Article | Destination Queenstown.

With not one but four world-class ski fields at its door, Queenstown is a winter paradise. Here is everything a novice needs to know, from where to get your gear to how to access the slopes.

Getting here

Getting here is easy no matter if you’re embarking on a roadtrip with your mates or you’re flying in. Our airport is located just 15 minutes from downtown Queenstown and it’s a hop, skip and a jump whether you’re taking the bus, catching a taxi or driving.

Getting to the ski fields is just as easy. You can drive yourself up or if you’ve flown in, there are a host of car rental options available, as well as ski shuttles and mountain transport options to take you from your hotel to the slopes, so consider yourself covered.

The gear

As for equipment, you can leave yours at home and hire skis or snowboards when you get to town. Most ski rental shops will deliver your gear to your accommodation, or you can just rent at the ski field and pick up when you arrive and drop off when you’re done for the day. If you left your goggles or gloves in the garage at home, don’t despair – the town is also full of big-name sports equipment stores for those last-minute purchases.

Queenstown Ski Resorts

Now, back to the slopes. Coronet Peak is closest to Queenstown so you can do First Tracks on its spectacular roller coaster terrain from 8am-9am and be back downtown by mid-morning. Then you can spend the afternoon exploring the wineries or tackling some more adventure activities. Coronet Peak is also open for night skiing on Wednesdays and Fridays, giving you plenty of options to ensure you make the most of both ski-time and town-time.

The Remarkables base lodge is the best in New Zealand, with soaring glass walls, relaxation dens and fresh food, and it’s ski-in, ski-out so you can rest your weary legs. If you drove yourself, shuttles give you a ride from the car park to the base lodge, where you can pick up your lift pass and then ski out the door. The views on the drive up are impressive and the expansive learner’s area makes it a great mountain for first-timers on a ski lesson.

Wanaka Ski resorts

Treble Cone near Wanaka is worth the drive for the vistas from the chairlift alone. There is simply no other ski field in the world with a view as spectacular as this one. Even if you spend your day on the deck sipping flat whites while drinking in the view, then you’ve had a day well spent. But you’ll want to click into skis or a snowboard, take a lesson, and discover the open bowls, off-piste powder and super groomers the mountain is known for.

Cardrona is great for beginners with its wide open slopes and brand new chondola, a ‘combined’ lift of gondola cabins and chairs, making it easy for first time skiers and snowboarders to ride to the top of the mountain on their first day.

Activities Beyond The Slopes

For fun beyond the mountains, Queenstown’s eight golf courses and renowned wineries are just a short drive away. Central Otago produces some of the best pinot noir in the world thanks to the region’s combination of shale soil and sharply defined seasons. Gibbston, referred to as the ‘Valley of the Vines’, is just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown and home to internationally award-winning wines. Jump on a wine tour for a great way to taste and explore the terroir of the region.

After a day on the slopes, enjoy some ‘me time’ at one of Queenstown’s hot pools and luxury day spas.  A full range of treatments are available and it’s the perfect way to revitalize mind, soul, and body – particularly those legs! In addition to spas, the region has many other ways to stretch and recover, including yoga and pilates classes as well as multi-day retreats.

For a relaxing day off the slopes meander through the quaint streets of Arrowtown, explore the rich gold mining history and grab a hot beverage in one of the many bespoke eateries. Ayrburn is a short drive away and offers a stunning setting to take in the alpine scenery whilst sipping on a coffee or cocktail.