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Queenstown Ski Fields – Skiing & Snowboarding

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.

Plan your Perfect Queenstown Ski Holiday

When is the Queenstown Ski Season?

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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):

  • Cardrona Alpine Resort: 11 June – 16 October
  • Coronet Peak Ski Area: 17 June – 25 September
  • The Remarkables Ski Area: 18 June – 16 October
  • Treble Cone: 25 June – 25 September

What is the Best Month to Ski in Queenstown?

Image credit: @sarahjcassell

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.

Early June:

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.

Late June:

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.

July:

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.

August:

By August, skiers will find an epic winter snowfall and snow quality.

September:

The snow conditions in September are similar to August unless Queenstown has experienced warmer temperatures, but the ski fields are less crowded again.

October:

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.

Where to Stay in Queenstown for Skiing & Snowboarding

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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.

Queenstown Skiing Prices

Image credit: @coronetpeak

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.

Mountain Transport

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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.

Ski Fields in Queenstown

The Remarkables Ski Area

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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 Ski Area

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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.

Ski Fields in Wanaka

Cardrona Alpine Resort

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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 Ski Area

Image credit: @mrbollen

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.

Soho Basin

Image credit: @sohobasin

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 NZ

Image credit: @snowfarm_nz

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!

Heli Skiing

Image credit: @harrismountainsheliski

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.

Après Ski

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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.

Discover more amazing things to see and do in 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.

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