NZ South Island Ski Guide

on 1 May, 2013 at 08:13

Know you want to ski in New Zealand this season but not sure where? Caspar from lastminute.com.au NZ HQ fills us in on what’s what on the South Island.

Coronet Peak

In a nutshell
In terms of famous ski fields this is the big one of New Zealand. Located just 20 minutes from central Queenstown means you can have the time of your life on and off the mountain! With stunning views, excellent lifts and dazzling runs you’ll be sure to have a great time and with the recent substantial investments in snow makers, you’ll be flying down the mountain no matter the weather.
Wow factor
For something a bit different, weekend night skiing is a must. Ski under the stars and look down at the lights of Queenstown. Simply magical.
Season
Scheduled open date 8th June, scheduled close date 6th October
Skill level
Excellent for all skill ranges
Where to stay
Queenstown, NZ’s best known winter holiday destination, is 20 minutes away from Coronet Peak.
With shops, cafes, nightclubs and not to mention adrenalin activities galore, it’s the perfect place to base yourself. Located at the foot of Lake Wakatipu, be sure you have your camera ready for Facebook-worthy photo opps.

Hot tip: While you’re in Queenstown, check out the famous World Bar and enjoy a Ferg Burger that all the locals rave about.

Lake Wakatipu at twilight

The Remarkables

In a nutshell
True to its name, The Remarkables is one those great ski fields where the stunning views,crisp sunny days, and relaxed friendly atmosphere all combine to make for a mighty day out on the slopes: it’s all about the fun of skiing and snowboarding here.
Wow factor
The ‘Homeward run’, a 1.5 kilometre run with some pretty intense moguls and drops will get your heart pumping. When you need a break from shredding, hit up the Ozone Tubing Park. Could it get any more fun?
Season
Scheduled open date 22th June, scheduled close date 29 September
Skill level
Excellent for beginners, with some famous advanced runs.
Where to stay
Queenstown (and all its awesomeness as outlined above) is located 40 minutes away. For a slightly more low key option, Arrowtown, a former gold-mining town is 45 minutes away. Explore the streets and lanes, visit the galleries and award winning fine dining.

Hot tip: Once you’ve braved the Homeward Run you can’t beat a relaxing drink at the Skifields bar as you unwind on the journey back to Queenstown.

The Remarkables

Treble Cone

In a nutshell
Looking for variety? Treble Cone is the South islands largest ski area at 550ha. On this expansive ski field surrounded by jaw dropping views you can blast down the mountain on uncrowded slopes free to have all the fun you want. Treble Cone is more than just an amazing ski field, it’s also home to some seriously impressive off-piste terrain. Ready to book yet?
Wow factor
While Treble Cone gives the more advanced skiers and snowboards the freedom and space to shred, it also has excellent sunny sheltered beginner runs with FREE beginner lifts to the learner slope.
Season
Scheduled open date 27th June, scheduled close date 29 September
Skill level
Good for all ranges but excellent for advanced skiers with long steep runs
Where to stay
After enjoying a day of unsurpassable views and fun filled adventure, Wanaka, 35 minutes away, is the perfect place to ski and enjoy a calmer environment.

Hot tip: If you fancy some apres ski partying there is plenty of fun to be had. Check out Shooter Bar, Wanaka’s only lake front bar full of entertainment. Or for a beautiful meal, head to the renowned Francesca’s Italian Kitchen in Wanaka.

Lake Wanaka

Mt. Hutt

In a nutshell
Just two hours from Christchurch Airport, you’ll be hitting the slopes before you know it. Mt Hutt enjoys the longest snow season and is popular with locals and visitors alike. Known as the ‘Capital of Speed’, it has some excellent runs that will leave the bravest snow-junkie running back to the lifts to go again!
Wow factor
At 2086m, Mt Hutt is one of the highest ski fields on the South Island. It’s also the perfect spot to tick heli-skiing off your bucket list.
Season
Scheduled open date 15th June, scheduled close date 6th October
Skill level
Excellent for intermediate and with a good selection of beginner and advanced runs.
Where to stay
Settle in for the evening in Methven, just 35 minutes away, where you’ll enjoy true Kiwi hospitality after a great day on the slopes.

Hot tip: Methven has a great selection of restaurants for a town of its size so you won’t be disappointed. Be sure to check out La Post Cafe for the best food in town and a bustling environment. If you fancy a few drinks be sure to check out the locals favourite… Steel Worx bar in Methven!

On road to the snow!

Cardrona

In a nutshell
There’s a lot to love about Cardrona’s famous dry powder snow and big wide slopes. It’s renowned as a friendly resort with some of the most reliable snow conditions in NZ thanks to its high elevation and south-facing location.
Wow factor
With one of the best snowboard park and pipes there is a lot of fun to be had here!
Season
Scheduled open date 21st June, Scheduled close date 6th October
Skill level
Perfect for beginners.
Where to stay
Nestled between Queenstown (60 minutes away) and Wanaka (35 minutes away) you have great flexibility for where you want to relax in the evenings.

Hot tip: What do you do after a hard day riding at Cardrona? Easy, you head over to Cardona Hotel where the beer flows, the smell of great food makes you starving and the thrum of people gives you the perfect location to unwind and look back on a great day. With a large pub garden and outdoor fire you will be certainly impressed!