Tucked away in New Zealand’s South Island, Glenmore Station lies between the Aoraki Mt Cook and the crystal waters of Lake Tekapo. In winter, the Cass Valley becomes a pristine, snow-covered playground, offering ski touring routes that combine adventure, challenge, and breathtaking scenery.
For over a century, Glenmore Station has been in the care of the Murray family. Emily and Will are the fourth generation to run the station and hope that one day, their children will take the reins as the fifth. It’s a special place, with history, rugged landscapes, and endless opportunities for adventure.
One of our favorite parts of Glenmore is the network of huts scattered across the property, each with its own story. Memorial Hut, one of the original mustering huts, has long served as a base for ski tours. As demand grew, we added Falcon’s Nest and Whiskey Hut, perched high on the ridge between the two. Most recently, we built O’Leary Hut, situated above Waterfall Hut, offering even more options for skiers to explore the terrain.
But be warned—the routes at Glenmore are not for the faint-hearted. They stretch across rolling ridges, with steep descents into deep chutes that lead to untouched powder runs in the heart of the mountains. I remember one of my favorite moments was dropping in from Bad Decision Hut. The chutes were long, like a natural half-pipe, with steep slopes and fresh snow—some of the best conditions I’ve ever experienced in New Zealand. The hike up was tough, but that feeling of carving through powder, with rooster tails flying off every turn, was pure magic.
Another unforgettable day was skiing the faces between Whiskey Hut and Falcon’s Nest. The terrain was challenging, but it was a blast! We were lucky to have clear weather and no wind when we tackled “The Scorpion.” We passed the highest point, skied into a beautiful valley, and paused to take in the silence. In that moment, there wasn’t a single sound. Just complete stillness—a rare experience that makes ski touring in these remote areas so special.
Of course, after a long day, there’s nothing better than reaching Bad Decision Hut and finding your pre-ordered bottle of whiskey. It’s become a bit of a tradition—sharing stories of the day’s adventures while the whiskey helps ease the memory of those long climbs. Plus, as you enjoy a sip, it somehow makes your skiing seem even better as you prepare for that last run home.
Speaking of whiskey, did you know Whiskey Hut boasts the highest-altitude whiskey in the world? We’re pretty proud of that! Sitting on the ridge, it’s a great spot to wind down after a long day on the slopes.
But the fun doesn’t stop with just skiing. There’s always room for a bit of humor on the mountain. I’ll never forget the day Anthony managed to fall off the mountain at a tight corner during The Scorpion. He didn’t go far, but it was a bit of a tricky situation to get out of. The funny part? I did exactly the same thing on the same corner. Twice. Talk about déjà vu!
And then there’s Andy, who had his own little moment. While skiing down to meet me, he made an uncharacteristically funny little turn and ended up in a patch of fresh powder. Turns out, his ski had flown off, launched over the edge, and nearly disappeared into the valley below. If it hadn’t been for the angle of the launch, we’d still be looking for it!
Over the years, we’ve expanded our huts to accommodate the growing number of ski tourers who come to enjoy the backcountry experience. Lady Emily Hut was one of our first projects, built in 2012 with four beds. It became so popular that two years later, we added a South Wing, bringing the total to 10 beds. Much to my surprise, my husband named the hut after me—Emily Murray. I suppose it will give future generations something to talk about!
When it comes to the best hut, we all have opinions. For me, it’s all about getting warm and dry quickly, so a good wood burner is a must. Lady Emily has that covered with great insulation and a reliable water source for cooking and hydration. Personally, I think we need a better system than melting snow off the roof, though!
For some, the perfect hut needs a few more luxuries. How about a helicopter for access, running water, and of course, free whiskey? Now that’s living!
If you’re after the ultimate hut experience, we’ve even discussed a pay-it-forward system where one group brews beer for the next, so when you arrive at the hut, the beer is already cold and waiting. Genius, right?
At the end of the day, ski touring at Glenmore Station is about more than just the skiing. It’s about stepping into a place where time slows down, where the land’s raw beauty challenges and rewards you in equal measure. We love sharing this place with others who come to experience it. If you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure, Glenmore Station is waiting.