A Winter Gem

"I do back-to-back winters, and coming home to Queenstown always excites me. Being overseas, experiencing so much and skiing in so many new places is amazing. However, around here, everything is so accessible. Between Queenstown and Wānaka, there are four mountains. That's four ski resorts in a ninety-minute drive. It's so cool!"

"As far as skiing goes, my absolute favourite mountain out of everywhere I've been is definitely Cardrona. There's a big line of jumps where I spend a large chunk of my time. You don't have to ski the park to have fun, though. Everyone will find what they're looking for because there's so much fun terrain. If you do head up to Cardrona, I'd recommend going early. That way, you can make the most of the snow."

"You can't go wrong with any of the mountains here, of course. They all offer plenty of terrain, and with them being so close to each other, you may as well spend at least one day at each of them while you're here. Oh, and if you have energy to burn in the evening, check out Night Skiing at Coronet Peak. It's a really cool experience."

"I think we have the best food and nightlife here. I always look forward to it when I come home after several months away. Stopping in at the Cardrona Hotel for a bite on the way back to Queenstown is always a good call. I also like Margo's. It has a sick vibe and there's a tequila bar below it called Little Mez, which is a cool place to hang out."

"Getting around and exploring the region is so easy.  We have insane landscapes that change drastically, which you can see even when driving between the mountains. For example, passing over the Crown Range toward Wānaka is gorgeous. But there are heaps of incredible places you can get to by taking little day trips. Whether getting your mind blown in nearby Fiordland, or grabbing a coffee and browsing the shops at Country Lane in Frankton, you definitely won't be bored."

"Some good relaxation options are Onsen Hot Pools or O-Studio, a wellness centre great for ice baths and recovery. Honestly, though, one of my favourite things to do around here is walking with my dog along the lakeshore. Having that huge body of water right in town is fantastic. It's the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect while taking in the natural beauty of the area."

Sure, Queenstown and Wānaka are amazing destinations at any time, but there's something magical about winter here. As the first flakes fly, locals and visitors alike glow with anticipation. They're all here for the same reason - that ski season buzz.

"There's such a good vibe about it, especially in winter. I miss that a lot when I'm away. Between both towns, everyone knows each other and running into familiar faces up the mountain is really fun. You don't need to be born here to experience this. You don't even need to live here. Just by visiting and spending a good amount of time immersing yourself and absorbing the local rhythm, you'll see how easy it is to find your Flow here. It's unbelievable!" 

There you have it; your all-in-one winter holiday awaits. And while Ruby has offered some incredible recommendations, there's plenty more to discover when you arrive.

Step away from the daily grind, pack your ski socks and dancing shoes, and come find your Flow State in Queenstown and Wānaka. And like Ruby says:

"Come for as long as you can, whenever you can. Take your time and soak it all in. There's nowhere like it."

Next time, we'll catch up with sit-skier and adaptive adventurer Jack Howatson. We'll find out what this inspiring, adrenaline-loving poster boy of Flow does to enjoy the Queenstown and Wānaka region to the fullest. Keep an eye on our social media channels and sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss out. We'll see you soon!

Mike Bilo