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 the slopes, from adrenaline thrills, to relaxing spas and a world-renowned food and wine scene. 

If you’re visiting Queenstown for the first time for a ski holiday, or you’re a first time or beginner skier, then this guide is for you.

Getting here and getting to the ski resorts

Getting here is easy whether you're heading on a road trip with your mates or flying in. The airport is located just 20 minutes from downtown Queenstown. Buses leave the airport for the CBD about every 15 – 30 minutes, or you can take a taxi or hire an EV.

Getting to the ski fields is just as easy. There are ski buses, shuttle services, and mountain transport options to take you from your hotel to the slopes.

• Coronet Peak ski area is a 20-minute drive from central Queenstown. Ski buses leave regularly from 7:30am until 11am from 9 Duke St.
• The Remarkables ski area is a 45-minute drive from the CBD. Ski buses depart from 9 Duke Street, Central Queenstown from 7.30am to 9am.
• Cardrona ski area is a 90-minute drive from Queenstown. They offer a ski bus service to Cardrona from Queenstown with pickup points throughout town.
• Treble Cone ski area is a 90-minute drive from Queenstown. Their ski bus service picks up people at locations throughout town.

If you drive yourself up always carry chains and be aware that the some of the access roads are unsealed in parts. Be sure to check the individual ski area's snow reports for the latest updates before you head up.

Family ski day at Cardrona Alpine Resort

Renting Ski Gear in Queenstown

It can be cold on the mountains, so layers are essential. Have a thermal base layer, merino is ideal. Then add a warm mid-layer like a fleece or a thicker jumper. Finally make sure you’re mountain ready with a waterproof outer jacket and ski pants. Remember waterproof gloves, thick ski socks, ski googles, and a hat for when you take off your helmet. You can hire outer layers, ski boots, and helmets on the mountain or in town.

You can leave your equipment at home and hire skis or snowboards when you get to town. Most ski rental shops will deliver rental equipment to your accommodation, or you can just rent at the ski field, 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 full of sports equipment stores for those last-minute purchases.

Learning to Ski and Snowboard in Queenstown

Each ski resort has lessons for beginners, from toddlers through to adults. Queenstown also has a thriving adaptive ski scene, welcoming skiers who need a bit of extra support.

Learn to Ski at Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak has a learners area, easy chairlifts, progressive terrain for when you find your feet, and packages designed for beginners. They offer a First Timer Day package and a three-day intro to snow package for people who haven’t tried skiing or snowboarding before. They also have an early learning ski school and childcare centre for kids aged two-five, where your littlest ski bunnies can combine learning to ski with playing in the snow.   

Learn to Ski at The Remarkables

The Remarkables have a huge learners area for beginners to get to grips with their skis. Like Coronet Peak, they also offer a full day group lesson and a three-day intro package. Both include a full mountain lift pass, your lessons, and gear rental. The friendly guest services team will take care of you and show you the ropes.

Learn to Ski at Cardrona Alpine Resort

Cardrona has a Snow Sports School and an extensive network of trails for beginner skiers. Adults can choose from group and private ski lessons, including the option to have a Mandarin speaking instructor. Packages include lift passes, lessons, and gear. For kids there are four-day programmes for skiers from five years old, and snowboarders from seven.

Cardrona also have their Ski Kindy childcare centre, with qualified teachers, meals, snow play and lessons for under-fives. Ski Kindy is perfect for growing young kids’ confidence in the snow in a safe, caring setting that includes play.

Learn to Ski at Treble Cone

Treble Cone is the ideal ski field to accelerate your progression or work on a particular skill. They offer private lessons, one-on-one, or for small groups, with certified ski or snowboard instructors. Choose from two hours, a half day, or full day package.

Adaptive Snow Sports in Queenstown

Three local ski fields offer adaptive ski programmes with specialised gear and training to get people with access needs enjoying skiing or snowboarding. There are a range of different techniques for adaptive skiing and boarding, including stand up and sit-ski options. Queenstown ski fields have qualified adaptive ski instructors, adaptive ski gear to hire, and a group of local volunteers who act as snow buddies.

The Four Ski Areas in Queenstown

Coronet Peak

14 June - 28 September 2025

Coronet Peak is closest to Queenstown, just 20 minutes’ drive. Their morning First Tracks sessions give early access from 8am-9am. You can be back downtown by mid-morning, then spend the afternoon exploring the wineries or tackling more adventures. Coronet Peak is also open for night skiing on Wednesdays and Fridays and select Saturday nights during the July school holidays.

Coronet Peak

The Remarkables

14 June – 12 October 2025

The Remarkables base lodge is one of the best in New Zealand, with soaring glass walls and spectacular vistas. It’s ski-in, ski-out, so you can rest your weary legs. You can catch the ski bus up the mountain from the Queenstown CBD, or if you choose to drive, both The Remarkables and Coronet Peak have a priority parking scheme so if you have three or more people in your vehicle, you’ll have priority carparking up top. If you have less than three people in your vehicle, you'll be directed to the lower carparks and can jump on a shuttle there, which is still a convenient and comfortable ride to the base building.

The views on the drive up are impressive and the expansive learner’s area makes it a great mountain for first-timers.

The Remarkables Ski Area

Cardrona Alpine Resort

14 June - 5 October 2025

Cardrona Alpine Resort, located 50 minutes’ drive from Queenstown, is much-loved by everyone from families to Olympic athletes. Cardrona is great for beginners. Its wide-open slopes and 'chondola', a combined lift of gondola cabins and chairs, make 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

28 June - 28 September 2025

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. Even if you spend your day on the deck sipping flat whites while drinking in the view,  that’s 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

The Après Ski Scene in Queenstown

Queenstown’s après ski scene is as vibrant and varied as its ski resorts. On the mountain, Heidi’s Hut on Coronet Peak is an après ski dream for cosy log cabin vibes with pizza, warming soup, local wine and beer. Enjoy a cold local beer overlooking the slopes at The Remarkables Ice Bar. Cardrona has nine different cafes and restaurants, while Treble Cone’s Altitude Bar has a particularly jaw-dropping panorama.

Off the mountain, the local brew-bars are popular places for locals to kick back, relax, and swap tales after the slopes. Some local favourites are Canyon Brewing in Arthur’s Point, and Altitude Brewing in Frankton. Atlas Beer Café and Beech Tree are also popular craft beer bars, where you can sample brews from Queenstown’s growing brew scene. There are also any number of cosy characterful bars, from mulled wine at Perky’s Floating Bar on the lake, to cocktails by the fire at the Bunker.