Guide To Queenstown Skiing

The need to know info on skiing in Queenstown

Arguably the skiing mecca of New Zealand, Queenstown offers skiers and snowboarders four main ski resorts within a 90 minute drive. This lively ski resort comes into its own during the winter season with a combination of premier events, festivals, buzzing nightlife, world-class competitions, premier ski fields, and ample opportunities for snow based adventure.

The passion for the winter season can be experienced at the annual Queenstown Winter Festival which officially kicks off the ski season and now attracts over 45,000 people duing its 10 day programme of fun events.

The ski season in Queenstown lasts around a month longer than other resorts in the country (June-October). The town has an excellent infrastructure to deal with the influx of skiers and adventure tourists who pour into here all year round, so expect a plethora of good bars, restaurants and shops, as well as an impressive mix of accommodation, from backpacking hostels to five star luxury hotels.

Ski Resorts:

The two resorts based in Queenstown itself are The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Driving further out through the Crown Range, lays Cardrona, a family favourite resort that's located between Queenstown and Wanaka. Treble Cone is the largest ski resort, located in the smaller alpine resort town of Wanaka.
The Remarkables:

The resort sits just 45 minutes from The Remarkables â a mountain range that hosts a wide variety of slopes and terrains for all abilities. From gentle nursery slopes, ideal for families and beginners, up through the more inclined runs, to the full Black Diamond adrenalin-pumpers, the ski fields here are not only world-class, but user-friendly and, importantly, very affordable.

Kids often get free lift passes, and if you sign up for an all-inclusive package, you can make some good savings on equipment hire, transfers, lessons and even accommodation. The Remarkables also has a snow tubing park, a halfpipe, terrain park, and a beginner's area withregular buses from Queenstown.

Skill Level - 30% Beginners, 40% Intermediate, 30% Advanced.
Skiing Area - 357 Hectares.
Lifts - 3 x Chair, 1 x Handle Tow, 3 x Surface Conveyor Lifts.
Elevation - 1943m
Apres Ski - Fully licensed cafe and bar.
Lift Opening Hours - 9.00am - 4.00pm.
Lift Passes - Pricing.

Coronet Peak:

The other major ski field in the area is Coronet Peak, 18km northeast of Queenstown. Many prefer it over The Remarkables, because it's closer to town with just a 20 minute drive and the views are just spectacular. There's some good piste-skiing, plus excellent chairlifts, 'quiet time' skiing, and slopes for all levels. Coronet Peak even offers night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays until 9.00pm from July to September.

Skill Level - 25% Beginners, 45% Intermediate, 30% Advanced.
Skiing Area - 280 Hectares.
Lifts - 3 x Chair, 1 x T-Bar, 4 x Carpet Lifts.
Elevation - 1649m.
Apres Ski - Fully licensed restaurant and bar, cafe, outdoor Mexican Cantina.
Lift Opening Hours - 9.00am - 4.00pm.
Lift Passes - Pricing.

Both The Remarkables and Coronet Peak get very busy during school holidays, though, so worth noting before planning your trip. In ski season, there's a real buzz with the centre of Queenstown packed full of thrill seekers, determined to make the most of the late night bars and clubs.

Cardrona and Treble Cone:

Head further beyond Queenstown, and there are the skiing resorts of Cardrona, situated between Queenstown and Wanaka and Treble Cone, a popular ski resort just outside of Wanaka. Read more in our Wanaka Skiing Guide.

Ski Transport:

A number of operators provide ski shuttle services to the resorts. View our Ski Transport guide for a choice of operators.

Ski and Snowboard Rentals:

A number of ski rental shops can be found in the centres of Queenstown and Wanaka. Shops will both sell and rent out skis, snowboards, boots, poles and accessories plus run a repair and tuning workshop. A few of these companies will also provide a shuttle and ski pass service. View our Ski and Snowboard Rentals guide for a choice of operators.

More Information: