Winter Season in Queenstown & Wanaka
A winter wonderland
Whatever the season, Queenstown is rightly known as the adventure capital of the southern hemisphere. Come Winter time however, Queenstown, Wanaka and many other areas of the South Island transform from a biker, hiker and adventurer’s playground and become a Winter sports enthusiasts dream. Our Three South Island Hostels are located within a comfortable drive (and bus) from 4 world-class ski fields. A drive time of 2 hours will get you to The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Treble Cone and Cardrona.
Sadly, you can’t ski all the way back into town, as is common in many European resorts. So whichever ski field you opt for, you will need to arrange travel to and from the ski fields, this is usually self-drive or via the ski field operators bus service.
Skiing and boarding here in New Zealand is markedly different to that in Europe or North America, and offers a wonderful contrasting experience for the real enthusiasts out there. But whatever your skill level, there will be something for you. Both Queenstown and Wanaka are brilliant place to learn to ski, with plenty of meandering and gradual greens out there on Coronet Peak and Cardrona. For the pros – you’ll be looking to Treble Cone, and The Remarkables, known for abundant drops and steep verticals.
Winter sporting can be an expensive hobby, so plan ahead. We’ve got all the tips and tricks you’ll need this season, in this handy guide. For cheap rental equipment, be sure to reach out to our team when you arrive to check-in.
Although we’ve done our best to provide a comprehensive guide below, please be aware that information valid in 2023 may be outdated. It’s always safest to seek out additional advice and information directly from the operators.
Quick find
Season start and end dates
& when is the best time to ski...
The ski season around Queenstown Lakes typically runs from mid-June to October. Ski field opening dates are never exact, but they usually aim to open June 16th and close in the first week of October. Start and finish relies on the weather and even when the ski field initially opens, note that only certain runs, trails and lifts will be operating.
The best time to hit the slopes in terms of weather will be August to mid-September, which is when we typically see the best combination of crisp, clear skies and fresh powder days. This is also the peak times for the resorts, so expect bigger wait times on the lifts, and generally more difficulty in securing day passes or bus transfers to and from the resorts. Plan ahead and avoid disappointment.
The absolute worst time to plan your ski adventure is during NZ school holidays, which during 2024 year will fall over July 9th to July 24th. Queenstown is chock full of local kiwi families over this period. Demand for everything from rental gear, beginners lessons and tables at your favourite pizza bar are high, and wait times will be long. If you are staying in Queenstown over this period then book your passes, buses, activities and restaurants in advance to avoid disappointment. Wanaka will also see a higher demand for gear & services but to a lesser extent.
Below is a chart showing average snowfall across the Winter season, this information is for The Remarkables ski field.
Ski Resorts
Coronet Peak
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More information on Coronet Peak, including transport & ticket prices can be found below
Coronet was Queenstown’s first ski field, and just celebrated their 75th anniversary. It’s a fairly low altitude ski field and therefore they have great snowmaking facilities. That also means it usually the first resort to open in Queenstown.
The terrain is mostly rolling hills, making it a good option for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. There are a few black runs for the more advanced out there. The resort has three lifts and one T-bar.
Coronet Peak is the only field that offers night skiing on Wednesday and Friday nights through the mid-season. Giving you magical night time skiing opportunities with amazing views of the Wakatipu basin at night.
An NZ Ski three peaks pass will grant you access to Coronet Peak & The Remarkables fields
Drive time: typically 30 minutes from QT central.
Longest run: 2.4km
Skiable Area: 280ha
Vertical Drop: 462m (1516ft)
Terrain: Beginner 32%, Intermediate 41%, Advanced 27%
The Remarkables
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More information on The Remarkables, including transport & ticket prices can be found below
The Remarks is Queenstowns best ski field for all levels. The terrain is vastly different to the gentler slopes of Coronet. With a similar vertical drop, but features more rocky outcrops, bowls and freestyle parks.
Remarks has four chair lifts and plenty of advanced and off-piste action. The resort faces north towards the winter sun, giving skiiers and boarders alike that famous goggle tan – so don’t forget to sunscreen up!
An NZ Ski three peaks pass will grant you access to The Remarks
Drive time: at peak times can be 60+ minutes
Longest run: 2.5km
Vertical drop: 357m (1171ft)
Skiable area: 280ha
Terrain: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%
Cardrona
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More information on Cardrona, including transport & ticket prices can be found below
Cardies is our favourite resort, and is by far the best resort for families and friend groups with a mixed bag of skill levels. Cardrona also has a much larger ski field (total skiable area) than The Remarks or Coronet.
Cardrona has a lot to offer freestylers and those at an intermediate or above level, comfortable with the blues and red runs. There are 5 lifts running (when Willows advanced area is open).
The views of the Crown Range and beyond are brilliant, and the Valley view gives you a wonderful look over the entire Wakatipu basin and Queenstown from afar.
A multi-day/ season pass will grant access to both Cardrona and Treble Cone
Drive time: 45 minute drive from QT, peak times can be 1.5 hours
Longest run: 4.5km
Vertical drop: 600m (1968ft)
Skiable area: 345ha
Terrain: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 25%, Advanced 30%, Expert 20%
Treble Cone
Click to expand this map
More information on Trebel Cone, including transport & ticket prices can be found below
Treble Cone hosts the ultimate New Zealand skiing experience. For confident skiiers and boarders, TC has tonnes of on and off-piste areas to shred and plenty of reds and blacks to race down.
Often mentioned as an experienced-only mountain, this simply isn’t the case. Treble Cone has plenty of blue runs to make the most of for those without a deathwish. But if you’re a beginner or novice you’ll probably want to head elsewhere.
TC often feels less crowded than the three other fields, we’re not quite sure why, because it’s a really good resort, if slightly further afield than the other three.
A multi-day/ season pass will grant access to both Treble Cone and Cardrona
Drive time: 1.5 hours minute drive from QT, peak times can be 2 hours
Longest run: 4km
Vertical drop: 700m (2297ft)
Skiable area: 550ha
Terrain: Beginner 10%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 45%
Rental Gear
There are plenty of private rental options in Queenstown, and most of the Ski fields will offer their own rental gear and package deals which include rental gear, boards, skis and helmets. There’s no need to book any of this in advance, as your rental needs can be sorted on arrival in Queenstown, even as late as the day or night before your trip up to the ski fields.
For guests of Adventure Hostels, our award winning hostels also offer a simple winter equipment rental service. This is usually the cheapest service in town with discount for Adventure Hostel guests. Our on-site Ski-technican will size you up and get you onto the correct board or skii’s and into the right boots. Our gear is all preloved, but solid, and all equipment is checked over to ensure that it is perfect for any skill level of skiier or boarder.
Our technician is available each day between 6-7pm to get you kitted up and ready to hit the ski fields. You can loan our gear for as long as you need it, from one day, up to three weeks.
Please note that Adventure Wanaka does not currently offer any Winter rentals
For the 2024 Season our gear rental prices are as follows:
all listed prices are on a per-day basis.
Skii's / Snowboard
boots, bindings, poles and fitting included-
To book, please let our team know on arrival/ check-in at the hostel. We cannot take advance bookings on rental gear
Ski Clothing
Warm, waterproof outerlayers-
To book, please let our team know on arrival/ check-in at the hostel. We cannot take advance bookings on rental gear
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Ski Jackets, various sizing available
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Ski Pants, various sizing available
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Snow-bib, various sizing available
Accessories and safety equipment
Required unless you are a Yeti, or snow man.-
To book, please let our team know on arrival/ check-in at the hostel.
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Goggles - various sizes available
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Helmets - mostly black or white, Adult sizing only
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Gloves - various sizing and colours available.
Bringing your own gear?
Wherever your gear comes from – either rental or your own gear from home, every Adventure Hostel has a dedicated ski-store for your boards, skiis, poles, boots and also any wet clothes. Our friendly team will point this out to you on arrival, when we give you our grand tour of the hostel.
Your gear is safe and secure with us, as our ski store is under 24 hour CCTV. It is only accessible to current guests, whom have valid and up-to-date access codes to enter the hostel.
We will ask you to leave your board-bag or ski-bag with us at Reception for safekeeping – this is to maximise the space in our ski store and provide easy egress for all guests. We can return this to you before check-out or on request. Please also note that at Adventure Queentown, our Ski-room doubles up as our luggage storage room for the use of guests arriving and departing.
Events & Festivals
LUMA Light Festival
1 – 5 June 2023
Taking place over King’s Birthday weekend, the LUMA Southern Light Project is back for 2023. Held in the Queenstown Gardens, the event showcases a curated collection of stunning light installations and sculptures. It’s an event not to be missed.
Ski Fields open
June – Late September 2023
Mid June sees the 4 major Ski fields within driving distance open. This occurs usually around the 16th of June, sometimes earlier in the event of an early snowfall.
Coronet Peak Night Ski
June – September 2023
Coronet Peak lights up for Night Ski from 4-9pm every Wednesday, Friday and select Saturday nights from June to September. Night Ski is a bucket list winter activity in Queenstown, with amazing DJs, outdoor fires, fresh tracks, cold beer and hot pizza – what’s not to like about that!?
Mardi Gras Festival
June TBC
The team at Audiology are thrilled to announce the return of NZ’s hottest winter festival. In the words of their attendees, there is simply “nothing like it”. Crack out the face paints and get ready for the latest floor fillers from your favourite Kiwi and International acts.
Matariki Arrowtown Lights
July – to be confirmed
Matariki signals the Māori New Year. It is a time of renewal and celebration in New Zealand that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster.
To celebrate, Kā Muriwai presents ‘Matariki Arrowtown Lights’, a free three-day cultural event including performances by local kapa haka school groups, light displays, and an astrophysicist sharing the wonders of the Otago night skies. Join us in Arrowtown for this celebration of the Matariki public holiday.
NZ Mountain Film Festival
27 – 28 June 2024
Held at the Queenstown Memorial Centre, the 21st NZ Mountain Film Festival presents a wide range of films, guest speakers, and presentations from inspirational adventurers. The two-day event in Queenstown is a celebration of adventurous sports and lifestyles presented for adventurers, film and book enthusiasts and armchair adventurers.
Winter Pride
22 August – 1 September 2024
Winter Pride Queenstown is back with another awesome program of over 40 events taking place both on and off the ski field over ten days.
The Pride Party Series is sure to keep festival-goers entertained with a line-up of themed dinners, music, boat parties, karaoke, comedy and more. Plus there are exciting on-mountain events across Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona Alpine Resort.
Peak to Peak
31 August 2024
The Peak to Peak is New Zealand’s longest-running winter multi-sport race, held between The Remarkables and Coronet Peak each year.
Racing as individuals or as part of a team, competitors start at the top of the Remarkables Ski Area and ski or snowboard down the ski field before hopping on a bike and biking down The Remarkables Ski Area access road to Frankton Beach. From there, racers kayak to Queenstown Bay Beach before running through central Queenstown and finally biking from Arthur’s Point to Coronet Peak.
Snow Machine Festival
3 – 8 September 2024
Snow Machine is coming back to Queenstown this winter! With a great music lineup including Peking Duk, Art vs Science, Hilltop Hoods and more. This four-day festival held over three stages between Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Queenstown town centre, is set to be one to remember.
Snow Machine has a range of packages with a variety of five and seven night accommodation options, a four-day festival ticket and five day lift passes, along with ticket only, and VIP options available. Grab your tickets so you don’t miss out
Want to know more?
If there is anything else that you wanted to know, but couldn’t find in this guide, please let us know. We pride ourselves on offering the very best service that we can offer, and if you have noticed any errors in the information above, or think of something that we missed that can improve this guide then please let our Management team know. You can contact them at aq.management@adventurehostels.co.nz
what are you waiting for?
