Keen to hit the slopes in the picturesque South Island town? Read on to find out the best time to go.
We’ve researched the best time to ski in the beautiful city of Queenstown based on the weather, the crowds and the prices. Make sure your next ski trip is the best it can be by following our handy tips.
The best time to ski Queenstown
July to September.
Why?
Queenstown is an all-year-round travel destination, but for those looking to brave the cold and visit during the winter months it’s best to visit from July to September.
At this time Queenstown sees the opening of New Zealand’s ski fields and the celebration of the arrival of winter through the Queenstown Winter Festival, which generally takes place at the end of June.
For a quieter trip, it’s best to avoid the beginning of the ski season as a lot of people come to celebrate during this time. We’d recommend the shoulder months of June or October for a balance of minimal crowds and well-priced accommodation, as well as there still being enough snow to ski on.
Overview
Queenstown is a popular holiday destination, meaning it’s best to avoid the weeks prior to, during and after the school holidays and allow the crowds to die down.
July and August are typically the months that Queenstown receives the most snowfall, so if you are keen on making sure you get the absolute best out of the mountain this would be a good time to go.
Weather and prices
The best time to ski in Queenstown, weatherwise: Queenstown is pretty consistent weatherwise throughout the winter months. Most resorts are open from June until October, but August does receive cold blasts the most often.
The cheapest time to ski in Queenstown: The best hotel prices and flight deals tend to be available during the shoulder ski seasons in June and October.
The best time to ski Queenstown...
- Heli-skiing. Heli-skiing is a popular activity for thrill seekers visiting Queenstown. The best time to go is between August and early September, as this is when the snow is deep and the weather is fairly clear.
While the 2017 season opening dates haven’t been announced yet, here is when the main resorts have opened in the past:
- Coronet Peak. As one of New Zealand’s most popular ski destinations, Coronet Peak opens in early June
- The Remarkables. The Remarkables ski resort offers terrain for all ski levels and opens in early June
- Cardrona. Cardrona is another popular ski resort in New Zealand, which is closer to Wanaka than it is to Queenstown. Cardrona opens in early June as well
Find the best price on flights to Queenstown:
Latest snow deals to New Zealand:
| Extra night free on New Zealand ski packages |
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Valid for travel from 1 July 2018 - 30 September 2018 on select packages to Queenstown. T&Cs apply. |
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| Up to 60% off second passenger with Royal Caribbean |
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Valid for cruise on select sailings to the South Pacific (Vanuatu and New Caledonia) and New Zealand. |
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| Up to 20% off car hire |
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Valid on hire cars in Australia and New Zealand for pick up before 16 December 2018. Must book 21 days in advance. |
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| Up to 50% off 5-star beach resorts |
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Valid on select hotel packages in Bali, Phuket, Fiji, Malaysia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Hawaii and Queensland. |
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Enterprise Rent a Car USA
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Up to 10% off New Zealand car hire |
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Valid until 31 December 2018. Minimum of 3 days rental. T&Cs apply. |
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| $25 off each night + $1 breakfast |
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Valid for stays from 1 June - 11 November 2018. Redeemable at over 190 hotels across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia. T&Cs apply. |
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| 20% off Queenstown ski package |
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Valid 1 July 2018 - 7 October 2018. Inclusive of accommodation, kids stay free, multi-day lift pass, free Wi-Fi, other bonuses and more. T&Cs apply. |
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| 15% off base rate on 5+ days rentals |
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Valid at participating locations across Australia and New Zealand until 29 June 2018. Book 7 days in advance to redeem offer. T&Cs apply. |
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| North America flights from $1,571 return |
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Valid for travel until 28 June 2018. Sample fare is Sydney-San Francisco with Air New Zealand. Also flying to Houston from $1,742 return. |
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| Campervan hire from $5/day | Offers and validity dates updated daily. Available on select routes in Australia and New Zealand. |
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| International flights from $363 return with Air New Zealand |
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Valid for travel until December 2018. Sample fare is Melbourne-Auckland. Destinations include Los Angeles, San Francisco and more. |
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| Up to $156 off New Zealand tour |
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Valid for travel on select dates. Includes accommodation, transportation, meals and more. T&Cs apply. |
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| New Zealand flights from $189 each way |
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Valid for travel on select dates from June - October 2018. Destinations include Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. Sample fare is Melbourne-Christchurch. |
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| Room upgrade from just $100 with Princess + up to $200 onboard credit |
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Valid for cruises to the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan, Europe, Alaska and the Americas. Onboard credit amount varies based on length of cruise and cabin type booked. T&Cs apply. |
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| Up to 35% off Australia and New Zealand tours |
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Score up to 35% off on multi-day Australia and New Zealand tours when you book with TourRadar. Destinations include Sydney, Cairns, Queenstown, Auckland, Christchurch, Darwin, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply. |
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| Worldwide singles cruises from $2,075 |
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Valid on select sailings in Alaska, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Asia and Europe. Cruise lines include Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, Princess, and Avalon Waterways. Sample price is an Alaska cruise. |
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| Up to 20% off New Zealand tours |
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Valid for travel from 1 June - 27 August 2018. Destinations include Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. T&Cs apply. |
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Choice Hotels
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Up to 10% off stays | Valid on select dates when booked between 2-30 days in advance and prepaid at time of booking. Available at locations across Australia and New Zealand. |
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| New Zealand flights from $210 each way |
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Valid for travel on select dates from May - September 2018. Destinations include Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington and Christchurch. Sample fare is Melbourne-Auckland. |
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| $1 per day on New Zealand car hire |
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Maximum of 3 days rental. This is a relocation deals and drive from Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport, Dunedin Airport, Hokitika Airport, or Greymouth to Nelson, Picton or Blenheim. T&Cs apply. |
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| Free extras with P&O + Up to $300 onboard credit |
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Valid on select Tasmania, Queensland, New Caledonia, New Zealand and Vanuatu cruises. Get up to $100 GoCatch credit, New Zealand Natural ice cream and onboard credit. |
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| 7-night Queenstown ski trip package for $499 |
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Valid for stays on select 2018 dates at Reavers Lodge, Central Queenstown. Includes accommodation, ski hire, lift pass and more. T&Cs apply. |
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| Up to 52% off Queenstown ski trip + accommodation | Valid for stays on select dates until September 2018 at Reavers Lodge. Includes 7-nights accommodation, 5-day lift pass for Cadrona, 7-day ski or snowboard hire, return airport transfers and more. T&Cs apply. |
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| 10% off select New Zealand tours |
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Valid for travel until October 2018. Minimum of 7 days. Destinations include Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and more. T&C's apply. |
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| 7-night Queenstown Ski trip from $499 |
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Enjoy an incredible Queenstown ski adventure. Valid for stays on select dates at Reavers Lodge. Includes accommodation and passes. T&C's apply. |
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| Up to $3,000 off select sailings + up to $1,000 off airfares | Valid for travel on select dates and sailings. Offer is valid on stateroom bookings only. Destinations include Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, New Zealand, Australia and more. T&C's apply. |
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| 25% off premium hire insurance | Get up to 25% off on your car rental when you purchase GoZen Cover. Valid at participating locations across Australia and New Zealand. T&C's apply. |
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| 10% off New Zealand car hire |
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Valid for rental pick ups until 30 June 2018 at select locations across New Zealand. Minimum of 3-day rentals. T&C's apply. |
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| 15% off for 5-day car hire |
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Valid for rental pick ups until 30 June 2018 across Australia and New Zealand. Minimum of 5 days rental. T&C's apply. |
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| 10% off stays in Australia and New Zealand | Valid for My Oaks members. Membership is free and also entitles guests to late checkout and complimentary internet use. T&Cs apply. |
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