Adult and child in ski gear standing on snowy mountain slope with ski poles and skis.

Family Ski guide

Easy mountain days for the whole whānau.

Whether it’s your family’s first time on snow or you’re seasoned winter visitors, this guide makes planning your day at The Remarkables simple. Discover where to start, how to learn, and where to refuel, so the whole family can focus on having fun.

Child in ski gear handing snow to kneeling ski instructor in red jacket on snowy slope with mountains.

family guide to skiing the remarkables

Family ski trips can feel like a mission - we get it. At The Remarkables we keep things easy. From gentle beginner slopes and wide open terrain to freestyle parks and natural chutes, our mountain is built for progression at every stage and age.

From toddlers to teens, there’s something for everyone. Kids 5 and under ski free, and our world-class lessons and programmes make learning fun, achievable, and stress-free.

Here are our top tips to set your family ski day up for a win:

Plan ahead

Things to consider for a great family day
  • Pack like a pro: A smooth morning starts the night before. Lay out gear, boots, gloves, goggles and layers ahead of time and set everything out in the order the kids will suit up. A quick double-check means no last-minute surprises.
  • Check the snow report: Our snow report is updated every morning from around 6:00am with live updates throughout the day. From lift status, and weather temperatures to road conditions, it’s your go-to before heading up.
  • Arrive early: Getting here early makes everything easier. Beat the rush, score a good parking spot or bus seat, and ease into the day without the stress.
Top Tip: The weather report is normally updated at 6:00am every morning.
Two skiers wearing helmets and goggles sitting on a ski lift with snowy mountains in the background.

Snow Report

Weather Updates

Your best source for Mountain conditions

Ski Gear tips for the kids

Set your family day up for a win

Practice at home: Do a couple of rehearsals so gearing up feels familiar and stress free.

Sun safety: Sunblock on! Yes - even on cloudy days. The alpine sun is strong.

Layer like a legend: Base and mid layers tucked in to retain warmth.

Socks smooth: No wrinkles or bunching in boots.

Boots snug: Toes just touching the end, no heel lift, no pressure points.

Pants over boots: Both layers down to keep snow out and comfort in.

Neck warmer up: Cover any gaps to stay warm

Gloves that fit: Dry, warm hands are key.

Top Tip: Pack a spare pair.

Goggles on helmet: Snug and comfy - not too tight.

MyPass ready: High jacket or sleeve pocket so kids can glide through the lift gates easily.

Top Tip: Save time by uploading your MyPass photo online before you arrive — it speeds up the collection process at Guest Services.
Child skiing down a snowy slope wearing a helmet, goggles, and colorful winter clothes.

Want a broader view?

Check out the full Map

Smiling blonde boy with tousled hair wearing an orange shirt in a softly blurred room.

Pro tip: Upload a profile picture to everyone's MyPass card.

Start your day easy

It's required for lift access. You can easily add your own photo online through your account profile on our website. To add a photo to the kid's accounts, stop by Guest Services & we'll help you out.

While you're at it, add the whole whānau as Associates to your account.

Adding someone as an Associate links their profile to yours. It means you can manage things like lift passes for them, view and compare mountain stats, and help out if they ever need assistance on the hill.

If someone gets separated or needs help, having them as an Associate makes it easier for us to get in touch quickly and keep everyone safe.

It's especially handy for families; one login, one payment, all sorted.

Get Started with
Kids Lessons & Programmes

Kids lessons focus on fun, safety, and building great skills from the start. Book online or at Guest Services - We recommend booking ahead, as spots fill fast!

lift passes

Pick the pass that fits your pace

What pass is best for Families?
If you're just starting out, you'll likely just use the beginner surface lifts for the first day - the Learner Area Pass offers the best value for beginners.

If you and the whole fam are more experienced shredders and want to access more of the mountain, consider the Superpass.
Passes
Most Popular
Superpass
Adult|Child|Senior
All Levels | First Time | Learner Zone | Green Zone | Blue Zone | Red Zone | Black Zone
9am-4pm
Full Access
12 Ski Areas & More
  • A full day, all-access Lift Pass
  • Choose to ski at The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and 9 more New Zealand ski areas
  • Ski any day! No bookings required and no holiday blackouts
  • Fully flexible, swap unused days for off-mountain activities if you need a rest or the weather isn't on
Number of days
Ski More Days & Save
$
180
Per Day
Learner Area Pass
Adult | Child
First Time
9am-4pm
Beginner Terrain
3 Peaks
  • Full day access to the beginner surface lifts
  • Option to progress to more advanced terrain in the afternoon
  • Great value for getting started on the slopes. Cheaper than a Superpass, and ideal if you’re only planning to access beginner terrain.
  • Upgrade options available for fast learners
Number of days
No items found.
$
110
Per Pass
lessons

Progress with a lesson

Private or group Lesson?
If you’re chasing a specific goal on the snow, our Private Lessons are the way to go.

After a more budget-friendly option? Group Lessons still deliver great coaching and will have you improving in no time.
Lesson
Book Early & Save
Group Lesson
All Ages Child | Adult | Student | Senior
All Levels | First Time | Learner Zone | Green Zone | Blue Zone | Red Zone | Black Zone
10am - 3:30pm
Ages 4+
Coronet & Remarkables
  • Great for early progression
  • Ideal for first timers through to advanced Red Zone skiers and riders
  • Build your skills from quality coaching and avoid developing bad habits
  • Small groups for focused coaching, you'll be grouped with others of similar ability
  • Looking for something more advanced? Check out Technique Tune Ups or Private Lessons
Number of days
Book Early & Save
$
199
Per Person
Lesson
Book Early & Save
Full Day Private Lesson
All Ages Child | Adult | Student | Senior
All Levels | First Time | Learner Zone | Green Zone | Blue Zone | Red Zone | Black Zone
9am - 3:30pm
1 - 6 People
The Remarkables and Coronet Peak
  • 1-on-1 coaching for you or up to 6 of your mates with a world-class coach
  • Caters to all abilities
  • Tailored specifically to you, matching your experience, the skills you want to improve and the conditions
  • Priority lift access
  • Looking for something more advanced? Check out our Performance Privates
Number of days
$
1225
Per Lesson (up to 6 people)
rentals

Carve it up with our quality rental gear

Rentals Includes
Professional gear fitting
Our experienced team will ensure you're correctly fitted for a fun and comfortable day on the snow.
Includes a helmet
Stay safe and have fun, all equipment rentals include a helmet to help you keep safe on the slopes.
Why go Performance?
Maximise your time on snow
Flexibility to swap skis/boards as conditions change throughout the day.

Enhanced Control: Performance skis are designed for precision - ideal for carving tight turns, gliding over powder, or speeding down groomers.

Tailored to Conditions: With sharper edges, varied widths, and advanced materials, our performance gear allows you to adapt to the snow type and terrain, making every run smoother and more exhilarating.

Custom Feel: Performance gear provides a more personalised fit, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue, so you can ski longer and stronger.
Recreational Rentals
All Ages Child | Adult | Student | Senior
All Levels | First Time | Learner Zone | Green Zone | Blue Zone | Red Zone | Black Zone
All Ages
Ski & Snowboard
3 Peaks

We offer a wide range of ski and snowboard equipment, regularly tuned and maintained to keep you riding smoothly.

  • Book consecutive days & save
  • Includes: skis/snowboard, boots and poles/wrist guards, helmet
  • Professional fitting from our experienced staff
Number of days
Book More Days & Save
$
65
Per Day
Performance Rentals
All Ages Child | Adult | Student | Senior
All Levels | First Time | Learner Zone | Green Zone | Blue Zone | Red Zone | Black Zone
All Ages
Ski & Snowboard
3 Peaks

Whether you’re looking for speed, agility, or all-day comfort, performance skis give you the edge to carve up the mountain.

  • Enhanced control, personalised fit and flexibility for conditions
  • Book consecutive days & save
  • Includes: skis/snowboard, boots and poles/wrist guards, helmet
  • Professional fitting from our experienced staff
Number of days
Book More Days & Save
$
90
Per Day
packages

Need it all? Grab a Package

Lessons, Rentals & Lift Pass
Why Get  a Package?
They offer great value and make it super super easy to get set for your day.

Please note, you'll need to hire clothing separately.

Goggles and gloves are not included in our rental equipment for hygiene reasons, but you can purchase these on the mountain in our retail shop.
Lift, Lesson & Rental Package
Adult | Child
All Levels | First Time | Learner Zone | Green Zone | Blue Zone | Red Zone | Black Zone
9am - 4pm
Full Access
Coronet & Remarkables
  • Full Day Lift Pass for access 9am - 4pm
  • Group Lesson from 10am - 3:30pm in small groups
  • Equipment Rental: skis/boots, poles/wrist guards boots & helmet
  • Book more days & save
Number of days
Book More Days & Save
$
945
Per Package
First Timer Package
Adult | Child
First Time
9am - 4pm
Novice Terrain
Coronet & Remarkables

First day on snow? We’ve got you sorted so you can just show up and have a crack.

  • Learner Area Lift Pass for access to beginner terrain with great progression
  • Group Lesson from 10am - 3:30pm with small groups
  • Equipment Rentals - skis/boots, poles/wrist guards boots & helmet
Number of days
No items found.
$
270
Per Package
Person and child sitting on ski lift in snowy mountain landscape wearing helmets and winter gear.

set your snow day game plan

Set meeting times and places: Pick an easy-to-find location on the deck or inside the base building as your go-to meet-up point. Handy if you’re splitting up for lessons or someone needs a breather.

Take regular breaks: When the vibes are high, fatigue can sneak up fast. Planning regular breaks helps the day run smoothly and keeps everyone smiling to the end. Loosen the ski boots, grab a hot choccy and a bite at the café, then head back out when everyone’s ready for more.

Keep it flexible: Kids' energy can change with the weather, so stay flexible. Be ready to pivot - whether that means an early lunch, a warm-up break, or swapping the last run for a snowball fight.

Need a hand remembering it all? Check out our Family Ski Day checklist below.

Getting here guide

Your guide to timings, chain fitting, parking and more

White MAN bus with coronetpeak the remarkables banner driving through snow with chains on tires.

Family ski day checklist

Set your family day up for a win
Family Snow Day Essentials Checklist

Lift passes

  • MyPass Cards in jacket sleeve pockets for easy scanning
  • Top Tip: Buy online and print at our self-service kiosks - available on the mountain, at the Queenstown Snow Centre (25 Shotover St), or beside baggage claim at Queenstown Airport

Gear sorted

  • Skis, snowboard, or rental gear organised ahead of time
  • If hiring from us, we recommend picking up gear the day before from the Queenstown Snow Centre
  • Boots fitted and adjusted
  • Helmets (included with rentals and compulsory for kids’ lessons)

What to wear

  • Goggles and waterproof gloves (dry and ready to go)
  • Waterproof jacket and pants, ideally with snow gaiters
  • Base layers, mid layers, and ski socks
  • Neck warmer or balaclava

Sun & comfort

  • Sunscreen and lip balm applied before heading out
  • Snacks and a refillable water bottle in the backpack

Plan ahead

  • Meeting spot and break times agreed
  • Travel plan sorted so you arrive on time

Forgot something?
No stress. Our on-mountain retail store has last-minute essentials covered, and you’ll find warm meals, treats, and great coffee at our cafés and restaurants.

Adult and child in ski gear standing on snowy mountain slope with ski poles and skis.
Your crew, your pace

premium family privates

Make memories together with a private coaching day designed for families and friends. The Family Private Experience pairs your group with one of our expert Performance Academy coaches for a personalised, laughter-filled day on snow - tailored to every ability, from first timers to confident cruisers.
Four people in ski gear posing with snow-covered mountains in the background.

make time for your turns too

Family ski days can be busy, but you don’t have to miss out. With great-value lift pass options like our Parent Pass, you can make the most of your time on the mountain - fitting in a few solo laps while the kids are in lessons or enjoying snow play.

Adult and child smiling together while skiing on a snowy mountain slope with other skiers.

Kids 5 & Under Ski free

Start 'em young and stoked. Kids aged 5 & under ski free at Remarks, Coronet Peak & Mt Hutt. Just grab their free 3 Peak Season Pass online, print their MyPass Card at a kiosk or with Guest Services, and they’re all set to ride. Because the love of snow starts early, and we’re here for it.

Ski rentals for kids & family

Forgot something? We have it covered.

Hire everything you need for adults and kids from age 4+, including skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, jackets, and pants.

Get ahead by visiting our Queenstown Snow Centre (25 Shotover St) the afternoon before your mountain day, it’s the easiest way to start slope side stress-free. You can also hire on the mountain with your MyPass card or via Guest Services.

Good to know: If you hire from our Queenstown Snow Centre, you’ll need to return your gear there.


Multi-day trips: We’ll store your rentals overnight, free of charge but subject to availability.

Top Tip: Pick up their free MyPass early so you're not lining up on the day.
Person holding a pair of white HEAD skis in a ski rental or storage room filled with skis.

Fuel the fun

Eat well, ride better

Sorting food on the mountain takes the stress out of the day - less packing, less planning, more time for fun. From morning coffees to proper mountain meals, we’ve got your on-mountain dining covered.

Kick things off at Rastusburn Coffee Bar, grab an easy bite at The Remarkables Café, settle in for a proper feed at The Remarkables Restaurant, or pause mid-lap at The Aperol Ice Bar and soak up the views.

Fried chicken sandwich with coleslaw and fries on a wooden tray, with grilled chicken and rice dish nearby.
Fried chicken sandwich with coleslaw and fries on a wooden tray, with grilled chicken and rice dish nearby.

faqs

Are my kids too young to ski?

From age 4 and up, kids can join our group ski lessons, and from 6 and up for our group snowboard lessons where they'll start learning the basics with other young shredders. Our team knows how to keep things fun, confidence-building, and age-appropriate whether it's their first time sliding or they're ready to tackle the beginner slopes.

Private lessons are also available. These one-on-one sessions are tailored to your child's pace and needs, perfect for those who learn best with individual attention.

And the best part? Kids aged 5 and under ski free. You can purchase a Child 5 & Under Season Pass from our online store or at Guest Services. We also offer child passes for ages 6+ that work across Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt.

No matter their age or stage, we're here to help your tamariki fall in love with the snow.

Do you have rental equipment for kids?

Hire skis, snowboards, clothing, and helmets right on the mountain.

For hygiene reasons, we don’t rent gloves or goggles, but you can buy them at our Mt Hutt retail shop.

To book your rental gear, simply add rentals when booking online or through Guest Services. On arrival, bring your MyPass card to the rental department, our team will get you fitted quickly and efficiently.

Multi-day rental? Take advantage of free overnight gear storage.

We have equipment for adults and kids aged 4+. For younger children, contact us to discuss options.

Choose from top brands like Head, Burton, and Salomon. As your skills progress, upgrade to performance gear. All equipment is regularly tuned for top performance.

Need to swap boots or skis? No problem, visit us anytime for a better fit and maximum comfort.

How do I get to The Remarkables?

The Remarkables is a 45 minute drive from central Queenstown You can either drive yourself or take our daily Ski Bus from town, which is a great option if you prefer not to drive.

If you're driving, snow chains must be carried at all times, regardless of the weather in town. Chain use is often required after fresh snowfall or icy conditions. We recommend doing a practice fit before you need them. For real-time road conditions and chain updates, always check our Daily Snow Report before heading up.

How to stay safe on the mountain

A great ski day starts with knowing your limits, following mountain signage and taking your time while learning. Stay in control, give others space, and always stop in visible areas. If you're unsure where to start, a lesson is the best way to build confidence safely. Check out our Mountain Safety Guide for more tips & tricks to keep your ski day safe & fun.

Should I book in advance?

Yes, booking ahead is recommended. Lessons & Packages can be in high demand during weekends and school holidays, so reserving your package or lesson early helps secure your spot.

Please note: Rentals are not available to book in advance and are issued on a first in, first served basis. However, you can save time by purchasing your rental products online in advance, collecting your MyPass card from Guest Services or our Kiosks then head in to see our Rentals team on the mountain who will get you fitted and ready for a fun day on the snow.

Six tips for chairlift loading for kids

Wait your turn

  • Line up in the lift queue and wait your turn before sliding forward to the chair loading zone.

Load with an experienced adult

  1. If you are over 120cm tall you can ride the lift by yourself.
  2. If you are under 120cm you must ride the lift with an adult
  3. If you are riding the chairlift with a friend, get your adult to sit between you both to help you on and off.
  4. Only you and one friend can ride with one adult, if you have lots of friends in your group, other adults will be asked to help.

Sit back-to-back

  • Sit all the way to the back of the chairlift so your back is touching the back rest.

Put the safety bar down

  • If you are tall enough you can pull the safety bar down, but if you can’t reach it let the adult put it down for you.

Sit still and hold on

  • Once you are on the chair and the safety bar is down, sit still and hold on until you are up the top of the mountain.

Let the adult raise the bar and tell you when to slide off

  • When you reach the top of the mountain, don’t rush to get off. Wait until you can touch the ground then slide off and enjoy your day.
What do I need to bring for a ski day at The Remarkables?

Planning a ski or snowboard day at The Remarkables? Here's what you'll need to bring to make the most of your time on the mountain – whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned shredder.

Essential gear to bring:

• Warm, waterproof outerwear (jacket and pants)

• Base layers (thermal or merino)

• Gloves or mittens

• Goggles or sunglasses

• Helmet (required for lessons – rentals available)

• Thick socks (ski or snowboard-specific recommended)

MyPass card or booking QR code

• Water bottle and snacks

• Sunscreen and lip balm

Don't have all the gear? No worries. We offer ski and snowboard rentals, including clothing and helmets, right at the base building. Our Rental Centre has everything you need for a full day on snow.

What facilities are available at The Remarkables?

We’ve made it easy to spend less time organising and more time exploring. Everything you need for a great day on the mountain is conveniently located at base.

Facilities

You'll find bathrooms, changing areas, outdoor ski and snowboard storage, and paid lockers in our Base Building. Whether you're travelling light or bringing the whole whānau, there's plenty of space to store your gear.

Rentals

New to the snow or travelling without your gear? Our on-mountain Rental Centre has everything you need, including skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and waterproof outerwear.

Food & Coffee

From barista-made coffee and quick bites to hearty meals and après drinks, our cafés and restaurants have something for every appetite, all served with incredible mountain views.

Lessons

Whether it's your first turns or you're looking to build confidence and progress, our ski and snowboard lessons are led by experienced instructors who make learning fun for all ages.

Getting Around

Fast, modern lifts and complimentary shuttle services between the lower car parks and base area make getting around the mountain easy, so you can focus on the fun.

Extras

Enjoy free Wi-Fi at base, water refill stations, and a friendly team ready to help make your day on the mountain as smooth as possible.

What will my kids learn in their ski lesson?

Our kid's lessons cater for all ability levels, so if it's their first time on snow our experienced instructors will help them learn the basics. If your kids already have some experience our team will help them build their ski or snowboarding skills and confidence.

Where can I collect my lift pass/MyPass card?

All of your products will be loaded to your MyPass Card. This is essentially your ticket to the mountain, to access the lifts at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables or Mt Hutt you will need a MyPass Card assigned to your profile with your products loaded onto it.

Skied with us before?

• Great, welcome back! If you already have your MyPass card, you can use this again to access our lifts, pick up your rentals, or to join your Snowsports lesson.

Purchased online?

• You can collect your MyPass Card by scanning the barcode in your confirmation email at one of our Kiosks or by visiting Guest Services.

• Using the Kiosk: Simply scan the barcode in your confirmation email and the Kiosk will print your MyPass card - from there you can head straight to the lift.

Queenstown Snow Centre:

• If you're planning to visit Coronet Peak or The Remarkables in Queenstown, we recommend you collect your MyPass card in advance at The Snow Centre at 25 Shotover Street.

We recommend you collect your MyPass Card the day before you head up the mountain from the Queenstown Snow Centre to skip any queues.