What’s new on our ski fields
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is Queenstown's closest ski field and New Zealand's first commercial ski area. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Queenstown, you can ski at Coronet Peak from sunrise to night with First Tracks from 8am daily right through to Night Ski until 9pm (select nights).
The mountain has an exciting lineup of events in 2024 including Matariki celebrations, Winter Games, Winter Pride, 50th annual Dog Derby and the 5-day Snow Machine festival as well as slopeside DJs and Night Ski parties throughout the winter season.
The Coronet Peak Ski Bus is an easy transport option departing from the centre of Queenstown. A dedicated bus service operates throughout the day and a night time service is available for Night Ski events. For 2024, all passengers will be required to reserve a departure timeslot and pickup location when purchasing a ski bus pass. Capacity is limited and may sell out over peak periods.
Don't have any ski gear? No worries. Coronet Peak has full Salomon and Head recreational and performance rental gear available. The rental fleet has received an upgrade in 2024 and now includes a helmet with each rental hire.
As the Kaitiaki (guardians) of the mountain, the team at Coronet Peak have committed to being carbon neutral by 2030. Coronet Peak reduced their net carbon emissions by 50% in 2023 and will do it again in 2024. By skiing or boarding at Coronet Peak, you'll be helping them along on this journey.
Targeted opening date 15 June 2024.
Coronet Peak
The Remarkables
The Remarkables ski area is where you'll find your freedom. Known for being one of the best mountains for progression, the ski area offers a terrain to suit everyone from off-piste black runs and daring chutes to wide-open learner slopes and everything in between.
The iconic mountain ski area is anticipated to open 15 June, with a new buffet style breakfast menu and the barista bar open earlier than ever, starting at 7:45 AM daily.
The biggest news for the 2024 season is the opening of the new Shadow Basin Chairlift - a speedy, padded 6-seater that opens up 47 hectares of lift-accessible terrain. Some of The Remarkables' best advanced and expert freeride runs will now be accessible directly from the lift, without the need to hike including Alta Chute, Boulder Basin, East-Face, The Nose, Front Face and Sunrise Face.
There's also a full schedule of on-mountain events for 2024 with highlights including the North Face Frontier World Tour 4* Qualifier, Snow Machine and the Burton Stash Gathering.
Catching the bus or ridesharing this season will save you hassle and fuel costs (and let you take in the spectacular views while someone else drives!). On carpool priority parking days, you'll get priority top car parking with three or more people in your vehicle. Changes to the ski bus service this year will see departures to The Remarkables leaving from central Queenstown before 9am and Frankton after 9:30am. You'll need to reserve a departure timeslot and pickup location when purchasing your ticket. Note that capacity is limited and may sell out over peak periods.
Targeted opening date 15 June 2024.
The Remarkables Ski Field
Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone
Cardrona and Treble Cone will be actively managing capacity to ensure a better on-mountain experience for all again this winter. This means that popular days may sell out and those purchasing day and multi-day passes will need to pre-specify a mountain and day(s) to visit. They'll be updating their daily snow reports and Facebook pages to indicate when they're close to sold out.
Their new online system makes it easier to collect your Cardrona and Treble Cone passes. Skip the lines at guest services and pick up your lift tickets at the new pick-up kiosks conveniently located on the mountains, or in downtown Queenstown and Wānaka.
Both mountains are offering free, convenient mountain shuttle services and dedicated hitchhiking spots at the base of each mountain.
At Cardrona, you'll have the choice of eight different cafes and restaurants including local favourite, Noodle Bar. You can enjoy a delicious meal or snack knowing all outlets are 100% free-range, and all food comes package-free. Cardrona and Treble Cone no longer supply landfill bins as part of their zero waste journey. Guests are more than welcome to bring their own lunch, but are asked to ask any landfill rubbish home - even better, back a lunch with recyclable or compostable packaging!
Targeted opening date for Cardrona is 15 June 2024 and Treble Cone opens 29 June 2024.
Skiiers on Treble Cone
For information on local conditions, snow reports and forecasts see our snow reports and forecasts page. Be sure to check the individual ski area's snow reports for the latest updates on conditions and opening hours.
Après-ski? Yes, please
Queenstown's vibrant après-ski scene has many cosy wine bars, locally loved pubs and world-class restaurants to relax, unwind and warm up at. Here are some of Queenstown's latest après-ski offerings to grab a hearty feed or drink after a day on the powder.
The newly opened Ayrburn dining precinct near Arrowtown is made up of a historic farm homestead and outbuildings that have been converted into a rustic-luxe dining hub. The Woolshed restaurant offers classic bistro fare. The Manure Room serves tapas, platters, and the chance to try Ayrburn’s own wines while the Burr Bar mixes garden-themed cocktails.
SODA's enclosed balcony space overlooking downtown Queenstown and Lake Whakatipu is the perfect après-ski spot. Their modern menu is designed for sharing and inspired by Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine.
Quench your thirst with a cold one and refuel at centrally located, Whakatipu Brewing. You can almost taste head brewer, Daniel Coxhead's passion in every beer you drink here. The house-crafted Sundown Hazy Pale Ale, Peak Pilsner and Alpine Pale Ale are all inspired by the Queenstown lifestyle and landscapes and pair perfectly with their gourmet twist on classic pub food.
Also downtown, you will find Yonder, serving up an eclectic menu, inspired by the co-owners' world travels, that caters to all tastes and dietary requirements. If platters and wine, served with enviable lake views are your vibe, then Little Blackwood, a classic yet hip cocktail bar, is the place for you. Voted 'Best Bar in New Zealand' in 2022, it's the perfect place to settle down in front of a roaring fire and watch the sun go down.
For an après experience closer to the mountains, head to Gin Garden by Broken Heart at the base of Coronet Peak. Unwind by the fire and enjoy one of the locally crafted, award-winning gins or locally brewed Oktoberfest lager alongside a tarte flambée, a cheeseboard or a hearty main meal.
After a day at The Remarkables, pop by The Crown Pub and Beer Garden to refuel with a hearty pub classic. Their family and group-friendly restaurant area features regular live music sessions and a large indoor play area to keep the kids entertained.
Whakatipu Brewing
Where to rest between runs
Here are some great places to rest your head and tired limbs after a day hitting the slopes.
Sudima Queenstown Five Mile is a 4.5-star hotel in the bustling Frankton area within the Five Mile retail precinct, near the airport and the ski fields of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Its location and ample ski storage makes Sudima an ideal base for skiers and boarders seeking comfort as well as proximity to the mountains. Chase your day on the mountain with a relaxing day at Moss Spa next door.
Driftaway Queenstown is redefining the holiday park experience with its architecturally designed cabins, lake-view campsites, campervan parking, and bookable lakeside private hot pools to rest your legs after a long day skiing. Located on the Frankton lakefront, this is possibly one of the most unique and classy campgrounds in the country.
Closer to central Queenstown, Sherwood is a favourite stay for locals and visitors alike. Set on the hillside overlooking Lake Whakatipu, the on-site garden supplies fresh seasonal produce to the cosy in-house restaurant - the perfect spot to relax after a big day on the slopes. Conveniently, The Remarkables ski bus stops on the main road, just a short walk down from Sherwood (pre-bookings required).
Driftaway Holiday Park
Plan your Queenstown winter adventure
This winter, stay a bit longer to experience all Queenstown has to offer, both on and off the slopes – find plenty more ideas for immersive winter adventures in our 6-day guide to savouring winter in Queenstown.
As you explore Queenstown this winter, share your adventures with us on Instagram and #QueenstownLive.