Ski Resort Guide
Queenstown
Queenstown Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
Queenstown is probably best known as the home of adrenaline activities but come winter it transforms into a full-on ski town. You'll meet Kiwis on their 10th season, Queenslanders who've never seen snow and British and South American backpackers on their round-the-world trips.
Most visitors stick to the two closest ski fields, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, which are under the same management. But it's not too far to Cardrona, while Treble Cone and Snow Park NZ (a giant terrain park) are within reach too.
For most of the winter, Queenstown sits below the snow line, so while you're skiing up in the mountains, you'll be looking down at the green valley below. The vertical may not match that of the Alps or North America, but you can still have a lot of fun, especially on a powder day.
One of the best times to visit is during the Queenstown Winter Festival, which takes place annually at the end of June - just as the ski season is kicking off.
Most visitors stick to the two closest ski fields, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, which are under the same management. But it's not too far to Cardrona, while Treble Cone and Snow Park NZ (a giant terrain park) are within reach too.
For most of the winter, Queenstown sits below the snow line, so while you're skiing up in the mountains, you'll be looking down at the green valley below. The vertical may not match that of the Alps or North America, but you can still have a lot of fun, especially on a powder day.
One of the best times to visit is during the Queenstown Winter Festival, which takes place annually at the end of June - just as the ski season is kicking off.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 357m (1,171ft).
Top elevation: Coronet Peak: 1,649m (5,410ft); The Remarkables: 1,943m (6,375ft).
Base elevation: Coronet Peak: 1,187m (3,894ft); The Remarkables: 1,620m (5,315ft).
Number of lifts: Coronet Peak: 7; The Remarkables: 6.
Number of runs: Coronet Peak: 30; The Remarkables: 36.
Average annual snowfall: Coronet Peak: 2m (6.5ft); The Remarkables: 3.7m (12ft).
Where in the world?
Queenstown is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Alps, in Otago province in New Zealand's South Island. The nearest ski areas, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, are situated 18km (11 miles) and 26km (16 miles) from town respectively.
Hit the slopes
Coronet Peak's season usually runs from early June until early October. The Remarkables' season runs from late June until mid October.
Coronet Peak has had a complete make over in the last couple of years. A new NZ$32m base lodge built in the summer of 2007 is one of the best in the world and compliments the Southern Hemisphere's most extensive automated snowmaking system, made up of 204 snow guns covering all trails on the mountain.
There's a nicely graded beginners' area at the base served by 3 carpet conveyor lifts. An express quad chairlift takes skiers and boarders to the top of the M1 run, a 2.4km (1.5-mile) blue trail popular with intermediates. Advanced skiers can drop into the more challenging back bowls. An additional new six-seater chair replaced a slower quad in 2005 making lift queues generally a thing of the past.
Across the valley, the north facing Remarkables is a great place to learn to ski. The learners' area is separate from the main slopes, beneath the day lodge, with three easy-to-ride magic carpets. The Sugar Bowl is a popular hang-out for intermediates and snowboarders, with its blue runs, three terrain parks, including the Southern Hemisphere's only Burton Stash park and superpipe. Advanced skiers and riders can hike from the Shadow chair to some great chutes.
Coronet Peak has had a complete make over in the last couple of years. A new NZ$32m base lodge built in the summer of 2007 is one of the best in the world and compliments the Southern Hemisphere's most extensive automated snowmaking system, made up of 204 snow guns covering all trails on the mountain.
There's a nicely graded beginners' area at the base served by 3 carpet conveyor lifts. An express quad chairlift takes skiers and boarders to the top of the M1 run, a 2.4km (1.5-mile) blue trail popular with intermediates. Advanced skiers can drop into the more challenging back bowls. An additional new six-seater chair replaced a slower quad in 2005 making lift queues generally a thing of the past.
Across the valley, the north facing Remarkables is a great place to learn to ski. The learners' area is separate from the main slopes, beneath the day lodge, with three easy-to-ride magic carpets. The Sugar Bowl is a popular hang-out for intermediates and snowboarders, with its blue runs, three terrain parks, including the Southern Hemisphere's only Burton Stash park and superpipe. Advanced skiers and riders can hike from the Shadow chair to some great chutes.
Beyond the slopes
If you're visiting Queenstown, be sure to bring a high dose of adrenaline. You can hurl yourself off the original bungee jump at Kawarau Bridge or dive headfirst from the 134m (440ft) Nevis Highwire. Then you can turn your stomach upside down again on an aerobatic flight. Or try jet boating, skydiving, snowmobiling, canyoning, heli-skiing and paragliding.
Calmer options are the Skyline gondola in town for wonderful views, a steamer trip on the lake, or a bus ride to nearby Arrowtown, with its picturesque main street. Further afield, it's worth visiting Milford Sound and seeing the fabulous fjord on a sea-kayaking tour.
Calmer options are the Skyline gondola in town for wonderful views, a steamer trip on the lake, or a bus ride to nearby Arrowtown, with its picturesque main street. Further afield, it's worth visiting Milford Sound and seeing the fabulous fjord on a sea-kayaking tour.
Family fun
Queenstown is an excellent choice for families. The gentle slopes are ideal for little skiers, and there are plenty of affordable eating and sleeping options. On both mountains, the Skiwiland Early Learning centres have crèches which care for children aged 3 months to five years of age. Kids aged 6 - 17 can enjoy full day programmes including lunch and supervision or afternoon only, kids group lessons. Lift passes are free at Coronet Peak to those six and under. At The Remarkables kids 10 and under receive free day lift tickets, there's also a fun tubing park for the whole family to enjoy.
Retail therapy
Queenstown has more than just ski shops (although there are plenty of those too). There are photographic shops, art galleries, jewellers, fashion boutiques, craft stores, bookshops and more. In the Pink, 31 Camp Street, is a funky design store selling an eclectic range of gifts. Out There Clothing, 27 Beach Street, specialises in simple, New Zealand-designed basics like T-shirts and hoodies.
Après ski
Queenstown is a major party town and you won't have to walk far before you stumble across a bar. For a truly wintry experience, wrap up in a hooded Eskimo jacket (provided) and step into QT's own ice bar, Minus 5, Steamer Wharf, which stays at a chilly -5˚C (23˚F) and is made entirely of ice. The World Bar, 27 Shotover Street, stays open late and sells cocktails by the teapot. Subculture, 13-14 Church Street, has live bands and DJs.
Eating out
You can find a different type of cuisine every night of the week in Queenstown, be it sushi, Thai, Turkish, pizza, pub food or fine dining.
Dux de Lux, 14-16 Church Street, prepares imaginative dishes using New Zealand produce and has its own microbrewery. Fergburger, 42 Shotover Street, serves up delicious gourmet burgers with creative names like Tropical Swine and Cockadoodle Oink and equally creative fillings. Winnie's, 7-9 The Mall, is famous not just for its tasty pizzas but also for its opening roof.
Dux de Lux, 14-16 Church Street, prepares imaginative dishes using New Zealand produce and has its own microbrewery. Fergburger, 42 Shotover Street, serves up delicious gourmet burgers with creative names like Tropical Swine and Cockadoodle Oink and equally creative fillings. Winnie's, 7-9 The Mall, is famous not just for its tasty pizzas but also for its opening roof.
Getting around
Public buses run within Queenstown itself. Very reasonably priced ski buses run from the Queenstown Snow Centre to Coronet Peak ($10 return) every 15 minutes in peak times. The Remarkables bus is free with a valid Remarkables day or multiday lift ticket, otherwise it too is NZ$10 return.
Splashing out
Plan ahead and splash out on a season's pass. Take advantage of the earlybird deal (usually available in early March) and you will usually recoup your costs after less than a weeks' skiing. Check online for details (www.nzski.com).
Accommodation
Luxury
Eichardt's Private HotelFive opulent suites in a historic lakefront building.
Marine Parade
Tel: (03) 441 0450.
Website: www.eichardtshotel.co.nz
Moderate
Aspen on QueenstownOffers both hotel rooms and apartments (including kitchen/dining facilities) with fantastic views over Lake Wakatipu.
139 Fernhill Road
Tel: (03) 442 7688.
Website: www.queenstownhotel.com
Budget
Alpine LodgeComfy backpacker accommodation, with an open fire in the living room, ski/board storage and free Internet access. Doubles, twins and dorms available.
13 Gorge Road
Tel: (03) 442 7200.
Website: www.alpinelodgebackpackers.co.nz
Getting there
Nearest airport: Queenstown (ZQN).
Distance to resort: 8km (5 miles).
Driving time: 10 minutes.
Distance to resort: 8km (5 miles).
Driving time: 10 minutes.
Website
This resort is good for...
Families, Après ski, Intermediates, Non-skiers, Snowboarders, Beginners
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