During the winter months of June to October, Queenstown New Zealand is a bustling hub of activity. Skiers and snowboarders arrive to make the most of the 4 ski fields that are within arm's reach of central Queenstown. During the evenings or on rest days in between skiing, visitors take advantage of the iconic adventure & sightseeing experiences that Queenstown has to offer. Adrenaline activities such as jet boating, bungy jumping and canyon swings are available year round, giving Queenstown its reputation as New Zealand's home of adventure.
Queenstown is not just about thrills and spills, though, with plenty of sightseeing and relaxation activities available as well. After a few days on the ski slopes, sit back and soak in the Queenstown views from the comfort of the Onsen Hot Pools or cruise across Lake Wakatipu for a delicious BBQ Lunch at Walter Peak. There are also plenty of ways for non-skiers to get amongst the Queenstown snow, with epic winter activities such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing and helicopter flights with glacier landings.
Which is the best Queenstown ski field?
There are 4 Queenstown ski fields to choose from on your skiing & snowboarding holiday. Closest to town, Coronet Peak & The Remarkables are favourites among the Queenstown locals, each with 3 to 4 chairlifts, a beginners area and one main cafe & restaurant. Cardrona Alpine Resort is located between Queenstown & Wanaka, featuring uncrowded slopes, terrain for all levels and excellent snow coverage. Your Cardrona ski pass gives you access to 4 chairlifts, 3 beginner’s conveyor belts and New Zealand’s first Chondola (a chairlift & gondola combined). This family-friendly Queenstown ski resort is also well known for its great choice of restaurants and cafes, both at the mountain base and on the ski field. For more experienced skiers and snowboarders, Treble Cone (1.5 hours from Queenstown) has excellent intermediate to advanced terrain and boasts the longest vertical rise out of all the Queenstown ski fields.
What should I wear on the Queenstown ski fields?
During the winter months, Queenstown temperatures range from 5-8 degrees celsius, naturally getting colder on the ski fields. For a day of skiing and snowboarding on the Queenstown mountains, make sure to wear wool or synthetic base thermals (we don’t recommend cotton), thin thermal pants, a warm buff, ski gloves and long wool socks for under your boots. If you have a ski jacket & pants then bring them along, otherwise contact us to arrange a clothing bundle to pick up at Cardrona Alpine Resort. While skiing in Queenstown, it’s always good to pack an extra layer in case you get cold, so throw a fleece mid-layer in the car or your backpack as well.
Are Queenstown ski fields family-friendly?
Yes, all Queenstown ski fields are family-friendly, with suitable terrain for all ages and skiing levels. For a family skiing holiday, Cardrona Alpine Resort has the best layout, with the beginner’s area easily located at the resort base and plenty of cafes & restaurants for hot chocolate and lunch stops. Cardrona also has a childcare centre on-site for children aged 3 months to 5 years, contact us for more information.
Are there cafes & restaurants on the Queenstown mountains?
Each Queenstown ski field has a restaurant or cafe at the mountain base, offering breakfast items, lunch options, hot drinks, soft drinks and a bar area. There are 8 different on-mountain restaurants at Cardrona Alpine Resort, ranging from delicious pizzas to Asian-inspired noodles & sushi. You are also welcome to bring your own packed lunches up to the Queenstown mountains, with plenty of picnic tables available and some great views to be enjoyed. Please note there is a no litter policy in place at all Queenstown ski fields, so make sure to take your rubbish home with you.
Where do I pick up my rental equipment for skiing Queenstown?
Renting ski gear in Queenstown is nice and easy, so you don’t need to worry about buying your own or travelling with skis & snowboards in tow. Hard rental (either skis, poles & boots or snowboard & boots) is included in both the Essential and Ultimate Ski & Activity Package, as well as the First Timer, Refresher & Advanced Ski Packages. When you book your package, note your height and shoe size so that the Queenstown rentals team can have everything ready for you. You can then pick up your rental equipment the day before at the Cardrona shop in Queenstown, or wait until you have arrived on the mountain and pop into the rental shop there to get yourself fitted out.
If self-driving to Cardrona Alpine Resort, where do I park?
If self-driving to Cardrona Alpine Resort, there are two options for parking. For a slightly shorter drive and more relaxed journey from Queenstown, park at the Pine Trees Car Park located 1km up the Cardrona access road (approximately 45 minutes drive from Queenstown). This large car park has plenty of space for all types of vehicles, including 2WD, 4WD and campervans, and there is also a small coffee hut by the bus stop. You can then catch the free mountain shuttle provided by Cardrona Alpine Resort, which takes you up the 14km unsealed access road and conveniently drops you off at the resort entrance. This is a return bus service to Pine Trees, so listen out for the bus driver telling you what time the buses leave in the afternoon. The Cardrona access road is open to the public and there are several car parks at the top of the mountain for those wishing to drive all the way up. However, you are required to carry snow chains in your car and if it’s heavy snow the road will be closed to all except 4WD cars.
Are there transport options from Queenstown to Cardrona ski field?
Yes, there are daily buses transfers available to take you from central Queenstown to Cardrona Alpine Resort. When booking your package, just let us know if you require transfers and we can organise this for an additional cost. Buses depart from the Cardrona shop in Queenstown, the Lake Front Car Park in Wanaka, as well as some central accommodation providers.
What is the best place for Apres Ski Queenstown?
After a day on the slopes at the Queenstown ski fields, there’s nothing better than a post-ski drink and some food. Queenstown is a bustling hub for apres ski during the winter months, with plenty of cosy bars & restaurants to choose from. If you are spending the day at Cardrona Alpine Resort, we recommend stopping off at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a mulled wine on your way back. In Queenstown itself, try out cocktails at Little Blackwood, burgers and beers at World Bar or even mulled wine at Perky’s, Queenstown’s floating bar.
