The Queenstown Ski Area
Being the self-proclaimed extreme sports capital of the world, you can also try skydiving, bungee jumping and whitewater rafting… but you can just as easily wind down and go golfing, fishing or wine tasting. Also worth noting is the Winter Festival, usually held in Queenstown during July, offers 10 days of festivities and fun on and off the slopes with night skiing and music, races, carnival and fireworks.
The two main fields close to the town are The Remarkables and Coronet Peak
The Remarkables
High in the mountains above Lake Wakatipu the Remarkables ski area has a base altitude of 1730 meters (5675 feet) with lots of snow and a long reliable season. Its north facing aspect makes its three basins sheltered suntraps and with a versatile terrain, relaxed atmosphere and sense of fun it is perfect field for beginners, youth and all family members.
Young free skiers and snowboarders swarm to the mountain’s varied trails, terrain park and backcountry areas with the powder bowls and off-piste runs providing challenges for the more advanced, the fantastic learning facilities means all boxes are ticked allowing fun for all ages and abilities. The terrain is 30% Easy, 40% Medium, 30% Hard.
Lifts, there are 3 quad chairs, 3 surface conveyor lifts and 1 handle tow, there is also a long magic carpet taking you up from the main car park to the base building, which is also used for beginners.
During September the field hosts the Remarkables Spring Festival with a riot of snow sports and crazy events with live music on the deck adds to the party atmosphere.
Coronet Peak
Just a 20 minutes drive on paved road from Queenstown central, Coronet Peak is a favorite for visitors and locals alike. State-of-the-art lifts and snowmaking equipment has Coronet Peak offers premium skiing and riding for all levels.
Spectacular high points and rolling trails with secret verticals, dips and drops offer the seasoned skier and rider something to get their teeth into, while the wide open runs are perfect for beginners and intermediates. For newbie’s there is a dedicated learner and novice areas making learning easy. Parents there are supervised kids’ programs and early learning centre for children age three months and up.
The 280 hectare (691 acre) park has a base elevation of 1220 meters (4000 feet) and the Terrain consists of 25% Easy, 45% Medium and 30% Hard. As far as lifts are concerned they have 1 high speed 6 seater, 1 express quad chair, 1 express double chair, 1 T-Bar and 3 Magic Carpets
Night Skiing: Available on Friday and Saturday nights. Coronet is home to the Winter Festival.
