Which is the best Queenstown ski field?

If you’re visiting New Zealand and eager to hit the slopes, be it as an avid skier or snowboarder or a timid first timer, then you can’t beat the experience of Central Otago’s epic ski fields, all of which offer a unique experience. In the direct region surrounding Queenstown and Wanaka you have the choice of 4 incredible ski fields – Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone. Whilst all have their share of terrain for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders, they’re all recognised for individual attributes.

Coronet Peak
Just 25 minutes from Queenstown you’ll find Coronet Peak, Queenstown’s closest ski field. Delivering fun roller coaster terrain, and boasting picturesque views across Lake Wakatipu, nearby Lake Hayes and sister mountain The Remarkables, Coronet Peak ski area is a favourite among Kiwi’s and offers a playful and exciting ski resort accommodating all abilities. Coronet Peak exhibits world class facilities including 3 high speed chairlifts, a T-bar and 4 learner conveyor lifts. Selections of dining facilities are on offer with 3 outlets in the base building and a serene mountain restaurant, Heidi's Hut, over at Rocky Gully. Not to mention the best Night skiing in NZ. Enjoy shredding under the stars 3 nights a week for the ultimate ski experience.

The Remarkables
Across the valley from Coronet Peak lies The Remarkables ski field, home of the famous Remarkables mountain range, the impressive postcard backdrop that borders Lake Wakatipu and nearby Queenstown. With its relaxed atmosphere, The Remarkables offers sunny north facing terrain and facilities to suit all abilities. A mere 35 minute drive from downtown Queenstown, this field exudes fun for families. The ideal beginner and intermediate field also offers some serious powder hound terrain if you are prepared to work for it and boasts a new architecturally designed base building which will keep the sightseers entertained too. Showcasing plenty of space for learners, numerous dedicated freestyle areas and some of the best alpine views in the world, The Remarkables is hard to beat.

Cardrona
If you are new to the skiing phenomenon then making your way to Cardrona Alpine Resort is well worth the effort. Situated in the Cardrona Valley between popular lakeside resort towns, Wanaka and Queenstown, Cardrona attracts a varied bunch of snow enthusiasts. Just 50 minutes from Queenstown and 20 minutes from Wanaka, Cardrona glistens with its big wide open faces, perfect for the timid beginner. This winter playground comes equipped with 4 chairlifts and 3 conveyor lifts and a New Zealand first, the ultimate Chondola, a mixed chair lift/gondola. Offering 7 food and beverage options the mountain becomes a hive of activity in the winter months with its recent overhaul of facilities and new development putting Cardrona at the top of the ski and snow experience. In addition, Cardrona delivers the Southern Hemisphere’s most extensive terrain park facilities and is home to the NZ Olympic Park and Pipe Team. Having expended your energy with a day of adventure on the slopes, make sure you top it off with a well-earned mulled wine at the Cardrona Hotel. Situated at the foot of the ski field, the Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic hotels. Dubbed the most photographed pub in New Zealand bursting in rustic charm and rich Central Otago history, this is the perfect finish to the ultimate winter’s day.

Treble Cone
This leaves us with Treble Cone, the closest ski field to Wanaka and a favourite of the “locals.” Recognised as South Island’s largest ski resort, featuring the longest vertical rise in the Queenstown-Wanaka region, Treble Cone displays expansive terrain over two large basins. With terrain to suit all abilities this is often considered the preferred field for the more experienced snow bunny due to the legendary off-piste and steep terrain. Treble Cone comes complete with 2 chair lifts, one for each basin, and a magic carpet for the beginners. Whilst the majority of the terrain is recommended for the more accomplished, Treble Cone provides free access for its learner magic carpet situated alongside the base building. Complete with unrivalled views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps, Treble Cone offers a relaxed and epic ski and snowboard experience.
The verdict
So, in short, all fields are guaranteed to offer you a sweet day on the slopes no matter what your ski or snowboard ability. However, if you want to get really particular go Coronet Peak for the closest field to Queenstown and fun terrain, The Remarkables for beginners, freestylers and an epic new base building, Cardrona for the ultimate beginners field with wide open spaces, entertainment and the après ski at Cardrona Hotel and Treble Cone for the accomplished skier/boarder looking for fun off-piste terrain!