May 22, 2019
You’ve booked your holiday to Queenstown this winter, YES! Now to choose what to do and where to ski! Queenstown is the gateway to the Southern Alps, and we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to ski areas. Read on for the low down on the five ski areas close to New Zealand’s adventure capital.
If the mountains are closed, don’t forget we’re Jet boating from the Main Town Pier, every hour on the hour, and we’ve got heated hand rails to keep you nice and toasty.
Coronet Peak
New Zealand’s first commercial ski area established in 1947, is also Queenstown’s closest. A quick 20 minute drive from the town centre, Coronet Peak has over 280 hectares of skiable terrain.
Long runs, first tracks, night ski and Friday night parties, Coronet Peak is the local’s favourite. A new Telemix 6 seat chairlift with gondola cabins will replace the old Coronet Express, the main lift at Coronet Peak this 2019 season. Not only will this enhance the experience for skiers, but for sightseers’ opportunities in summer!
The Remarkables
The Remarkables mountain range is one of the most specular sights when you fly into Queenstown, and it’s one of two mountain ranges that’s runs directly north to south. Established in the 1980s, The Remarks has over 385 hectares of skiable area, and 3.67m of natural snow.
There’s even more terrain added for the 2019 ski season with a new 160-metre long conveyor lift being installed to access a whole new learner’s area, easing the progression from novice skier/boarder to catching the Alta beginner chairlift. Modifications to Shadow main trail will ease this blue slope for a safer and more enjoyable ride.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Cardrona Alpine Resort has over 400 hectares of skiable terrain, 2.9m of average snowfall and 600m of vertical rise, Cardies attracts all kinds of snow enthusiasts. With the Winter Games hosted on mountain every year, the mountain attracts beginners, families right through to Olympic and X Games athletes.
Rich in history, Cardrona’s first winter was in 1980. It was an incredible snow year, which unfortunately meant that the road access was impossible, and there were only 16 days of skiing this season! A 1,000-metre rope tow was purchased from Mt Hutt and installed.
The resort was the first in New Zealand to install a ‘Chondola’ a combination of 8 person gondola cabins and 6 seater chairs replacing McDougalls Quad.
Treble Cone
Treble Cone is the largest ski area in New Zealand’s South Island, with long groomed runs and incredible views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
Treble Cone offers 700m of vertical, the longest in the Queenstown Southern Lakes District and 550 hectares.
‘First tracks’ is available July and August 2019, allowing early birds to get up the mountain by 8.00am and rip up the fresh corduroy before regular opening at 9.00am.
Soho Basin
An exclusive private ski area with spectacular views, Soho Basin has 264 hectares and over 500 vertical metres of high country terrain with the twist being there’s no lifts. Rather you’re transported around the mountain by state of the art heated snow cats.
After a morning of exploration, you’ll be treated to a gourmet three course lunch paired with Amisfield wines at their Alpine Hut.
And if the mountains are closed, don’t worry, we’ll be Jet boating every hour on the hour from the Main Town Pier. Want to Jet boat in Queenstown with the world’s first? Book now!
