Students trapped up Mt Hutt

Bad weather has trapped more than 300 people, including 240 college students, on Mt Hutt.

Mt Hutt staff made the decision to close the mountain around 11.30am when the weather deteriorated.

Ski area manager James McKenzie said a number of people made it safely down the road but at noon, snow and wind had reduced visibility so much they were forced to close the road completely.

"Guest safety is of paramount concern and we're continually assessing the conditions. We won't rush to get people down until visibility improves," he said.

A group of about 270 Mt Hutt College students, staff and parents on an annual ski trip are among the 316 visitors stuck on the mountain.

The students, in years seven to 12, are all in good spirits, Mr McKenzie said, and are taking the opportunity to play in the new snow.

Should the group need to spend the night on the mountain, they will be "well looked after", Mr McKenzie said.