The Best Skiing in Queenstown and Beyond

When you think of skiing in New Zealand, chances are you think of Queenstown. And for good reason! With Queenstown’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene and abundance off-mountain activities, there truly is something for everyone – families and partygoers alike. Whilst there is some fantastic skiing to be had just a short drive to Central Queenstown, there are also other options a little farther afield.

Read on to discover what each ski field has in store for you on your next New Zealand ski holiday.

Cardrona, Wanaka

Cardrona is the classic all-rounder. Families love that it’s got the best ski-school facilities, and serious snowboarders love the best-in-class terrain parks which were designed by pros. Less than an hour from both Queenstown and Wanaka, it’s no surprise why this is amongst NZ’s most popular ski fields. Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of Cardrona’s new ski area, Soho Basin, launching in 2020. It’s set to be massive!

Coronet Peak, Queenstown

Coronet Peak is just a short drive from central Queenstown and is one of the most accessible mountains in New Zealand. With its great mix of terrain for all abilities and outstanding snowmaking facilities, the huge range of groomed runs on Coronet are a dream for beginners and intermediates. Coronet is also the home of night skiing—DJs, prizes and a proper party vibe up the mountain every weekend! Coronet Peak is sure to be a highlight on your Queenstown ski holiday.

Treble Cone, Wanaka

Treble Cone, or ‘TC’ as it’s known locally, is the advanced skier or snowboarder’s paradise. It’s a world-class ski field with incredible off-piste areas and epic chute runs for those keen to hike to the top and really earn that lunchtime burger. Not recommended for beginners, this one is for those of you who love a challenge and the sense of adventure.

The Remarkables, Queenstown

The Remarkables tower over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu with their iconic mountain face. The ski field is not the biggest here, but the mix of beginner runs, groomed terrain and steep chute runs mean there’s something for everyone. Head over to the Shadow Basin for a challenge or stick to the groomed runs for sun-kissed, cruisy runs all day long. The terrain parks are second only to Cardrona and will keep adrenaline junkies occupied for days on end. This is Queenstown skiing at its best.

Mt. Hutt & Canterbury Ski fields

Mt. Hutt is Canterbury’s biggest and best ski field, and more than holds its own when compared with the Queenstown and Wanaka mountains. Great for all ages and ability levels, there are terrain parks, huge groomed runs and black and double-black runs to challenge any skier or snowboarder. The Canterbury region is also home to some high-quality ‘club’ mountains for those looking for a more boutique experience; Porter’s, Craigieburn and Cheeseman are all awesome!

Turoā & Whakapapa, Mt. Ruapehu

It seems like the South Island has all the fun when it comes to snowboarding, right? Wrong! Mt. Ruapehu is home to both of the North Island’s ski areas, Turoā and Whakapapa, and they’re right up there with the best mountains in NZ. Whakapapa has a massive skiable area with the most extensive range of terrain for beginners and intermediates anywhere in the country. Amazing views from up top too. Turoā has the North Island’s best terrain parks and loads of gullies and chutes to keep adventure seekers on their toes.

Get a great deal on Queenstown, Wanaka and Mt Hutt ski holidays here.

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