Skiing in Queenstown is chock full of choices and fantastic experiences. As there is virtually no on snow accommodation in any of the Queenstown skiing and snowboarding resorts, so everyone stays in Queenstown accommodation or Wanaka accommodation and commutes to the ski fields every day. This gives you the added bonus of being able to ski at a number of different locations during your stay in the area. Because Queenstown is a long way south (Latitude 45 degrees) there is almost always plenty of snow on the mountains so that you can truly enjoy your skiing or snowboarding holiday and then have lots of fun dining and partying in the Queenstown après ski scene. During the winter months Queenstown is packed to the rafters with skiers from around the world. Each of the resorts provides a shuttle bus service to the slopes and if you want to drive yourself, that is fine however, remember that snow chains must be carried and fitted whenever directed.

There are four major ski resorts within easy reach of Queenstown and they all feature everything that you would expect to find at a modern ski resort. All have up to the minute snow making equipment for the odd season when nature does not take its course. Night skiing Is available and they all have excellent equipment hire with up to date products. Medical teams, first aid and ski patrol are also mandatory on the New Zealand Ski slopes. All of them also provide ski shops and excellent restaurants and cafés that are able to cater for the thousands of skiers who flock here every day.

Coronet Peak is the closest of the ski resorts to Queenstown. It is just on twenty minutes drive from the center of town to the services centre, which has just had a multimillion dollar rebuild. The road to the resort is sealed almost all the way and the views over the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges is truly spectacular. The resort has two six seater chair lifts, one two seater chair plus several poma's. There is plenty of lifting capacity and the resort is popular with skiers and snowboarders alike. The Remarkables are a little further away with a drive or bus transfer of around forty five minutes. It is the only resort with free bus transfers that leave from right in the center of Queenstown. The alpine road to the resort is a thrill ride in its own right and the views are truly spectacular. The resort has several chair lifts and plenty of intermediate and advanced terrain. It is also popular with beginners and is a great place to learn to ski.

Cardrona is just over an hour's drive from Queenstown or twenty minutes from Wanaka. It is the only New Zealand ski resort that has some on snow accommodation. It is, however, very limited and usually booked out from year to year. There are three chair lifts and lots of intermediate skiing and snowboarding available. The snow depth at Cardrona is the most reliable of the four resorts. The drive up the mountain is the easiest of the south island ski fields. Accommodation is available in Wanaka, Queenstown or in the countryside close to the foot of the mountain. Treble Cone is the largest ski resort in the region. It also has the most advanced and expert skiing slopes. Intermediate and learners are also catered for. It lies close to Wanaka and about one hour and twenty minutes drive from Queenstown. A gondola service from the lakeside at Wanaka, to the ski resort is now in the planning stages, and when completed will provide fast access to the slopes without the need for the alpine drive.

If you love the snow and want a skiing or snowboarding holiday that will be truly memorable, then come to New Zealand, stay in Queenstown, and experience some of the world’s best skiing.

Queenstown Skiing