Your Guide to the 2025 Queenstown Ski Season

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). Night Skiing is also going to be extended by one week at the tail end of the season this year. New for 2025, Coronet Peak have a spa going in at Heidi's Hut, expected to be open 7 days a week so you can give your muscles a rest after a few hot laps.

The mountain has an exciting lineup of events in 2025 including the opening day of Pride Week celebrations, 51st annual Dog Derby and the iconic MTB on Snow event 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. All passengers are 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 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 have reduced their net carbon emissions by 50% in 2024 and continue to chip away at that number with the aim of reducing a further 5% each year. In 2024, they raised $21,700 for the Kea Conservation Trust and $29,800 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust. They also introduced Sorting Stations to food & drink outlets, reducing waste to landfill by 42% through better recycling and reusable tableware. By skiing or boarding at Coronet Peak, you'll be helping them along on this journey. 

Targeted opening date 14 June 2025.

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. It's also a big year for them this year as they reflect on 40 years of freedom.

The iconic mountain ski area is anticipated to open 14 June, with new snowmaking guns on mid-Calypso and the Shadow Basin cat-track. Expect to see even more of the slopes groomed this season with a brand new groomer for 2025 and a state of the art ski & snowboard wax machine. 

There's also a full schedule of on-mountain events for 2025 with highlights including the Grassroots Freeride, Snow Machine and the Burton Stash Gathering.

As the Kaitiaki (guardians) of the mountain, the team at The Remarkables have committed to being carbon neutral by 2030. They've reduced their net carbon emissions by 50% in 2024 and continue to chip away at that number with the aim of reducing a further 5% each year. In 2024, they raised $21,700 for the Kea Conservation Trust and $29,800 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust. They also introduced Sorting Stations to food & drink outlets, reducing waste to landfill by 42% through better recycling and reusable tableware. By skiing or boarding at The Remarkables, you'll be helping them along on this journey. 

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. If you're taking the bus, 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 14 June 2025.

Cardrona Alpine Resort

Big things are happening at Cardrona Alpine Resort this winter—literally. With 150 hectares of fresh new terrain opening up, the ski resort is getting even bigger, making it officially the largest ski area in New Zealand.

The highly anticipated Soho Basin Express is set to roll, unlocking a whole new world of wide-open runs, playful terrain, and untouched lines. Whether you’re here to carve, send, or cruise, there’s even more mountain to explore, and more space to play.

That’s not all—Cardrona’s summer construction crew has been working overtime to dial up the fun across the resort. A brand-new T-bar in the Main Basin is being installed, sitting between McDougall’s and Whitestar chairlifts. This means hot laps on some of Cardrona’s world class terrain parks, including the Big Bucks World Cup slopestyle course, Lil’ Bucks terrain park, Gravity Cross course, and Racecourse trail.

Down at the Base Building, things are getting an upgrade too. A brand new retail and restaurant building is going up in the current retail and admin space, making room for more seating, easier access, and a revamped retail offering for all your on-mountain needs.

And because getting to the good stuff should be easy, both Cardrona and Treble Cone are offering free mountain shuttles and dedicated hitchhiking spots to make the journey smoother. Plus, the crew has been busy with snowmaking, carparking, and road improvements, all designed to make your day up the hill even better.

Both Cardrona and Treble Cone are still at the forefront of waste management with no landfill bins. You’re encouraged to bring your own lunch, but if you do, make it a waste-free one. Anything that can’t be recycled or composted? Take it home with you. It’s all part of the zero-waste journey to keep our backyard pristine for future powder days.

Targeted opening date for Cardrona is 14 June 2025.

Treble Cone Ski Area

Treble Cone brings the perfect mix of challenge and accessibility against New Zealand's most spectacular mountain backdrop. Getting there is easier than ever with transport options from Queenstown and free shuttles from the base of the access road.

New for 2025, Treble Cone offers value-focused first-timer packages in what might be the most scenic learning environment in the Southern Hemisphere. Beyond the slopes, the mountain atmosphere steps up with courtyard music sessions and tasty local food and beverage options throughout the season.

While TC's legendary terrain continues to attract experienced riders, the mountain welcomes skiers and boarders of all abilities across its varied terrain. Winter 2025 at Treble Cone is where breathtaking views meet an authentic mountain experience that's accessible for everyone.

Targeted opening date for Treble Cone is 28 June 2025.

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. The Bakehouse is your go-to for all day dining with fare to enjoy in the beautiful setting or to takeaway.

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 Searchlight Brewery located at Industrial Place. Enjoy one of their 18 beers on tap all inspired by the Queenstown lifestyle and landscapes and pair perfectly with their Mexican street food from Tacos Jaguar.

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 Gantley's Tavern at the base of Coronet Peak. Unwind by the outdoor fire and enjoy one of the locally crafted beers and 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.

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).

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.