Best ski resorts in Queenstown for an epic snow holiday
If you're looking for an overseas ski jaunt that's not too far from home, here are the best ski resorts in and around Queenstown to stay at.
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Looking to shred some slopes? New Zealand's adventure capital - Queenstown - has what you need. Here are the best resorts to choose from.
Whether you're into terrain parks or if you're a beginner just starting out on the magic carpet, there's something for you.
Best ski resorts Queenstown
The Remarkables
The Remarkables is a beginner and intermediate friendly ski resort a 45-minute drive from Queenstown. 30 per cent of the resort is wide open beginner runs and 40 per cent is intermediate terrain (still leaving a good 30 per cent open for advanced skiers).
The ski school takes kids four and up for lessons and kids aged seven and under ski for free with their parents. There’s also an adult first-timer package for NZ$199 which includes a lift pass, a full day group lesson and ski rental.
The remarkables lodge is ski in ski out and has great views and is one of the best places in New Zealand for a ski holiday.
Treble Cone
An intermediate skier to advanced skier's powder-filled dream, Treble Cone gets the highest rates of snowfall on New Zealand's south island, and is one of the best resorts to visit if you like skiing natural terrain with beautiful views. It's one of the more expensive resorts in New Zealand, but well worth it if you can afford it. It's an hour and a half drive from Queenstown airport and about half an hour from Lake Wanaka. The facilities are world class and the rental shop is well equipped for those needing to pick up ski gear.
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is one of the closest ski resorts to Queenstown (it's just a 16 minute drive). It's great for all levels of skiers and snowboarders with runs for intermediate and advanced visitors alike. The Big Easy route is the pick for beginners and experts will love the ominously named Exchange Drop. Night skiing here is excellent too. All up, if you want something convenient and close to Queenstown, this is the place to go.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
A top tier snow resort near the hubs of Queenstown and Wanaka (an hour and a half from Queenstown, 40 minutes from Wanaka), Cardrona is known for being an excellent all-rounder, offering something for everyone (from fledgling beginner to powder seeking pros). A local favourite, it's as convenient as it is diverse. With stunning views, a range of different terrain, modern amenities and leg burning runs, it's perfect for families. The only drawback is because it's so good it can get busy in peak season (especially weekends).
Mount Hutt
This south island gem is not close to Queenstown, but if you fly in and out of Christchurch it's worth a visit for any skier or snowboarder looking for adventure. Mount Hutt is one of the highest altitude ski resorts in all of New Zealand, and thanks to this it often has monster snowfalls and a huge variety of runs (and one of the longest ski seasons in New Zealand). The best way to get there is to fly to Christchurch and then get a shuttle or rent a car and drive (it's an hour 40 minutes from Christchurch by car). Driving from Queenstown it's about five and a half hours.
Which is the best ski mountain in Queenstown?
For beginners, it's The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. For intermediates it's Cardrona. For advanced riders, it's Treble Cone.
Is Coronet or Remarkables better?
The Remarkables is bigger and gives you more to explore and is better for families and generally sunnier due to the direction it faces. It has a good mix of green and blue runs. Coronet has more runs (and is known for its long groomed blue runs) in a more compact area (and good night skiing) making it a good choice for those looking to maximise their time on the mountain.
What is the biggest ski resort in Queenstown?
Cardrona Alpine Resort is the biggest ski resort near Queenstown.
Is Cardrona or Treble Cone better?
Cardrona is better for families as it has more intermediate and beginner options, while Treble Cone is better for intermediate and advanced skiers looking for amazing views and challenging terrain.
What's the best Queenstown hotel to stay at?
Heading to the Queenstown ski fields and want to know the best hotel to stay at? The Rees Hotel has won the World Ski Award's Best New Zealand Ski Hotel for six years in a row, so it's a pretty good pick, even among all the excellent southern hemisphere competition.
What's the après ski like?
If you're wondering what the apres scene is like - at the resorts there are bars and some events. If you're staying in central Queenstown or downtown Queenstown itself there are even more options - from restaurants and bars to clubs and pubs. Basically: if you want to party, stay in Queenstown.
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