ski Queenstown guide
Winter done right
From first-time visitors to seasoned snow lovers, this Ski Queenstown Guide helps you plan with confidence and make the most of your Queenstown ski trip.
adventure starts here
Queenstown is known worldwide as the adventure capital of New Zealand, and when winter rolls in, it becomes a snow lover’s playground. Big alpine views, wide-open terrain, and an après scene that keeps the stoke up long after the lifts stop spinning.
Home to two iconic ski areas - Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, Queenstown delivers unforgettable mountain experiences for every style of rider. From sunrise laps at the Peak to big-mountain freeride at The Remarkables, there’s something special waiting whichever way you turn.
The Remarkables is where adventure lives. Just 45 minutes from Queenstown, our mountain is known for its wide-open bowls, natural chutes, freestyle parks, and terrain built for progression. From first turns to full-send days, it’s a place to explore, take it at your own pace, and find your line.
Planning your Queenstown ski trip? This guide brings together everything you need to know, with local tips, practical advice, and insider know-how to help you make the most of your time on the mountain.
Snow Report
Weather Updates
Your best source for Mountain conditions
Why ski in queenstown?
Queenstown delivers big alpine views, crisp mountain air, and room to explore. It’s a playground for skiers and riders chasing everything from cruisy laps to big-mountain lines.
When the lifts stop spinning, the adventure doesn’t. Queenstown’s après scene serves up cosy spots to unwind, buzzing bars to keep the energy high, and plenty to do once you’re back in town.
Getting to The Remarkables is easy. Just 45 minutes from Queenstown by car or bus, you’ll trade town views for wide-open terrain and iconic alpine scenery. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a full winter escape, skiing slots easily into any Queenstown trip.
Best time to visit
The Queenstown ski season runs from mid June to early October with each month bringing a different kind of mountain day. Here’s a quick guide to help you find your Remarkables vibe:
June
A quieter start to winter, perfect for lessons, confidence-building, and exploring the mountain at an easy pace.
July
Mid-winter energy with school holidays and great snow coverage. Ideal for families, freestyle laps, and big mountain exploring.
August
A sweet spot for snow conditions and fewer crowds. Think consistent snow, prime free-ride terrain, and plenty of room to roam.
September
Spring delivers longer days, softer snow, and sunshine laps, with the chance of a late-season powder refresh.
The remarkables
Located just 24km from Queenstown, The Remarkables Ski Area is one of the region’s most popular ski fields, known for its big mountain terrain and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. With 449 hectares of skiable terrain, The Remarkables offers something for every level, from first-time skiers and snowboarders to experienced free riders.
The mountain features 7 lifts (4 chairlifts and 3 conveyors), making it easy to move around and progress at your own pace. Beginners can start in the base-area learner zone, with on-mountain ski and snowboard lessons, equipment hire, and gentle slopes designed to build confidence quickly.
Intermediate riders will find long, flowing groomers and wide-open blues, while advanced skiers and snowboarders can explore steep chutes, sun-soaked bowls, and technical black runs that give The Remarks its reputation as a freeride favourite.
Freestyle is a key part of the mountain’s identity, with three dedicated terrain parks, including The Burton Stash, one of only six in the world. From mellow features to creative lines, it’s a standout destination for freestyle skiing and snowboarding in Queenstown.
Want a broader view?
Check out the full Map
Coronet peak
Just 20 minutes from town, Coronet Peak is Queenstown’s local, made for fast laps, golden sunrises, and snow-filled good times at every level.
Established in 1947, Coronet is New Zealand’s first commercial ski field, with 280 hectares of terrain, 3 chairlifts including a high-speed 6-seater chair with gondola cabins, 1 T bar, and 3 surface lifts. From wide-open groomers and epic rollercoaster terrain to gentle learner slopes, The Peak is where generations have learned to ski and ride. Early riser? Catch First Tracks for untouched corduroy and sunrise views. Keen for more? Carve under the lights at Night Ski, or push your limits in the Race Arena, home to world-class athletes.
With on-mountain rentals and lessons for all abilities, performance is always within reach. Got little shredders? Skiwiland offers snow play and childcare, so you can enjoy the mountain while they’re having a blast.
Good times since 1947
Check out everything Coronet Peak has to offer!
can't decide? ski both.
Why choose when you can have it all? With Coronet Peak and The Remarkables right on your doorstep, skiing the best of Queenstown is easy.
Superpass keeps things flexible. One pass. One full day at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, or Mt Hutt. No need to decide in advance, just check the conditions and pick your mountain.
Staying longer? Multi-day Superpasses offer better value and let you mix up your days on snow. And if the weather turns or you’re ready for a rest day, you’ve still got options - swap a day for credit to go towards select Queenstown activities or save it for later in the season at any Superpass partner ski field.
More freedom. More terrain. No pressure.
passes to match
Your adventure
Choosing the right pass makes all the difference. We have a range of Lift Passes & Packages perfect for a Queenstown Ski Trip. From First Timer all the way to Seasoned Shredder, you’ll find the perfect pass for your next ski adventure.
Pick the pass that fits your pace
Staying a bit longer? A 3 Peak Pass is your best value, ski The Remarks & Coronet Peak in Queenstown & Mt Hutt in Canterbury all season long.
Superpass
- 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
3 Peak Season Pass
- Over 1100ha of terrain across Coronet Peak, The Remarkables & Mt Hutt
- Instalment option available
- No holiday blackouts
- FREE Night Skiing at Coronet Peak
- Discounts on mountain, at Coronet Peak over summer and with many of our awesome partners
Progress with a lesson
After a more budget-friendly option? Group Lessons still deliver great coaching and will have you improving in no time.
Group Lesson
- 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
Full Day Private Lesson
- 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
Carve it up with our quality rental gear
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.
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Recreational Rentals
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
Performance Rentals
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
Need it all? Grab a Package
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
- 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
First Timer Package
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
Gear & rentals
Why rent with us?
More time on snow. Less time mucking around.
Pick up your gear on the mountain or at our Queenstown Snow Centre and get straight into it.
Ride without limits.
If your setup doesn’t feel right, swap it on-mountain. Change sizes, try something new, and keep chasing the best conditions, no extra stress.
Premium gear that performs.
We stock high-quality skis and snowboards for every level, so you ride with confidence from your first turn to your fastest run.
Plan smart.
Hiring from our Queenstown Snow Centre (25 Shotover Street)? Gear must be returned there, perfect if you’re finishing the day in town.
Fast. Flexible. Built around how you actually ski and ride.
Rent with us and get the most out of every day at The Remarkables.
Waterproof Outerwear
Base Layers (thermals)
Mid-Layer (Optional)
Helmets
Goggles or Sunglasses
Gloves & Socks
Sunscreen & Lip Balm
Snacks & a Water Bottle
Backpack
Book the ski bus
Skip the drive. Ride more.
Our Ski Bus runs daily from central Queenstown and is the easiest way to get up the hill. No chains, no parking stress, just jump on and roll straight to the snow. Book early, especially if you’ve got a lesson or First Tracks lined up, and check the timetable to hit your start time.
Driving to the Remarkables
The Remarkables Road is sealed for the first 10km, with the final section unsealed but regularly maintained. Drive to the conditions, keep two-way access clear, and carry snow chains at all times.
Carry snow chains
Always have chains with you and know how to fit them.
Check the snow report
Updated daily with road conditions and carpark availability.
Carparks & shuttles
We have five carparks. Some are within walking distance of the base building and chairlifts. If you’re parked further out, our free carpark shuttle runs continuously throughout the day.
Drop zone
Use the drop zone outside the base building to unload passengers and gear, then park. Walk back or hop on the free shuttle.
Après-Ski
Queenstown is packed with buzzing après spots, and up at The Remarkables, we’ve got a few favourites of our own.
Here's where to toast the day:
Rastusburn Coffee Bar
Where you should start and end your epic day up the maunga. Serving top-notch coffee, teas, sweet treats, by morning and wine and beer by afternoon to keep the good vibes rolling.
Aperol Ice Bar
Mid-mountain magic. Pull up a beanbag, sip an Aperol Spritz and take in the views from halfway down our Curvey Basin trails. Then carve your way back down with a smile.
faqs
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.
Yes. The Superpass gives you full flexibility to ski Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, or even Mt Hutt, all on one pass. You don't have to choose your mountain in advance, making it perfect for travellers who want to check the weather and decide on the day.
The more days you purchase, the more you save. And if the weather changes or you need a rest day, you can use your Superpass for select off-mountain activities in Queenstown or save it for later in the season.
The ski season runs from mid-June to early October.
July is a popular time with school holidays and a great family atmosphere, while August often brings the most consistent snow coverage and cooler temps. If you're after sunny days and soft spring laps, September is ideal, fewer crowds, longer daylight, and great value on spring ski passes.
Queenstown has a wide range of winter accommodation options to suit every style and budget, whether you're chasing luxury lodges, cosy alpine apartments, lakeside hotels or social hostels. Staying in town means you're just 24km from The Remarkables and close to restaurants, bars, and the legendary après scene.
Prefer a bit more space? Nearby suburbs like Frankton and Arthurs Point offer relaxed vibes and easy access to both mountains.
