Forest Lodge NZ

17/07/2026

2 day Avalanche awareness course being offered up Cheeseman next weekend. Insanely cheap $200 for Cheeseman members, $300 non-members.
Accommodation and food included!!!

❄AVALANCHE + BACKCOUNTRY AWARENESS WEEKEND

🎤 Cheeseman is running a 2-day avalanche and backcountry awareness session on the mountain next weekend, 25 & 26 July.

ℹ The package includes the 2 days of tuition, accommodation Saturday night at Snowline Lodge, Saturday night dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch — you will just need to bring lunch for Saturday.

Build Confidence:

The 2-day programme will be led by our resident 2026 Snow Safety Officer. It is designed to teach some basic skills in avalanche awareness and travelling into backcountry areas.

• Learn Avalanche Awareness
• Snow pack basics
• Rescue techniques and equipment
• Safe travel practices

🕰️ Start time: Sat 9.30am at the Cheeseman Day Lodge. Finish time: Sun 3:00pm

⛷ Suitable for both:

• skiers and snowboarders with backcountry gear
• trampers with sturdy boots

Package:

• Sessions, accommodation & food: *Members $200, Non-members $300

(Sorry but unfortunately we are unable to accept work party vouchers as payment)

☎ To Book: Email [email protected] or call 021 646 601.

Once you've booked, we will email out a registration form and full details of the two days and what you'll need to bring.

Registration Closes Thursday 23rd July, 5pm.

We do have some spare transceivers etc. if you don't have avalanche gear — let us know when you book.

❗Note: For clarity and transparency, this is not an official course linked with any external organisation or endorsements, and we won't be issuing any certificates at the conclusion.

16/07/2026

Splitfest 2026 at Forest Lodge this September
15 years of celebrating the split

! WE ARE BACK !

Join us to celebrate 15 years of Splitfest NZ!
Our base camp is nestled at the foot of Mt Cheeseman, in the mighty Craigieburn Range.
Movie Screenings, guest speakers, our expedition fund raffle and the legendary Saturday night party!
Meet new touring buddies, share stoke and knowledge.
Learn to Splitboard with demo gear available.
Splitfest is all about community, good vibes, and celebrating the backcountry. Get amongst Aotearoa’s annual gathering of splitboarders and backcountry enthusiasts
Ticket includes Friday and Saturday night bunk room accommodation plus shared dinner meal both nights.
Cost: $150

Biggest of shout outs to all the contributing sponsors who make this event possible and showing their support of the NZ Backcountry scene!

.effectbrewing .retreat

For our event poster this year we have none other than our founding father .orchard leaving a trail of cold smoke in Tarn Basin from last year’s event. Image by

For more info and to register, hit the link in our bio.

See you there!

27/05/2026

OG Forest Lodge vibes!

📸 THROW BACK THURSDAY

📅The year was 1982, the former Forest Lodge had been lost to fire and was reconstructed with a Fraemohs building which stands today and is well utilised over both the summer and winter seasons.

In this photo the Lodge is being officially opened by long standing member Nui Robins (who was also an ex President & Club Patron) with a few recognisable guests, some who were perhaps committee members at the time, looking on. Again the eagle eyed amongst you may know who some of these faces are?

20/05/2026

Froffers getting after it ⛸️⛸️⛸️⛸️⛸️

First tracks for the season!! Well done everyone Michelaé Reeve Liam James Mike O'Connell Tash Tilbury Annabelle Ashby

Black ice at Cheeseman rink, 35mm not very strong but fun all the same, would definitely need another frost or 2 but with warm winds currently blowing and a weather change on the way we may need to wait for the next window.

10/05/2026

That's a wrap for these trails MTB frothers, stick to the trees where there's still loads of fun to be had. Also friendly reminder to dust off ya planks & get ready for ❄️❄️❄️❄️

Send a message to learn more

14/03/2026

Grateful to be able to host these bunch of legends from Search and Rescue Dogs Avalanche NZ 🐾❤️
Canines saving humans since way back!

03/12/2025

Throw the Cheese a buck if you can! Or even better- book the Snowline Lodge for your next gathering!
Help keep the clubfield dream alive for we are so lucky to have places like this still around 🙏💙
Any amount of koha helps 🥰