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Skiing In New Zealand
Queenstown NZ accommodation and ski guide: Hotels, hostels and more
The best places to come home to in Queenstown after a day at this resort town’s snow-capped mountains.
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Queenstown offers world-class ski fields and a playground for adrenaline junkies who enjoy the rush of extreme sports. Both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are less than an hour's drive from the town centre. Ski hire and transportation options are easily accessible from town and can be arranged when you're ready to hit the slopes.
Top Queenstown accommodation
Hilton Queenstown from Finder Hotels
If luxury accommodation is a must for your trip to Queenstown, Hilton has got you covered with top-notch accommodation, boasting 5-star amenities and views that everyone will enjoy.
Scenic Suites from Finder Hotels
With spacious superior rooms and large suites with a separate living room and kitchen facilities available, Scenic Suites is a great accommodation option for families and groups.
Sofitel Queenstown from Finder Hotels
If you're looking for exceptional service, Sofitel Queenstown is a great place to unwind at the end of the day. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a place to retreat after a session on the slopes, Sofitel has everything you need to feel rejuvenated and pampered.
Turner Heights Townhouses from Finder Hotels
With Queenstown Gardens, Lake Wakatipu and Skyline Gondola Restaurant just a short walk away, you'll find your way around town in no time. Coronet Peak is just a 20-minute drive away, too!
St James Apartments from Finder Hotels
Start your day at the cafe 30m away from your doorstep before heading out to explore the beautiful surroundings of Queenstown. St James Apartments is an ideal place to stay if you want to be close to the airport as it's just a 15-minute car ride away.
Pinewood Houses and Apartments from Finder Hotels
Conveniently located near the centre of town and Queenstown Gondolas, you'll have everything you need in close proximity. That means less time making your way around and more time for exploring the town and nearby slopes.
Base Queenstown from Finder Hotels
Surrounded by shops, restaurants and bars, Base Queenstown is a centrally located hostel offering comfortable dormitory rooms and breathtaking alpine and lake views.
Nomads Queenstown from Finder Hotels
Budget travellers will love the facilities available at Nomads Queenstown Backpackers. There are a variety of room types ranging from small and large dorms, to private rooms with en suites. You'll find the town easy to navigate as the hostel is located in the heart of the city.
YHA Queenstown Central from Finder Hotels
For travellers on a budget who plan to spend time on the slopes, YHA Queenstown is just a 20-minute drive from The Remarkables and is a great place to stay if you're keen to make new friends.
Queenstown accommodation map
Where is each ski area in relation to Queenstown?
- Coronet Peak: 25 minutes' drive, 16km from Queenstown
- The Remarkables: 45 minutes' drive, 24km from Queenstown
Lift pass prices
You can purchase a lift pass that gives you lift access at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. If you purchase a pass online, it can be used on any day during the winter season. Lift passes purchased for more than one day can be used on consecutive days (ideal if you're visiting for a short period of time) or on chosen days throughout the winter season. The more days you purchase lift access for, the more you save. Children five years old and younger are free and don't require a lift pass.
| Pass type | 1-day pass | 2-day pass | 3-day pass | 4-day pass | 5-day pass | 6-day pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child (6–17 years) | $69 | $98 | $147 | $196 | $245 | $295 |
| Adult | $129 | $198 | $297 | $396 | $495 | $594 |
| Senior (65+) | $69 | $98 | $147 | $196 | $245 | $295 |
What you need to know about Coronet Peak
- Number of chair lifts: 8
- Ski season dates: 16 June 2019 to 7 October 2019
- Snow report: Check the daily Snow Report for a detailed and accurate look at recent snowfalls and conditions
- Trail breakdown: 25% of the trails are for beginners, 45% are for intermediates and 30% are for advanced skiers
- Number of terrain parks: 2
- Longest run: 2.4km
- Skiable terrain: 280 hectares
What you need to know about The Remarkables
- Number of chair lifts: 4
- Ski season dates: 9 June 2019 to 7 October 2019
- Snow report: Check the daily Snow Report for a detailed and accurate look at recent snowfalls and conditions
- Trail breakdown: 30% of the trails are for beginners, 40% are for intermediates and 30% are for advanced skiers
- Number of terrain parks: 3
- Longest run: 1.5km
- Skiable terrain: 220 hectares
How do I get to Coronet Peak and The Remarkables from Queenstown?
From Queenstown, Coronet Peak is the closest ski field. You can drive there yourself (only 16km away) or you can use the Coronet Peak ski bus from downtown Queenstown. Similarly, The Remarkables are a 40-minute journey from downtown Queenstown. It's a scenic route and accessible via bus and car. Prices start at $25 for a return ticket, which runs from the Queenstown Snow Centre located on Duke Street, to all of the bus stops on the way to Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Alternatively, you can pre-book your seat to Coronet Peak or The Remarkables, departing from Queenstown accommodation providers to guarantee you get a seat and make it to the mountain at a designated time. This is particularly useful if you have a skiing or snowboarding lesson planned.
Ski schools available in Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
These lessons and programs are available at both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.
| Program | Who can participate? | What is involved? |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Kea (only valid at The Remarkables) | Kids aged between 4 and 5 | Young skiers will split their time between skiing, playing indoors and outside in the snow. The program includes a lift pass, lesson and rental equipment. |
| Kea Club | Kids aged between 5 and 17 | A program designed for kids/teenagers to improve their skills and make new friends on the slopes. Skiers/boarders will be separated into the starter or progression group based on their confidence and skill level. The program includes a lift pass, lesson and rental equipment. |
| Group Lessons | Skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels | Group lessons encouraging participants to increase their confidence and ability level with help from qualified instructors. Participants will receive assistance from staff to be assigned into an appropriate group depending on skill level and the individuals goals. |
| Private Ski and Snowboarding Lesson | Skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels | Skiers and boarders can choose what they want to get out of their private lesson. Ideal for people who want to learn the basics, regain skills or break out of old habits with the guidance of a highly trained coach. |
| The Family Learner Package | Family of up to 6 people | A great bonding experience for families who are hitting the slopes for the first time. You'll get the chance to explore the mountains and develop your skills and confidence with your family supporting you in the background. |
Equipment hire
You can hire rental equipment from Coronet Peak and The Remarkables including ski and snowboard equipment, clothing and overnight storage lockers. Hiring equipment is ideal if you don't want to use up your baggage allowance with your ski gear or you're not a seasonal skier/boarder. You can insure your rental equipment for $3 per item per day, too.
For hassle-free ski hire in Queenstown, check out these retailers for great quality equipment, fantastic service and prices that won't hurt your wallet.
- Snow Rental Queenstown: Ski and snowboard equipment, clothing and accessories for hire. Book your ski hire online early and enjoy discounts up to 30%. Swap between skis and boards at no extra charge. You can also opt to have days off during your hire period. 39 Camp St, Queenstown 9300
- One Stop Snow Shop: Ski and snowboards, winter clothing, helmets and other accessories available for hire. One Stop Snow Shop also provides package deals that include lift pass, lessons and transport. Book online to save 20%. Station Building Duke St , Queenstown
- Browns Ski Shop: Browns Ski Shop has brand new boards and skis with every season and washed quality clothing. Equipment insurance is included in the price and it also provides delivery and pick-up to most major hotels in Queenstown. 4 Brecon St, Queenstown
Importance of travel insurance
It is smart to take out ski travel insurance as a precaution on your ski/snowboarding trip. If you have an accident while skiing or snowboarding, your belongings are stolen or you become ill on the trip, ski insurance may cover you.
Looking for deals on accommodation, flights and more in Queenstown?
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