If you’re planning a winter trip to Queenstown, then at the tippy-top of your to-do list is likely going to be picking a ski resort to go skiing (or snowboarding) for a day. Would you believe there are four ski resorts in Queenstown and each one offers a different skiing experience?
Remember the ski season in Queenstown runs from the middle of June to early October!
I will add that, skiing in Queenstown is a different experience to most ski resorts in Canada and Europe. For one, the ski areas here aren’t as big as their overseas counterparts and you won’t come across as much powder, instead, the snow here tends to be harder-packed (aka corduroy) snow. Also, all of the ski fields in Queenstown are a drive from town. So, you’ll need to drive or catch the bus up to your chosen ski resort each morning.
It makes planning important as you’ll need to get your lift passes, ski lessons, and equipment sorted before you head to the mountain. There are rental facilities at each of the ski fields, but long queues can get frustrating if you aren’t organized.
So what does that mean? Well, you need to pick the best ski resort in Queenstown for your ability and needs. For example, Coronet Peak is the closest resort, but snow can be unreliable. While Cardrona is a longer drive but has a mix of beginner areas and advanced terrain parks.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Keep reading as we (as Queenstown locals) wind our way through the Southern Alps’ top ski areas and find out which is the best pick for you and your ski group. We’ve been living in Queenstown for a few years and know all about the ski hot spots here!
Coronet Peak Ski Resort (Closest to Queenstown)
Looking for the closest ski resort near Queenstown? Coronet Peak is the one for you. Choosing Coronet means you can be on the mountain in less than 30 minutes from the town center. So you can grab your Queenstown ski hire and get skiing (or snowboarding) in double quick time. Perfect if you’re only in town for a short time or want to spend as much time on the mountain as possible.
Coronet Peak offers a fantastic experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. You’ll find a great mix of groomed trails with varying pitches. Beginners can take lessons on the lower nursery slopes while still enjoying stunning views of the valley below. Make sure to book lessons well in advance though.
For intermediate skiers, Coronet Peak is especially well-suited for those still honing their skills. The resort is packed with plenty of gentle slopes and progressively challenging runs to help you improve. For the more advanced riders, there’s still fun to be had. Although, snow cover can vary as it is a lower-altitude ski field, and things get icy if snowfall is lacking. So check the conditions before you go.
Non-skiers can take a ride on the Peak Gondola for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. And for the MOST spectacular vista, ride it to the summit for a 360-degree panorama that’s certain to take your breath away.
To warm up and recharge during the day, the base building here offers hearty lunches, coffees, and snacks. Plus there’s a shop to grab any ski accessories you may have forgot.
And the best part of all is that you can do one of Queenstown’s most bucket-list-worthy winter activities here at Coronet Peak – night skiing! Yep, you heard me right you can ski here in the evenings on Wednesday and Friday evenings (and some Saturdays). You won’t be skiing in darkness, instead, special kinds of street lights light your way and you can enjoy a less-crowded ski experience. There’s also a DJ spinning some tunes as you ski. How fun!
I should also add that if you’re an early riser (I’m not!) you can do the First Tracks experience here, which means, you get to be the first skiers on the mountain. It will just be you and other ‘First Track-ers’ on the mountain between 8 – 9 am. This is an add-on to your day pass and can be bought from Coronet Guest Services.
- Ticket prices for Coronet: Full Day Pass (also called a Superpass) costs from $175 NZD per person and a Night Ski Pass costs from $95 NZD.
- To get to Coronet Peak you can book the ski bus for $35 NZD return or drive there (it’s around a 25-minute drive from the town center).
The Remarkables Ski Resort (Best Views)
Breathtaking views, long winding ski runs, wide open beginner slopes, off-piste exploration – The Remarkables has it all. And it’s less than an hour from Queenstown, 45 minutes to be exact.
For an all-round ski experience, The Remarkables should be at the top of your list. This iconic ski field is just a short 35-minute drive from Queenstown, making it easily accessible. It’s also one of the most popular ski fields in Queenstown.
The Remarkables is perfect for beginners with three magic carpets at the base. Jump on one of the four chairlifts to find progressive trails to help you build your confidence on the slopes.
If you’re up for it – there’s a 468-meter vertical drop!
Then, for experienced skiers and snowboarders, the resort has bigger challenges. You can explore varied terrain across its 550 acres. It consists of three main bowls, and you can head off in any direction without getting lost. As all the longer runs naturally feed back into the center of the resort, where you can find the base building – the place to find refreshments, food, and hot drinks throughout the day.
One of the big selling points here is what’s known as Remarks Parks – a dedicated freestyle area with 3 separate sections. Offering over 40 features to ensure you have fun. You should also check out the Burton Stash, a concept park designed by none other than Jake Burton and legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly. It’s one of only six in the world and the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Cool!
The Remarkables is known for its excellent family-friendly atmosphere. You’ll find facilities and activities suitable for all ages, so everyone in your group has a memorable time.
Don’t forget to take in the stunning alpine scenery while you’re there. The panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains are unforgettable.
- Ticket prices for The Remarkables: Full Day Pass (also called a Superpass) costs from $175 NZD per person. An Afternoon Pass (valid from noon to 4 pm) costs $130 NZD. A Learner Area pass costs from $105 NZD per person.
- To get to The Remarkables: The ski bus leaves from Duke Street in Queenstown between 7:30 – 10 am. You can also hop on at Frankton. It costs $35 NZD round-trip. Alternatively, you can drive the 30 minutes here from downtown, but you will need winter tyres (and have snowchains in your trunk) to drive up.
Cardrona Ski Resort (Best for Beginners)
It’s honestly hard to have a bad time in Cardrona. The ski field serves both Queenstown and Wanaka (as it’s located in-between the two towns), it’s a one-hour drive for those traveling from Queenstown. The journey is epic as you speed up and down the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest main road.
On arrival, you’ll love its epic panoramic views and massive ski area spread across three wide-open bowls. Fun fact, Cardona is actually where I first learned to ski!
This resort is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. You’ll find a great mix of terrain, from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging runs for experts.
Cardrona is especially popular with families. You’ll appreciate the wide, rolling trails that make it easy to keep an eye on your little ones as they learn to ski or snowboard.
One of the big draws to ‘Cardies’ is the world-famous freestyle terrain park. Don’t be surprised to see professional riders hanging out here through winter. There are four terrain parks and two halfpipes. If you’re brave you can show off your skills or watch pros practice for international competitions.
You’ll also enjoy the resort’s modern facilities. The base area offers several dining options, rental shops, and a ski school. Adding to this, there are restaurants and coffee stops dotted around the mountain, ready for your weary ski legs.
If that wasn’t enough to brag about, you can grab breathtaking views from the top of the mountain. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
- Ticket prices for Cardrona: From $172 CAD for a day pass, a Learner Pass will be less (prices have not been released for 2025 yet).
- Getting to Cardrona: The ski bus to Cardrona from Queenstown costs $43 CAD return. There are a couple of pick-up points in Queenstown for this bus. Alternatively, you can drive here from Queenstown but keep in mind that it’s over an hour’s drive.
Treble Cone Ski Resort (Best for Advanced Skiers)
Treble Cone offers something a bit different. This place is the furthest ski resort from Queenstown but it’s a must for adventure nuts or any experienced skiers. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Queenstown. And it’s actually closer to Wanak, at around a 30-minute drive from there.
It’s the biggest ski resort in Queenstown by size and also boasts the longest vertical run in the region!
I’ll be honest here, for beginners, it’s not worth the drive compared to the closer resorts. As only about 10% of the runs are suitable for beginners.
But when the snow is pumping, this place becomes a standout pick for more advancer riders. This resort boasts the most snow of any in New Zealand, making it a powder lover’s paradise. The terrain here offers long descents and is split evenly, with 45% for intermediates and 45% for advanced skiers. There are only three lifts here, but they open up a decent ski area that grows further if you’re willing to explore off-piste.
You’ll be amazed by the breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps from the top of the runs. It’s a sight you won’t forget!
Handily, Treble Cone is part of a convenient pass system shared with Cardrona Alpine Resort. So you can buy flexible passes to explore both resorts during your stay.
- Ticket price for Treble Cone: From $172 NZD for a day pass
- Getting to Treble Cone: It’s a tough-ish drive up to the ski field along a gravel road, but there is the Treble Cone Shuttle which operates from the car park at the bottom so you can avoid this gravel road. There is a bus operating here from both Queenstown and Wanaka but prices for 2025 have yet to be released.
Is Queenstown worth visiting in winter?
Yes, Queenstown is 100% worth visiting in the winter. It’s home to some of the best ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere and has a fantastic buzz about it in the colder months. Remember the winter season in New Zealand is from June to August.
The excitement of Queenstown in the winter stretches far beyond its ski slopes. It’s perhaps the world’s best winter destination where you can do more than just ski. You’ll find yourself enjoying the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant nightlife, and other off-the-mountain activities like a speedy jetboat ride and a helicopter tour.
Related Read: Check out my guide to spending two days in Queenstown!
Queenstown is stunning in the winter!
You’ll be awestruck by Queenstown’s stunning vistas from the moment you descend into Queenstown Airport in the winter months. The town swirls around the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, overlooked by the glinting white-capped Southern Alps. Spend your non-ski days here strolling along the lakefront promenade for unparalleled views of the lake and mountains, or hop aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship (more on that below). As you cruise the lake, you’ll be treated to even more unique views of the surrounding mountains and hidden coves.
Want to elevate your perspective of this stunning town? Consider a gondola ride up Bob’s Peak. From the top, you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Queenstown, the lake, and the snow-capped peaks beyond.
Excellent Après-ski scene and restaurants
After a day on the slopes, Queenstown’s après-ski scene comes alive. There’s a huge choice of bars and pubs catering to all tastes. Start off at a cozy fireside venue like Lodge Bar on the lakefront, then grab a locally brewed ale at Little Blackwood on Steamer Wharf hitting the dance floor at a nightclub like Sundeck. Well, that’s how I (a local) would spend the perfect apres-ski night in Queenstown!
As for my favorite restaurants in Queenstown, that award goes to Blue Kanu, a unique eatery that serves up what it dubs ‘Polynasia’ cuisine – a mixture of Pacific Island and Asian cuisine and Caribe Latin Kitchen. Which is my favorite ‘cheap eat’ in Queenstown. I just love Mexican cuisine and this small restaurant serves up Latin American and Mexican dishes.
While, if you’re traveling back from Cardrona or Treble Cone, be sure to pop into the historic Cardrona Hotel en route back to Queenstown for a drink (that is if you have a designated driver!)
Best things to do in Queenstown in winter (besides skiing)
TSS Earnslaw
As I said earlier, the TSS Earnslaw is a historic steamship that was built way back in 1912. It chugs across Lake Wakatipu a couple of times a day to Walter Peak Farm.
The return journey is 1.5 hours, and during the ride, you can watch the giant steam engines at work. If you wish, you can hop off at Walter Peak for an early lunch and watch a farm tour. We highly recommend doing this as the food is amazing (my husband said it’s the best meal he’s had in Queenstown) and the farm tour is so interesting. You’ll get to witness a sheep-shearing demonstration and watch the sheepdogs round up the sheep.
We advise booking the the lunch and farm tour option, which is 3.5 hours long. It includes everything I’ve listed above – an awesome lunch, a farm tour, and the return boat journey.
Onsen Hot Pools
Imagine yourself escaping the cold in your own private hot pool with the most epic mountain view! Onsen Hot Pools is one of the most popular things to do in Queenstown and slots sell out quickly. It’s located in Arthurs Point, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Queenstown.
The Original Onsen Experience lasts for one hour and costs $175 NZD for two people.
Boat cruise in Milford Sound
One of the most popular things to do in Queenstown is go on a tour to Milford Sound. And visiting Milford Sound is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Even if you just have 3 days in Queenstown! It is one of the most beautiful places in the world. In fact, Rudyard Kipling re-named it the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World.’
And my favorite season to visit Milford Sound is actually in the winter – as it’s very moody and there’s often snow on top of the mountains.
The easiest way to get to Milford Sound from Queenstown is on a guided tour (as it’s a 4-hour drive each-way) We did this small group tour twice and loved it. It involves getting a luxury minibus there and back and a boat cruise of Milford Sound. It costs from $289 NZD per person.
It’s 13 hours long and passes by the best sights along the drive into Milford Sound, including the Homer Tunnel and Eglinton Valley, where you’ll make a quick pitstop to snap some photos. It even includes a short guided walk into Mirror Lakes.
The Milford cruise takes place on a smaller boat, which means it can get up close and personal with the waterfalls as well as Milford’s famous seal residents. It’s also an hour and 45 minute long cruise, in comparison to the 90-minute cruise time of most other operators here.
Shotover Jet
Another one of the most popular winter tours in Queenstown is the heartstopping Shotover Jet. It takes place in the Shotover Canyon and the specialized jetboat speeds through the narrow twists and turns of the canyon at 85 kph!
When the driver goes slower, you’ll be able to take in the stunning natural beauty of this spot – but when he puts his foot down, you’ll need to hold onto your hat (literally)! The driver will also throw in a couple of 360-degree turns for fun, and just a warning – you likely will get wet!
A ticket costs from $159 NZD per adult, and there are various departure times throughout the day.
Go on a helicopter
Look down on the snowy landscapes below on a scenic helicopter tour with an alpine landing. The flight is 50 minutes long and includes a son landing on Jura Glacier – so special! On the flight, you’ll fly over Lake Wakatipu, the Dart River, and the Southern Alps. It’s honestly one of the most bucket-list-worthy tours in Queenstown! I did it twice when I lived in Queenstown!
This tour includes pick-up and drop-off to most Queenstown hotels and costs from $743 NZD per person.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Queenstown:
1. What are the top family-friendly ski resorts in Queenstown?
The Remarkables and Cardrona Alpine Resort are excellent choices for families. Both offer dedicated learning areas and childcare facilities. The Remarkables features a spacious beginners’ area and fun parks for kids. Cardrona also boasts wide, gentle slopes perfect for family skiing but is slightly further away.
2. Which ski fields are best for beginners in the Queenstown area?
Coronet Peak and Cardrona are ideal for beginners. Coronet Peak has a dedicated beginners’ area with magic carpet lifts and is the closest to Queenstown. Cardrona offers gentle slopes and a progressive terrain park system to help you improve your skills during your winter trips.
3. When does the ski season start and end in Queenstown?
The ski season in Queenstown runs from mid-June to late September. The best conditions are often found in July and August. Exact dates can vary depending on snowfall and weather conditions.
4. How do Coronet Peak and The Remarkables compare for skiing?
Coronet Peak offers a mix of groomed runs and off-piste areas, with night skiing available. The Remarkables has longer, more varied terrain, including chutes and bowls, and is known for its stunning alpine views. Both resorts provide options suited to all skill levels but have distinct characteristics.
5. What is the largest ski resort in Queenstown?
Cardrona Alpine Resort is the largest ski area near Queenstown. It covers 400 hectares of skiable terrain, offering a wide variety of runs for all abilities. The resort features modern facilities and is known for its consistent snow conditions.
6. Which Queenstown ski resort is best for advanced skiers?
Many experienced skiers choose Treble Cone for its challenging terrain and off-piste adventures. It boasts the longest vertical descent in the area, with steep runs and powder bowls. The resort’s varied terrain and stunning lake views make it a popular choice among advanced skiers.
Where to stay in Queenstown in winter
There are loads of cool hotels and hostels in Queenstown, below I’ve listed a few of my favorite:
- Kamana Lakehouse – High up in Fernhill, around a 25 minute walk or short bus journey from Queenstown CBD is Kamana Lakehouse. This hotel has arguable the best view of any hotel in Queenstown on account of its steep position. The rooms here are modern and funky, and some come with balcony’s overlooking the lake. You can even book the Lakeview Luxe Suite which comes with its own private hot tub. A room here will set you back around $241 NZD per night.
- Sherwood Queenstown – Situated in Frankton, around a 20-minute walk into Queenstown, is the very cool Sherwood. We actually stayed here twice and loved its cozy boho decor. And it’s actually one of the most sustainable hotels in the world! Again, it boasts spectacular lake views and the rooms are spacious, stylish and comfortable. The on-site restaurant is excellent and is a local-favorite! A room here costs around $240 NZD per night.
- Ramada Queenstown Central – If you’re looking for a reasonable prices hotel in downtown Queenstown look no further than the Ramada, which has rooms starting from $200 NZD. The rooms here are stylish and sleek and some offer views of the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and Kelvin Heights Peninsula. The hotel only opened in 2020 so it’s very modern both inside and outside. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar.
- Glebe Apartments – centrally located (next to Queenstown Gardens in the CBD) these stylish apartments are a great option. You can choose from Studio, One; Two or Three bedroom apartments.
- Apartments at Spinnaker Bay – luxurious apartments with great lake views, these apartments are located on Frankton Road. You can walk the Frankton Track into the CBD – taking about 25 minutes. The apartments here are very stylish – choose from One, Two or Three bedroom apartments.
While you’re here you may also be interested in reading these –
19 Most Amazing Things to Do in Queenstown in the Summer (A Unique List)
How to have the BEST 24 hours in Queenstown
Which Doubtful Sound Cruise Should I Pick?
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Last Updated on January 14, 2025 by snaphappytravel