Your complete guide to the 2020 Ski Season in Queenstown & Wanaka, New Zealand: Ski Fields, Events & Activities.
** Please note that the dates below are approximate and based on previous years. Due to the pandemic there may be restricted opening times and further restrictions. Please contact the skifields directly to enquire.
Ski Season Dates
Ski Season runs from early to mid June through to early October in Queenstown & Wanaka depending on snow fall. The approximate opening dates for the ski fields in 2020 are:
- Cardrona - 16th June - October 14th
- Coronet Peak - 16th June - October 7th
- The Remarkables - 9th June - October 7th
- Treble Cone - 28th June - September 23rd
Keep up to date with New Zealand Ski Season Dates as we get closer to mid June.
Location
Each year the quaint & picturesque towns of Queenstown & Wanaka welcome snow junkies from across the globe. With direct flights from Australia to Queenstown, as well as from Auckland & Christchurch, these locations are easy to get to! Wanaka is located just a one hour drive from Queenstown and transport to and from the two towns are easy enough to book.
Ski Fields
There are four main ski fields accessible from Queenstown & Wanaka: Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona & Treble Cone.
Queenstown Ski Fields
Queenstown is heaving with snow enthusiasts throughout the entire season. Coronet Peak & The Remarkables are the two closest ski fields to town. Queenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital with a bustling night life - offering Bungy Jumping, Jet Boating, Skydiving and basically any adventure sport you can think of.
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is the closest Ski Field to Queenstown, just a 20 minute drive away. Coronet Peak caters for all levels and is a great place for beginners. Return buses depart from the Snow Centre (just a 5 minute walk from Base Queenstown) all day long for $20 and will drop you right at the base of Coronet Peak.
Coronet Peak offers night skiiing Friday & Saturday nights 4 - 9PM as well as a number of events such as the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival & DNA Gay Ski Week.
- Terrain: 25% Beginner/Novice, 45% Intermediate, 30% Advanced
The Remarkables
The Remarkables tend to be a favourite for the more experienced skiers and snowboarders whilst offering three terrain parks! The field is a 45 minute drive from Queenstown and buses depart from the Snow Centre (just down the road from Base) for $20 return.
- Terrain: 30% Beginner/Novice, 40% Intermediate, 30% Advanced - also a Terrain Park suited for beginners through to intermediate
Wanaka Ski Fields
Treble Cone & Cardrona (although accessible from Queenstown) are the two main fields close to Wanaka. Wanaka is situated on Lake Wanaka and proves to be a sight for sore eyes - think snow capped mountains, log fires, cosy couches and mulled wine! Wanaka is a quieter version of Queenstown that tends to attract boarders and skiiers looking to steer clear of the crowds.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Cardrona is accessible from both Wanaka and Queenstown; 35 minutes from Wanaka and 1 hour from Queenstown. Cardrona tends to get more snow as the base of the ski field is actually higher than neighbouring Remarkables & Coronet Peak.
The field is family friendly but boasts a number of Intermediate and Advanced tracks. Buses can be booked from both Wanaka & Queenstown.
- Terrain: 25% Beginner, 55% Intermediate, 20% Advanced
Main image: By André Richard Chalmers (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Treble Cone
Treble Cone is a favourite among the more experienced snow junkies with 10% Beginner Tracks, 45% Intermediate Tracks & 45% Advanced Tracks. Treble Cone has the highest vertical rise of the four fields and 550 hectares of ski field.
Treble Cone is just 35 minute drive from Wanaka and a 75 minute drive from Queenstown. Transport to the field can be arranged from both locations.
- Terrain: 10% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, 45% Advanced
Packages & Accommodation
We recommend a Nomads Hostel located right in the heart of Queenstown. It has a dedicated Travel Desk that can provide you with information and help you with Transport, Lift Passes, Lessons & Gear Hire.
Nomads Queenstown is right in the centre of town, offering both Dorm and Private Accommodation as well as Female only Dorms. The hostel has a large Kitchen and Common Areas, Laundry Facilities. 24 hour reception, Daily Activities and a Drying Room is also available.
Ski Season Events
Each Ski Season, Wanaka & Queenstown play host to a number of major events.
The below give an idea of the usual events, however things are obviously a bit different in 2020 / 2021 due to the global pandemic.
2019 Real Journeys Winter Festival
20th - 23rd June 2019 in Queenstown. Live DJs, Hot Tub Outdoor Cinema Sessions, Pop up Bars and so much more!
2019 Winter Pride
30th August to 8th September 2019 sees the fabulous Winter Pride (previously known as Gay Ski Week). The colour comes to Queenstown every year! Live Music, the annual 'Snow Ball,' Circus Acts, Cabaret & more are likely to be part of Gay Ski Week! Events to be announced mid February.
2019 NZ Mountain Film Festival
28th June - 6th July in Wanaka & Queenstown. The festival will showcase International Adventure Films as well as play host to a photography and film competition.
Other Activities
Queenstown is the home of Bungy Jumping! Here you will find three Bungy sites: Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge and the infamous 134m Nevis Bungy Jump! In Queenstown you will also have the opportunity to Hangglide, Paraglide, Jet Boat, Sky Dive & Raft, along with many other adventure options. Check out our Top 15 things to do in Queeenstown.
Lake Wanaka is also a fantastic place to skydive with amazing views of the ski fields. It is also one of the cheapest places in New Zealand to book an Aerobatic Flight Lesson, as well as Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Indoor Rock Climbing & more! Check out the Top 10 things to do in Wanaka.
Main image: By André Richard Chalmers (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
