Skiers and snowboarders are spoiled for choice in Queenstown. There are four ski areas  – the closest just 20 minutes’ drive from the bustling town centre – offering world-class terrain and facilities.

Beginners can enjoy a friendly atmosphere and lessons to quickly conquer the mountain. Advanced skiers and snowboarders can explore the most challenging pistes and off-piste runs or venture into the backcountry on an ultimate heli adventure.

Night Ski at Coronet Peak

Night Ski at Coronet Peak

Night Ski at Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is New Zealand’s first commercial ski resort, and Queenstown’s closest at 20 minutes’ drive from downtown. The famous rollercoaster terrain makes Coronet Peak an exciting destination for snow lovers of any ability. Experience magnificent views, perfectly groomed snow and fantastic on-mountain facilities with awesome food and beverage outlets. Night skiing at Coronet Peak on Wednesdays and Fridays is a must-do in Queenstown, with après-ski festivities enlivening the mountain. And for those who prefer early mornings to late nights, Coronet’s First Tracks program runs from 8-9am every day. 

How to get there

Transport is available from the Duke Street Snow Centre, or it's just a 20 minute drive from the Queenstown town centre on a fully tar-sealed road.  

 
The Remarkables Ski Field Friends on Chairlift

The Remarkables Ski Area

The Remarkables Ski Area

The Remarkables

The Remarkables is a true alpine experience that’s perfect for the whole family, from novices to advanced skiers and boarders. Featuring one of only six Burton-designed Stash parks in the world, this is also the Queenstown destination for park enthusiasts. The Remarkables’ high alpine location and relaxed atmosphere makes it a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. With high-speed six-seater chairlifts, excellent snow-making capacity and a well-appointed learners’ area, The Remarkables boasts the perfect setup for progressing your skiing or boarding this winter.

How to get there

The Remarkables is just a 45-minute drive from central Queenstown. The first 10km of the 12km access road is now sealed and there are transport options from the Duke Street Snow Centre.

 

Skier going over a jump

Cardrona Alpine Resort view

Cardrona Alpine Resort view

Cardrona Alpine Resort

Cardrona Alpine Resort has a fun, family-friendly vibe, deep snow cover, wide-open slopes, Olympic half pipes, an extensive terrain park and on-mountain accommodation.

New this season is the Willows Quad chairlift in Soho Basin which adds 65 hectares of additional territory to Cardrona’s resort area. Not only does Soho Basin provide skiers and boarders with a bunch of exciting new runs and off-piste terrain, but it increases Cardrona's overall lift capacity by 44% (versus season 2020) meaning faster laps for all. 

How to get there

Cardrona is an hour’s drive from Queenstown and transport options are available from the town centre.

Three skiers on mountain

Treble Cone Ski Area

Treble Cone Ski Area

Treble Cone

Treble Cone is the South Island’s biggest ski area. Spread over two large basins, Treble Cone is a favourite for freeride skiers and snowboarders. The ski area boasts showstopping views and the longest vertical rise in the Southern Alps with great off-piste terrain. Novices are also well catered for with a dedicated free learning area.

How to get there

The ski area is 1.5 hours drive from Queenstown, and Treble Cone provide shuttle transport from the car park at the bottom of the mountain road to the base building (meaning no need to fit chains to get up the mountain on a snow-day).

Heli Skiing with Southern Lakes Heliski

Heli Skiing with Southern Lakes Heliski

Heli Skiing with Southern Lakes Heliski

Heli or Cat Skiing

If you’re searching for a once in a lifetime snow experience, heli-skiing is the activity for you. There are many heli-ski operators who can help tick off this bucket list item in style, taking you deep into untracked alpine terrain. For an idea of what to expect from a day heli-skiing in the big country surrounding Queenstown, read our heli-ski guide here. Choose from 3 – 8 run days, or splash out and get a group together for a private charter.