Four mountains
The Remarkables
One of Queenstown’s most recognisable ski fields is nestled into a mountain range known as The Remarkables. A pretty apt name for some spectacular mountains. If you’ve ever seen a picture-postcard photo of the town with some jagged, snow-covered peaks in the background, then you’ll have seen The Remarkables.
While these mountains are popular in spring, summer and autumn for hiking and epic views, their full potential is unleashed in winter when it opens as a ski field.
With 385 hectares of terrain and a vertical drop of 468 metres, this iconic Queenstown ski field suits everyone from first timers to expert seasoned skiers and snowboarders. Don't own your own snow gear yet? Not a problem, The Remarkables has an on-mountain rentals department as well as ski and snowboard lessons.
Powderhounds will love The Remarkables terrain parks which offer a range of different jumps for every type of rider from beginner to advanced.
Make sure you head up here early on powder days because The Remarkables is well-known for its epic off-piste ski terrain which really opens with fresh snowfall.
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak overlooks Arthurs Point, Dalefield and the surrounding landscape; and has the Shotover River rushing by the base of the mountain. The ski field is also just a 20 minute drive from the centres of both Queenstown and Arrowtown.
Established in 1947, Coronet Peak holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors as New Zealand's first commercial ski field. With 280 hectares of skiable terrain, three chairlifts and a vertical drop of 462 metres, there is plenty to explore!
Enjoy New Zealand's longest ski day with Coronet Peak's First Tracks and Night Ski. First Tracks passes allow you to access Coronet Peak from 8-9am, perfect timing to ski with the sunrise before the ski field opens to the public. If you're more of a night owl, you'll love Coronet Peak's Night Ski where the ski field is lit up with floodlights from 4-9pm. Or, if you just cant get enough of the epic skiing you could combine both and make it into over 12 hours of mountain fun.
Rentals and lessons can all be arranged on the mountain. But if skiing or boarding isn't your thing, then why not try Coronet Peak's tobogganing or brand new Yooner Experience? The Yooner is combination of sledding and skiing that's bound to get the heart pumping and leave the whole group smiling.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Cardrona Alpine Resort is located near the top of the Crown Range with expansive views over the Whakatipu Basin towards Queenstown. The ski resort is perfect for all levels of skier with 400 hectares of terrain made up of 25% beginner, 25% intermediate, 30% advanced and 20% expert areas.
Cardrona Alpine Resort boasts some spectacular facilities including cosy on-mountain apartments, ski rentals and handy workshop and repair space. Ski lessons are available on the mountain, perfect for beginners or those just looking to finesse their skills!
Home to the Southern Hemisphere's most extensive terrain park and pipe facilities, Cardrona is a great place to challenge yourself, with freestyle features for every level.
Keen to take a break from skiing or boarding? Not a problem. Why not give tubing a go, take a Chondola ride to the top of the mountain and check out the views, or simply relax at one of the eight different eateries on the mountain.
Treble Cone
Treble Cone
Treble Cone is the South Island's largest ski area, located an hour and a half from Queenstown. Fully set-up to deliver a world class ski and snowboard experience, Treble Cone spans 550 hectares with an impressive summit elevation of 2088 metres.
The ski field is made up of 45% intermediate and 45% advanced terrain and the longest run is a whopping 4 kilometres long!
Rentals and lessons are both available on the mountain with return transport offered for free from the base of the mountain; no need to worry about fitting those snow chains.
Heli-skiing
Beyond the boundaries
Queenstown offers plenty of options for exploring backcountry ski terrain beyond the boundaries of its four ski fields.
For those keen to take their skiing to new heights, Queenstown is the place to try heli-skiing. This gives you access to untouched snow, un-groomed runs, and fresh powder. Using a helicopter to reach remote terrain is the ultimate in off-piste action allowing you to maximise your time cutting fresh tracks with minimal energy spent on the ascent.
Those who like to work a little harder to earn their turns are also well catered for in Queenstown, with a range of local guides eager to help skiers and snowboarders explore Queenstown's expansive backcountry with ski touring set-ups.
Public Kitchen and Bar
Après-ski in Queenstown
Winter fun doesn't have to stay on the ski slopes. As the sun sets, the town comes alive. With over 150 bars and restaurants in the Queenstown region, visitors are spoilt for choice for an après-ski adventure.
Come down from the mountain and head straight into local pubs, bars and restaurants at Arthurs Point, Frankton, downtown Queenstown, or Arrowtown. Think log fires, mulled wine, and a place to rest your legs after a full day up the hill, local establishments are ready and waiting to welcome people straight off the mountain. And, if you're still in your ski gear you wont be the only one. In fact, it makes the après-ski experience even better.
Hilton Queenstown
Ski accommodation
You can't go wrong when booking accommodation in Queenstown. Regardless of the area you've booked or the type of accommodation you've chosen, the views will be spectacular. Each of Queenstown's four ski fields are also easily accessible throughout the region.
Staying in downtown Queenstown gives you views over Lake Whakatipu out towards Cecil Peak and the famous Walter Peak, and you will be within walking distance to everything our town has to offer from jet boating to restaurants to cocktail bars.
Frankton is a great central location to stay as it provides easy driving access to town, the ski fields, amazing restaurants and shopping at three different areas: Remarkables Park, Five Mile and Queenstown Central.
There are countless beautiful spots to stay in Arrowtown if you want to be surrounded by history as well as having easy access to Queenstown's ski fields. Check out the old historic gold mining area near the Arrowtown town centre, or take a short drive out to Gibbston with its multitude of wineries to sample some of the best wines that Central Otago has to offer.
So there you have it. World-class ski fields and facilities, over 150 bars and restaurants, and friendly locals. And all of this set beneath the Southern Alps. It's easy to see why Queenstown is one of the Southern Hemisphere's most enchanting ski destinations.