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Queenstown’s Top Skiing Destinations 2019

When winter hits the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown in New Zealand is at the centre of the action.

Known for world-class ski fields, vineyards, and historic mining towns, it makes the perfect destination for a winter getaway.

Located in the Southern Alps and serviced by an International Airport, Queenstown is super accessible as it is naturally beautiful. With ski resorts as close as 20 minutes by car or shuttle, it’s the perfect place to base yourself when going on a skiing holiday.

In 2016, Ski Queenstown joined the Mountain Collective, a group of the best 12 ski resorts in the world. This solidified its position as a world class destination for winter sports. Whether you’re an advanced skier, at an intermediate level, or a first-timer, there’s a resort for everyone.

The Queenstown ski season runs from June to early October, giving you plenty of options for when to visit. Once you’re all booked in, it’s time to start reading up on the best slopes in the region. To help you plan your holiday, we’ve put together our picks for Queenstown’s top skiing spots for 2019.

The Remarkables

The Remarkables

Perhaps the most famous of Queenstown’s ski resorts, The Remarkables is located a short 35 minute drive from Queenstown. The Remarkables mountain range offers impressive picture perfect views that border on Lake Wakatipu.

The slopes themselves are perfect for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, with open space for learners as well as higher chairlift stops for the more advanced. The longest run at The Remarkables is around 2.5 kms, and facilities include 3 restaurants and a bar.

Coronet Peak

Having recently undergone a multi-million dollar makeover, Coronet Peak ski fields are not to be missed. The Peak has been welcoming snowsport enthusiasts since 1947. At only a 20 minute drive from Queenstown, it’s the closest resort to the city.

Coronet Peak has something for everyone with packages for kids and first timers as well as advanced runs. Early opening hours and late closing times make it popular for those wanting extended snow time. There’s also plenty to do outside of snow sports with 7 food and beverage options, scenic chair lifts and snow sledding all on offer.

Coronet Peak
Soho Basin

Soho Basin

For a more boutique alpine experience, treat yourself to a day at Soho Basin. This privately owned resort is set in the Cardrona Valley an hour away from Queenstown by car. Billed as a trip back to the pioneer skiing days of New Zealand, the resort gives skiers free reign of the mountain. Consisting of 64 hectares and 500+ vertical metres of terrain, this snowcat-ski operation is well suited to intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders.

To help you recover from a morning of hitting the slopes, the resort package also includes a gourmet 3 course lunch on the deck of an alpine hut. What’s more, Soho Basin has teamed up with Amisfield Winery, so naturally lunch also includes a selection of wines for guests to enjoy.

Cardrona

At just 50 minutes drive from Queenstown, Cardrona Resort is known as the most family friendly of Queenstown’s resorts. That said, it’s also home to the NZ Olympic Park and Pipe Team and an elevation point of 1860 metres!

The resort’s wide open slopes make it the perfect spot for beginners, with learner friendly areas and dedicated kids’ spaces. Enjoy views down into the South Lake Valley while you ski, or even stay a night or two at the on-mountain accommodation.

Cardrona
Treble Cone

Treble Cone

Known for long steep slopes and off-piste backcountry terrain, Treble Cone is tipped as the go-to destination for intermediate to advanced skiers. Uncrowded groomed runs coupled with stunning views of Lake Wanaka and Mt Aspiring make this resort the perfect choice for seasoned snow bunnies. It is also home to the region’s longest vertical rise!

A 90 minute drive from Queenstown, Treble Cone is the South Island’s largest ski area. Whilst it’s known as a spot for the pros, Treble Cone also offers learn-to-ski classes and free helmet hire for children.

Snow Farm

If you’re looking for a low key yet equally scenic ski resort town to base yourself in, Wanaka is also an option when planning a trip to ski on the South Island. Close to Wanaka you’ll find Snow Farm, a cross country ski resort loved by locals.

As well as skiing and boarding, Snow Farm offers some out of the box winter activities. Try exploring the area by foot with a pair of rental snowshoes, dog sledding, or opt to spend the night in a rustic backcountry hut for a quirky twist to your Queenstown holiday.

Snow Farm

New Zealand Travel Money Guide

New Zealand Currency

The official currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar, otherwise known as the NZ dollar, the ‘Kiwi’, or as its currency code – NZD. The NZ dollar has been the official currency since 1967 and as with most dollar currencies is made of 100 cents to 1 dollar.

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