OtagoCoronet Peak
Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown's closest ski area, 16 km from town on a fully sealed road, with 280 ha of terrain and night skiing on selected evenings.
Beginner-friendlyIntermediateExperienced only
South IslandSkiing & Snowboarding · Otago
The Remarkables Ski Guide: Queenstown's Big Mountain
Photo: “The Remarkables. Queenstown NZ” by Bernard Spragg. NZ, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
- Activity
- Skiing & Snowboarding
- Region
- Otago
- Suits
- Beginner-friendly, Intermediate, Experienced only
- When to go
- NZSki's 2027 season runs from 19 June to 10 October 2027, with lifts operating 9am to 4pm.
- Getting there
- 24 km from central Queenstown. NZSki says carrying snow chains is mandatory. The Ski Bus runs from Queenstown and Frankton, and Carpool Priority can apply on busy days.
Official sources
Overview
The Remarkables is the bigger of Queenstown's two ski areas. It sits in the Remarkables range, Kawarau to Māori, above the southeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu. NZSki calls it "Queenstown's big mountain". It has terrain for everyone, from learner slopes to black-diamond chutes and three terrain parks.
The mountain
| The Remarkables | |
|---|---|
| Skiable terrain | Over 449 ha |
| Highest lifted point | 1,990 m |
| Groomable runs | 26 |
| Lifts | 4 chairlifts and 4 carpets |
| Terrain parks | 3 |
Who it suits
- Beginners: NZSki says it has one of the South Island's biggest beginner areas, served by carpet lifts.
- Intermediates: wide-open blue runs.
- Advanced: black-diamond chutes and freeride terrain.
- Park riders: three terrain parks, which start small and get bigger.
- Non-skiers: a snowplay and sledding area.
2027 season and hours
NZSki's 2027 season runs from 19 June to 10 October 2027, with lifts operating 9am to 4pm. An afternoon pass covers 12:30pm to 4pm.
Getting there
- Bus: NZSki says the Ski Bus from Queenstown or Frankton is the easiest way up.
- Drive: the ski area is 24 km from central Queenstown. Carrying snow chains is mandatory, so make sure you know how to fit them. On busy days Carpool Priority may apply. Check the snow report, which is updated from 6:30am, for road conditions and car park space.
- Passes: a MyPass card also works at Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt.
Nearby
Coronet Peak is 16 km from town on the other side of the Wakatipu basin, and an easy second mountain on a Queenstown trip. For accommodation and things to do off the slopes, see our Queenstown city guide.
Where is The Remarkables?
The pin marks: The Remarkables Ski Area (-45.0556, 168.8139). It shows the general area, not a specific car park, lift or access point, so follow the operator's directions. Plan a route on OpenStreetMap (opens in a new tab).
Location data: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL 1.0).
Lift passes, lessons and rentals
We list operators to help you plan. We're not paid to include them and don't earn commission from these links.
- The Remarkables (NZSki)
Lift passes, lessons, rentals and the Remarkables Ski Bus
Sources
Related on NZ Holidays
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Skiing & Snowboarding tips & guides
Driving to the ski areas
Which roads are sealed, where you must carry chains, and the buses and free shuttles that save you the drive.
Read the guideLearning to ski or snowboard in New Zealand
The best ski areas for first-timers, what's in a first-timer package, and what to rent and wear.
Read the guideWhen to ski in New Zealand
Published 2027 season dates, how the season usually runs, and when the slopes are busiest.
Read the guide