About This Route
The Cleddau Valley Ski Descent drops 1,000 vertical meters from high basins near Milford Sound's trailheads, ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers. Access via Milford Road to the Cleddau car park, skin up glacier-polished valleys toward The Chasm, and ski powder runs flanked by Mitre Peak. This 12 km tour demands 5-7 hours; combine with Key Summit for multi-run days. DOC notes no facilities between Te Anau and Milford; fuel up fully. Winter driving mirrors Homer Tunnel challenges: check SH94 status for snow/ice.
Safety Considerations
Avalanche terrain rates high; slab risks peak post-storms per Snow and Ice Data. Crevasses hide under snow bridges; probe every run. Fiordland's sandflies persist in milder valleys; use repellent. Road hazards include shaded ice patches; fit chains competently pre-departure. Adhere to REI Expert Advice: group travel, conservative lines. Monitor kea near vehicles; they chew wipers.
Essential Gear
Essential kit: Mammut Barryvox transceiver, Voile straps for skis, Petzl ice tools, Patagonia Nano Puff jacket. Vehicle snow chains, SPOT Gen4 messenger, avalanche airbag pack (ABS Vario), helmet (Sweet Protection), skins (Pomoca), and repair kit.