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Introduction
Queenstown is probably best known as the home of all manner of adrenaline activities, from the world's first commercial bungee jump to canyon swinging and jet boating.
And come winter, Queenstown, or QT, transforms into a full-on ski town. You'll meet Kiwis on their 10th season, Queenslanders who've never seen snow and British 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 if you have a car.
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.
And come winter, Queenstown, or QT, transforms into a full-on ski town. You'll meet Kiwis on their 10th season, Queenslanders who've never seen snow and British 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 if you have a car.
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.
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: 6; The Remarkables: 5.
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 is the older and busier of the two areas. There's a nicely graded beginners' area at the base. 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, helping to reduce the huge queues which pile up in school holidays. Freestylers can play in the Dirty Dog terrain park or halfpipe.
Coronet Peak suffers from a lower elevation than The Remarkables, but extensive snowmaking keeps the white stuff topped up. There's night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays.
Across the valley, The Remarkables is a safer bet for snow, although it's lifts are slower. The learners' area is separate from the main slopes, beneath the day lodge, with an easy-to-ride magic carpet. The Sugar Bowl is a popular hang-out for intermediates and snowboarders, with its blue runs, terrain park and superpipe. Advanced skiers and riders can hike from the Shadow chair to some great chutes. On a powder day, nothing beats skiing down the Homeward Runs, an inbounds backcountry slope with fantastic views of Queenstown. Watch out too for keas, New Zealand's native parrots.
The ski school's international instructors teach all ages and all levels. Equipment hire is available at the mountain day lodges.
Coronet Peak is the older and busier of the two areas. There's a nicely graded beginners' area at the base. 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, helping to reduce the huge queues which pile up in school holidays. Freestylers can play in the Dirty Dog terrain park or halfpipe.
Coronet Peak suffers from a lower elevation than The Remarkables, but extensive snowmaking keeps the white stuff topped up. There's night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays.
Across the valley, The Remarkables is a safer bet for snow, although it's lifts are slower. The learners' area is separate from the main slopes, beneath the day lodge, with an easy-to-ride magic carpet. The Sugar Bowl is a popular hang-out for intermediates and snowboarders, with its blue runs, terrain park and superpipe. Advanced skiers and riders can hike from the Shadow chair to some great chutes. On a powder day, nothing beats skiing down the Homeward Runs, an inbounds backcountry slope with fantastic views of Queenstown. Watch out too for keas, New Zealand's native parrots.
The ski school's international instructors teach all ages and all levels. Equipment hire is available at the mountain day lodges.
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...the list goes on.
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 crèches care for children aged two to five. Four- and five-year-olds can join Skiwipack kids' lessons. Lift passes are free up to age six. At The Remarkables, there's also a fun tubing park.
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 something of a 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. A slightly pricey ski bus connects town with Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. The road up to The Remarkables is pretty hair-raising; there's a shuttle from the bottom car park, or you can save a few dollars by hitching. You might find it easier to hire a car, but will need snow chains to get up the mountains.
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 two weeks' skiing. Check online for details (website: 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, Beginners, Snowboarders, Intermediates, Après ski, Non-skiers
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