Top 4 Queenstown Ski Resorts

The top 4 Queenstown ski resorts are:

• The Remarkables Ski Field
• Cardrona Alpine Resort
• Coronet Peak Ski Field
• Treble Cone Ski Field

These four Queenstown ski resorts are all within convenient driving distance of downtown Queenstown. In addition, all are equipped with world-class facilities and programs, such as lessons and childcare.

Read on for an overview of each ski field as well as its pros and cons.

An Overview of the Top 4 Queenstown Ski Resorts

The Remarkables Ski Field

Perched high above Queenstown in the iconic Remarkables range, The Remarkables Ski Field is a true alpine experience. This is the first ski field most travelers think of when visiting New Zealand.

Pros:

• Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Queenstown
• Lift passes and packages (for instance, Learn to Ski and rental equipment) can be used at either The Remarkables or Coronet Peak
• Great views over Queenstown
• Extensive terrain at many levels
• Can be accessed from downtown Queenstown with convenient mountain coach transport

Cons:

• No childcare or lesson programs available for under-4s
• A longer drive than Coronet Peak

Cardrona Alpine Resort

Perfect for families and beginning skiers, Cardrona Alpine Resort covers extensive rolling terrain at the top of a ridge. Furthermore, Cardrona Alpine Resort offers the most flexible lesson options of any Queenstown ski resort. The ski resort even boasts a “chondola,” a chair lift interspersed with gondola carriages perfect for young children.

Pros:

• Excellent lesson offerings for children and adults, from learn-to-ski to freestyle training on parks and pipes
• Childcare available for all ages
• Extensive beginner and intermediate terrain
• Most reliable snow in New Zealand thanks to excellent snow-making capabilities
• Flexible lift passes are valid at both Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone

Cons:

• Not as close to Queenstown–the drive takes 1 hour 15 minutes. However, skiers also have the option to stay in Wanaka.
• Some advanced skiers find the runs are not challenging enough for more than a day’s worth of skiing

Coronet Peak Ski Field

Only 25 minutes from downtown Queenstown, Coronet Peak Ski Field boasts spectacular roller coaster terrain. In addition, Coronet Peak hosts night skiing on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights for a unforgettable ski party experience.

Pros:

• Just a 25-minute drive from downtown Queenstown
• Lift passes and packages (such as Learn to Ski and rental equipment) are valid at both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
• Easily accessed from downtown Queenstown with frequent mountain coach transport
• Extensive childcare and lesson offerings for children of all ages
• A good variety of terrain at all levels

Cons:

• Lower elevation than The Remarkables, which means snow cover is less reliable

Treble Cone Ski Field

The largest ski field on New Zealand’s South Island, Treble Cone is a haven for advanced skiers, with legendary off-piste terrain and some of the country’s longest groomed trails. Moreover, the views from Treble Cone are breathtaking, with an expansive view over Lake Wanaka.

Pros:

• Fantastic advanced terrain, including some of New Zealand’s most challenging off-piste runs within a patrolled ski area
• Epic views
• 700 meters of vertical
• Less crowded than most Queenstown ski fields

Cons:

• Very little beginner terrain
• 1.5 hours from Queenstown–skiers should consider staying in Wanaka
• Limited lesson offerings for children
• No childcare

Planning your visit to one of the top Queenstown ski resorts

Queenstown is a great base for skiers of all ages and levels. The four Queenstown ski resorts offer convenience and flexibility, with open-dated passes valid at two ski fields. The Remarkables and Coronet Peak share one pass, and Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone share one pass.

On-mountain accommodation is rare in New Zealand. In other words, most skiers stay in Queenstown (or its nearby sister city, Wanaka) and drive to the ski fields each day. Cardrona Alpine Resort offers limited on-mountain accommodation. Mountain coach transport is available to make this easy and affordable.

Start planning your Queenstown ski holiday by browsing our range of Queenstown ski packages.

You have many options for your ski package. You can:

• Rent a car or use mountain coach transport
• Rent ski gear or bring your own
• Stay downtown or in a quieter lakeside property
• Rent ski clothing, such as a jacket, pants, helmet, goggles, and gloves
• Stay in Queenstown for your full ski holiday or split your time between Queenstown and Wanaka
• Add lessons
• Book childcare or Kids’ Club packages to keep your children occupied all day