenacity of the Foote family. In the 1970s, it took Peter Foote about 10,000 hours on an elderly bulldozer to carve up a road to his ski area. His late wife Shirley used to put love notes in his lunchbox to keep him buoyed through the labour-long days. But she did more than pack his lunch; in their Fairlie backyard, Shirley made 700 concrete pipes for the culverts on the road. The ski field celebrated its 40th birthday in 2019, making it the longest-running family-operated skiing area in the country. Its all-day sun and familycheerful vibe has made it a favourite among those in the Dobo know. Now aged 77, Peter still keeps an eye on the field but these days his sons look after the operations (and his teenage grandson Lochie set up its Instagram account). Peter says theirs is the best snow in the country. The road leading to that best snow isn't too shabby either.

1274 Fairlie-Tekapo Road, Burkes Pass.

03) 281 5509, mtdobson.co.nz