Neuseeland

Fortunately, the journey is not always the destination. After all, 40+ hours of traveling in planes, trains and terminals can be quite exhausting in the long run. The only question that remains is, is it worth the effort to go powdering in faraway New Zealand in the European summer?

In addition to more than 20 million sheep, over 3.9 million people also inhabit the land of the Kiwis. But now to the essentials. As there are so many sources of information about New Zealand, this report is limited to the freeride spots of the island state.

As almost all ski resorts are at the end of forest roads, some of which are steeper (5 to 15 km), having your own vehicle is almost essential for unlimited winter fun. Check the notice boards in backpackers and other hostels or check the backpacker car market, preferably for a combo with four-wheel drive - but good sleeping bags are then a must!

Here are some ski resort tips from Alex Herbert, the maker of Kingswood Skis (bamboo skis made in Kiwi land)...

An overview of the ski resorts on the North and South Island of New Zealand...