Your Guide to the 2026 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). 

The big news for 2026 is a South Island first: a brand-new Snow Factory that makes snow in any weather, even at 20°C. That means more reliable cover on the lower learner slopes and an earlier start to the season, with a limited opening from 29 May before the full season gets underway.

There's plenty new for first-timers and families too. The completely remodelled Kidzone now has a bigger, flatter learning slope with easier access to the main hill and more room to find your feet, so beginners can build confidence without the crowds. A new progression-friendly intermediate Terrain Park is opening off Greengates Express, with fresh features and jumps added throughout the season, and there's a new winter trail map to make finding your way around easier than ever.

Keeping everyone safe and having fun, Coronet Peak is rolling out new Safe Zones on key runs, starting with the M1 and Big Easy, where the team helps encourage friendly, responsible riding. More grooming power this year also means more freshly corduroyed runs and new terrain to explore.

The mountain has a packed events calendar in 2026, including the family-favourite Kids Day Out on 4 July, the iconic Night Ski Party with headliner Hot Dub Time Machine on 22 July, the 52nd annual Dog Derby on 8 August and the much-loved MTB on Snow on 26 September.

The Coronet Peak Ski Bus is an easy way to get up the hill, departing from the centre of Queenstown with a dedicated daytime service and a night-time service for Night Ski events. There are more buses running this season, so getting to the snow is smoother than ever.

Don't have any ski gear? No worries. Coronet Peak has freshly upgraded Head & Salomon rental gear, plus an on-mountain workshop to keep your skis and board in top shape. And for those chasing the ultimate adventure, the new Snowsports Heli Premium Private experience pairs you with an expert coach for private coaching and exclusive heli-skiing.

As the Kaitiaki (guardians) of the mountain, the team at Coronet Peak are committed to being carbon neutral by 2030. They run on Certified Renewable Energy, offset their emissions with carbon credits, and their Sorting Stations saved 207,000 single-use food trays from landfill last year. There's a strong conservation programme too, including support for Southern Lakes Sanctuary and the Kea Conservation Trust. By skiing or boarding here, you're helping them along on that journey.

Targeted opening date 29 May 2026 for a limited opening, with the full season running from 12 June to 4 October.

The Remarkables

The Remarkables ski area is where you'll find your freedom. Known for being one of the best mountains for progression, it offers terrain to suit everyone, from off-piste black runs and daring chutes to wide-open learner slopes and everything in between. It's the Home of Freeride in New Zealand and home to the Southern Hemisphere's only Freeride World Tour Academy, with three sun-drenched, north-facing bowls and an epic terrain park that includes the iconic Burton Stash.

New for 2026, the café has been expanded with over 200 extra seats, and fire pits are arriving on the café deck, the perfect spot to warm up and soak in the views between runs. More grooming power and extra snowmaking in the Terrain Parks mean better conditions to play in, too.

There's a full schedule of on-mountain events this year, with highlights including the Grassroots Freeride on 2 August, the Snow Machine slopeside party from 9 to 12 September and the Burton Stash Gathering on 13 September.

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! There are more buses on the road this year, but if you're taking one you'll need to reserve a departure timeslot and pickup location when you book, as capacity is limited and can sell out over peak periods. Rental gear has had an upgrade too.

For something truly special, the new Snowsports Heli Premium Private experience lets you spend a day heliskiing with one of the mountain's experienced Snowsports coaches.

As the Kaitiaki (guardians) of the mountain, the team at The Remarkables are committed to being carbon neutral by 2030. They run on Certified Renewable Energy, offset their emissions with carbon credits, and their Sorting Stations saved 207,000 single-use food trays from landfill last year. They've also begun supporting Southern Lakes Sanctuary alongside their work with the Kea Conservation Trust. By skiing or boarding here, you're helping them along on that journey.

Targeted opening date 13 June 2026, with the season running to 11 October.

Cardrona Alpine Resort

Big news from Cardrona. In October 2025 it was named New Zealand's Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards, the first time it's ever taken the industry's top honour. And with 150 hectares of new terrain in Soho Basin opened last winter, it's officially New Zealand's biggest ski resort, with 615 hectares to explore across six basins.

For Winter 2026, more snowmaking and trail work in Soho Basin means better snow reliability and easier wayfinding as you discover all that new terrain.

Down at the Base Area, things are comfier than ever. Cardrona's Courtyard has been sealed and heated to give you a clean, snow-free space to relax and grab a seat outside, and a new enclosed walkway from Guest Services leads you on a warm, dry path right through to the slopes.

This winter Cardrona and Treble Cone are also launching a first for the New Zealand ski industry: an app that lets your phone act as your lift pass, so you can skip the physical card. It also tracks your mountain stats, sets you challenges, and makes booking lift passes, rentals and lessons quick and easy from anywhere.

There's a big events calendar too, with highlights including the Monster Energy Jossi Wells Invitational from 7 to 11 September, Winter Pride from 15 to 24 August and the Cardrona NZ Freestyle Nationals from 27 September to 3 October.

And because getting to the good stuff should be easy, both Cardrona and Treble Cone offer free access road shuttles from the bottom of each mountain, dropping you right outside the Ticket Office, plus dedicated ridesharing spots to make carpooling simple.

Both Cardrona and Treble Cone remain 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. New this year, you can also chip in to Cardrona Foundation conservation projects when you buy online. It's all part of keeping our backyard pristine for future powder days.

Targeted opening date for Cardrona is 13 June 2026, with the season running to 1 October.

Treble Cone Ski Area

Treble Cone is an intermediate and advanced skier's dream, with the most challenging in-bounds terrain in New Zealand, all set against the country's most spectacular ski area view, overlooking Lake Wānaka and the Matukituki Basin. Getting there is easier than ever with transport options from Queenstown and free shuttles from the base of the access road.

For 2026, Treble Cone's Base Area building has had a refresh, with a new retail space, a dedicated family area and upgraded toilet facilities to make your day on the hill that little bit comfier. And like its sister mountain, Treble Cone is part of the new lift-pass app this season, so your phone can do the work of your lift card.

There's a strong line-up of on-mountain events too, including the TC Rise & Shine Series, the NZ Junior Freeride Tour, TC Interfields on 22 August and the TC Snowboard Banked Slalom on 29 August.

While TC's legendary terrain continues to attract experienced riders, the mountain welcomes skiers and boarders of all abilities across its varied 550 hectares, with a 4km-long run and a 700m vertical rise to stretch your legs. Winter 2026 at Treble Cone is where breathtaking views meet an authentic mountain experience.

Targeted opening date for Treble Cone is 27 June 2026, with the season running to 27 September.

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.

New to the Frankton scene, Pavilion Bar & Kitchens is an essential après-ski stop from acclaimed chef Sean Connolly. The spacious, barn-style hub brings several distinct experiences together under one roof, with the Steak & Oyster Co. grill, the wood-fired pizza and pasta of Ciao Brutto, and a central bar pouring house-crafted cocktails and local brews. With fire pits, live music and food from morning coffee right through to late-night drinks, it's a relaxed, all-ages spot to gather after a day on the slopes.

The 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).

If you want to be as close to the snow as possible, Coronet Ridge Resort is one of the closest hotels to Coronet Peak, tucked high above the Shotover River in Arthur's Point and just a few minutes from both the ski field and central Queenstown. This brand-new five-star alpine retreat is all about relaxation and rejuvenation, with refined rooms and suites, river views, and a spa, sauna and indoor pool to soothe tired legs. Select suites even come with their own outdoor bath, so you can soak under the stars after a big day on the mountain.

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.