Queenstown's Ski Resorts 101

Coronet Peak opens 14 June - 28 September 2025

Queenstown’s closest ski field, Coronet Peak is located an easy 20-minute drive from the town centre. With exciting roller coaster terrain, excellent facilities and picturesque views across Lake Whakatipu and Lake Hayes, Coronet Peak suits all abilities with dedicated learner runs and advanced terrain across the mountain.

Night Ski runs from 21 June on Wednesday and Friday nights, and select Saturdays during NZ school holidays until 1 September (subject to conditions). An exciting lineup of events brings the slopes to life with fun, fireworks and live music.

Terrain

280 hectares – 14% beginner, 33% intermediate, 25% advanced, 27% expert.

Lifts

Two high-speed six-seater chairs, one high-speed quad chair, one T-bar and four surface conveyor lifts.

Facilities

Coronet Peak has an on-mountain restaurant and bar as well as the iconic Heidi's Hut with a spa, as well as a retail store, ski/snowboard rentals and Skiwiland Early Learning Centre.

Getting there

Ski bus: a scheduled bus service operates throughout the day from central Queenstown. Reservations are required. 

Self-drive: 20 minutes from central Queenstown

Mountain transport: many local operators provide shuttle services and private charters to Coronet Peak.

The Remarkables opens 14 June - 12 October 2025

Fun for the whole family, The Remarkables ski area offers sunny north-facing terrain and facilities to suit anyone from first-timers to advanced skiers and high-flying freestyles. Located 45 minutes from the town centre, the ski field boasts an impressive architecturally designed base building and high-speed six-seater chairlifts to the slopes of Curvey Basin, Shadow Basin and Sugar Bowl. 

The Remarkables is a firm local favourite and the ultimate place to ski off-piste on a powder day.

Terrain

385 hectares – 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced.

Lifts

Three high-speed six-seater chairs, one quad chair and four surface conveyor lifts including three with covered galleries.

Facilities

The Remarkables has an on-mountain restaurant, bar and café as well as a retail store, ski/snowboard rentals and guest services.

Getting there

Ski bus: a scheduled bus service operates throughout the day from central Queenstown before 9am and Frankton after 9.30am. Reservations are required. 

Self-drive: 45 minutes from central Queenstown

Mountain transport: many local operators provide shuttle services and private charters to The Remarkables.

Cardrona Alpine Resort opens 14 June - 5 October 2025

Cardrona Alpine Resort is the perfect place for beginners and intermediates, with a gondola chairlift (chondola), easy-to-use surface lifts, specialised beginner packages and over 615 hectares of terrain spread over five basins. 

Cardrona also offers the most extensive terrain park facilities in the Southern Hemisphere with four terrain parks, two half-pipes and a gravity-cross course.

Terrain

Over 615ha of terrain across five basins – 20% beginner, 35% intermediate, 25% advanced, 20% expert.

Lifts

Six chairlifts, three carpets, a T-bar and a platter tow.

Facilities 

Cardrona has nine different cafés and restaurants including The Mezz, Noodle Bar, Captain's Pizzeria and Little Meg. As the mountain is landfill-free, all outlets use compostable or recyclable packaging and food comes package-free. There's also 15 on-mountain apartments, a childcare centre, retail store, workshop and ski equipment storage.

Getting there

Ski bus: a paid bus service operates daily to Cardrona from central Queenstown. Reservations are required.

Self-drive: 60 minutes from central Queenstown. If you don't want to drive the whole way up the mountain access road, there's a free shuttle from the Pine Trees carpark, located at the 1km mark.

Mountain transport: many local operators provide shuttle services and private charters to Cardrona.

Treble Cone opens 28 June - 28 September 2025

Treble Cone offers a real New Zealand snow experience, providing some of the best free-riding in New Zealand. With long, uncrowded slopes, legendary off-piste terrain and epic views, this expansive mountain has the longest vertical rise in the Southern Lakes. For beginner skiers and snowboarders, Treble Cone offers a dedicated lift and protected slope located next to the convenience of the Base Lodge facilities.

Terrain

550 hectares – 10% beginner, 30% intermediate, 40% advanced, 20% expert.

Lifts

Two chairlifts.

Facilities 

Treble Cone has five dining locations to choose from including Base Café, The Southern BBQ and Altitude Bar as well as a retail shop.

Getting there

Ski bus: a paid bus service operates daily to Treble Cone from central Queenstown. Reservations are required.

Self-drive: 90 minutes from central Queenstown. If you don't want to drive up the mountain access road, there's a free shuttle from the carpark at the bottom.

Mountain transport: many local operators provide shuttle services and private charters to Treble Cone.