Coronet Peak Ski Guide: Queenstown's Local Mountain

Overview

Coronet Peak is the ski area closest to Queenstown, which is why NZSki calls it "Queenstown's local". It has operated since 1947 and sits just 16 km from town on a fully sealed road, so it's easy to fit in a half day or an evening session around other plans.

The mountain

NZSki says Coronet Peak has one of the biggest automated snowmaking systems in the southern hemisphere, with 232 automated snow guns. Snowmaking helps when natural snow is late.

Who it suits

• Beginners: wide learner areas and conveyor lifts at the base, with lessons from the Snowsports School.
• Intermediates: groomed runs across the mountain, served by three chairlifts.
• Advanced: the trail map also marks advanced and expert terrain.
• Non-skiers: a gondola to the summit for the views, and a sledding area.

2027 season and hours

• Early winter: 29 May to 18 June, 10am to 3pm, on limited beginner-friendly terrain.
• Full season: 18 June to 3 October 2027, 9am to 4pm.
• Night skiing: 30 June to 3 September, 4pm to 9pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, plus selected Saturdays in the July school holidays.

Dates depend on snow, so check the snow report before you go.

Getting there

• Drive: 16 km on a fully sealed alpine road, about 20 minutes from town. NZSki asks drivers to carry snow chains at all times and know how to fit them.
• Bus: the Coronet Peak Ski Bus runs from Queenstown.
• Lift passes and rentals: a MyPass card works at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt. You can collect passes and rental gear the day before at the Snow Centre on Shotover Street in Queenstown.

Nearby

Pair Coronet Peak with The Remarkables on the other side of town, or drive over the Crown Range to Cardrona. For somewhere to stay, see our Queenstown city guide.