5 August 2023
Gondola
Queenstown
Stratosfare restaurant
Ready to experience endless adventures, spectacular views of mountain peaks, and some of the most fantastic ski destinations in the southern hemisphere?
You’ll find a huge variety of Queenstown ski packages and tour options that will handle everything from ski gear to lift passes and even transport to the mountains.
Queenstown/ Wanaka’s four main ski areas offer unsurpassed alpine scenery, first-class infrastructure, and wide-open terrain. Ski Queenstown & Wanaka, New Zealand, from June to October. See the scheduled 2022 opening dates below (refer to the relevant websites for the most up to date information):
Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand is worth a visit at any time of year. But if you’re looking for the best skiing conditions, make sure to visit at the right time.
Some ski regions begin to open between the 10th and the 17th, but the snow quality is low. However, as June is the shoulder season, you’ll find lower prices than usual.
By late June, snow dumps start accumulating forming a good base for the mountains making it a beautiful time for skiing or snowboarding in Queenstown. This can be a great time to visit as it’s not a peak time for the resort and you can still find some reasonable accommodation prices.
In July, you’ll experience the coldest weather and monster snowfalls. But it’s the school holidays and Winterfest which means busy ski fields and the most expensive time to visit.
By August, skiers will find an epic winter snowfall and snow quality.
The snow conditions in September are similar to August unless Queenstown has experienced warmer temperatures, but the ski fields are less crowded again.
Ski fields are still open into October, and Cardrona ski resort in Queenstown is usually the most dependable for October skiers. You can also find some cheap accommodation deals.
Whether you’re looking for a 5-star resort, budget motel, B&B, or backpackers, you’ll have plenty of accommodation options. But, you’ll need transport to get to any Queenstown, New Zealand ski resort. If you don’t have a rental car, choose accommodation close to a bus stop for local buses into town or shuttles to the ski resorts. Alternatively, you can organise a hotel pick-up service.
If you’re looking for ski packages in Queenstown, you’ll generally pay around $150 per adult and $80 per child per day – equipment rental is extra. Book for more days for a reduced rate. Discounts for students and seniors are also available. However, if you plan to visit for two weeks or longer, season passes are an excellent option.
You can book buses and mountain transport to any Queenstown or Wanaka ski fields from your accommodation. Find transport to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona Alpine Resort, and Treble Cone online or at any of the local ski shops in town.
The Remarkables Queenstown is a scenic 24km drive from the town centre. The Remarkables offers terrain and facilities for all skiers – whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro.
Coronet Peak boasts roller coaster terrain and has seen snow lovers flocking to enjoy a winter paradise for over 75 years. Local Queenstown legend, Alice Robinson, grew up ski racing on Coronet Peak and is now winning on the world stage! You too can experience one of New Zealand’s best ski areas.
Packages are available if you’ve never tried Queenstown snowboarding or skiing and want to learn. Fancy a night ski at Coronet Peak? Visit on Wednesday and Fridays – children up to 7 and adults 75 and over can enjoy free night skiing.
Cardrona is great for beginners and families with its gentle, wide-open slopes. The chondola – a hybrid lift of gondola cabins and chairs – makes it easy for skiers and snowboarders to travel to the top of the mountain.
Treble Cone is worth a visit for the spectacular views of other mountains from the chairlift alone. Discover the open bowls, off-piste powder, and super groomers the mountain is renowned for.
Experience backcountry skiing and snowboarding on pristine high-country terrain. No need to wait around for the chairlift – enjoy state-of-the-art snowcats with heated passenger cabins.
Snow Farm boasts over 50km of cross-country skiing, nordic skiing, and snowshoeing terrain. Also, visit the Snow Fun Zone – hire a tube, slide down hills, and start a snowball fight!
If you want to reach otherwise inaccessible backcountry terrain, heli-skiing is the way to go. You’ll take a chopper ride up into the heart of the Southern Alps and hit the slopes. An experienced guide will accompany you, and you’ll be provided with an alpine lunch.
Once the sun sets, you’ll find more to do here than just night skiing. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of over 150 bars and restaurants in central Queenstown.
Reward your taste buds at the Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar when you’re ready to relax and unwind. Browse our Skyline blog for more amazing Queenstown holiday guides, from the best times to visit to the most incredible lookout spots.