So, you’re thinking about heading to Queenstown for a ski holiday. You’ve made the right decision – with a ski season from June to early October, four world-class ski fields and some of the best slopes for beginners it's the perfect place to start. Queenstown's four ski areas are all within a short drive of downtown Queenstown (Coronet Peak is just 20 minutes away), and there are loads of epic activities to fill your days off, from adrenaline thrills, relaxing spas and a world-renowned food and wine scene. Here’s what you can expect.
Ski & snowboard rental
Ski & snowboard rental How to get to Queenstown's ski resorts
Getting here is easy no matter if you're embarking on a roadtrip with your mates or flying in. Our airport is located just 20 minutes from downtown Queenstown and it’s a hop, skip and a jump whether you’re taking the bus, catching a taxi or driving.
Getting to the ski fields is just as easy. You can drive yourself up or if you've flown in, there are a host of car rental options available, as well as ski shuttles and mountain transport options to take you from your hotel to the slopes, so consider yourself covered. Be sure to check the individual ski area's snow reports for the latest updates before you head up.
Organising ski and snowboard gear
As for equipment, you can leave yours at home and hire skis or snowboards when you get to town. Most ski rental shops will deliver your gear to your accommodation, or you can just rent at the ski field and pick up when you arrive and drop off when you’re done for the day.
If you've left your goggles or gloves in the garage at home, don’t despair – the town is also full of big-name sports equipment stores for those last-minute purchases.
Family ski day at Cardrona Alpine Resort
Queenstown's four ski areas
Coronet Peak
15 June - 22 September 2024
Now, back to the slopes. Coronet Peak is closest to Queenstown, just 20 minutes drive. Their morning First Tracks sessions give early access from 8am-9am meaning you can easily be back downtown by mid-morning. Then you can spend the afternoon exploring the wineries or tackling more adventure activities. Coronet Peak is also open for night skiing on Wednesdays and Fridays and select Saturday nights during the July school holidays, giving you plenty of options to ensure you make the most of both ski-time and town-time.
Coronet Peak
The Remarkables
15 June – 13 October 2024
The Remarkables base lodge, at 1586m in elevation, is one of the best in New Zealand, with soaring glass walls and fresh food, and it’s ski-in, ski-out so you can rest your weary legs. If you drive yourself, shuttles give you a ride from the car park to the base lodge, where you can pick up your lift pass and then ski out the door. The views on the drive up are impressive and the expansive learner’s area makes it a great mountain for first-timers on a ski lesson.
The Remarkables Ski Area
Cardrona Alpine Resort
15 June - 13 October 2024
Cardrona Alpine Resort, located 50 minutes drive from Queenstown, is much-loved by everyone from beginners to families, to Olympic and X Games athletes.
Got little ones in tow? Take the kids to Cardrona and hand them over to the fully licensed childcare centre (perfect for children from three months to five years old). Toddlers will love the snow play at Ski Kindy. The older ones will totally dig the four-day Adventure Programmes where they’ll make plenty of friends. Cardrona is great for beginners with its wide open slopes and 'chondola', a combined lift of gondola cabins and chairs, making it easy for first-time skiers and snowboarders to ride to the top of the mountain on their first day.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Treble Cone
Late June - early October 2024
Treble Cone near Wānaka is worth the drive for the vistas from the chairlift alone, best enjoyed by intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders. There is simply no other ski field in the world with a view as spectacular as this one. Even if you spend your day on the deck sipping flat whites while drinking in the view, then you’ve had a day well spent. But you’ll want to click into skis or a snowboard, take a lesson, and discover the open bowls, off-piste powder and super groomers the mountain is known for.
Treble Cone