Council is helping Mt Hutt skifield celebrate its 50th birthday by bringing an ice rink to the party.

The ice rink will be set up outdoors in Methven and offer free skating on Thursday 24 August, the first night of the skifield’s big birthday weekend celebration. The rink will move indoors to the Mt Hutt Memorial Hall for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and people can pay to skate or try their hand at curling.

The birthday weekend kicks off with a big party and parade in Methven on 24 August, with lantern and float street parades, and interactive lighting. Kiwi rock band Dragon will also perform.

Entry to the ice rink will be free that night, thanks to sponsorship from Mt Hutt.

On the following days, it will operate for skating from 1-6pm, with tickets available for half-hour timeslots. You can book here.

On the Friday and Sunday nights, the rink will be open from 6.30pm until 9pm for curling competitions, with a maximum of 16 teams of four able to take part each night. Teams of workmates, friends and family and welcome to sign up.

On Saturday night, the rink will host a family disco from 6.30pm until 9pm – while older teenagers are enjoying the White Out festival and rail jam at the Methven racecourse.

On the mountain over the weekend, there will also be special activities, including a Mad Hutters Tea Party, and other fun activities.

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown said it was great that Council could be part of the 50th celebrations.

“Mt Hutt is one of our big stars when it comes to attracting tourists and most people who live here or grew up here can remember going up the mountain to try snow skiing.

"The skifield brings visitors from all over the world to our patch, and Methven and the Ashburton District's businesses benefit from their custom.

“Continuing investment in the skifield over the years has encouraged others to flourish and most recently we've seen the development of hot pools and the Staveley outdoor skating rink. This contributes to our economy and helps makes the district a great place to live and visit.

“So I wish Mt Hutt skifield and management a very happy 50th birthday and look forward to more milestones.”

To book time on the portable ice rink, please click here.