Queenstown & Wanaka Ski Fields
The Queenstown Lakes region is New Zealand's premier ski destination, offering four world-class ski fields within 90 minutes of Queenstown and Wanaka. This concentration of excellent terrain, combined with vibrant resort towns, makes it the top choice for ski holidays.
The Remarkables
Named for the dramatic jagged peaks that define Queenstown's skyline, The Remarkables offers stunning terrain spread across three huge alpine bowls. This resort is famous for its terrain parks (seven in total including a rare Bruton Stash Park), legendary freeride zones, and family-friendly facilities. The annual Freeride World Tour stops here, testament to its world-class off-piste terrain.
- Vertical: 357 meters
- Runs: 20km of trails, 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced
- Unique: 7 terrain parks, world-class freeride zone
- From Queenstown: 35 minutes
- Best For: Freestylers, families, spectacular views
- Facilities: Magic carpet for beginners, modern base lodge
The Remarkables excels at providing something for everyone. Beginners enjoy wide, gentle slopes served by magic carpet and chair lifts, while experts can access challenging chutes, natural halfpipes, and the infamous Shadow Basin—a steep, powder-filled playground for advanced skiers and riders. The resort's seven terrain parks cater to all skill levels from first-time park riders to Olympic-level athletes.
The views from The Remarkables are simply spectacular. On clear days, you can see across Lake Wakatipu to the Coronet Peak massif, with Queenstown nestled far below. The resort's southern aspect means it often holds snow later into the season, and its high altitude (base at 1,585m) ensures reliable conditions throughout winter.
Coronet Peak
Just 20 minutes from Queenstown, Coronet Peak is New Zealand's oldest commercial ski field and offers the country's longest ski day with skiing until 9pm on select nights. Known for excellent grooming, reliable snowmaking, and convenient location, Coronet Peak is perfect for those wanting maximum mountain time and easy access to Queenstown's nightlife.
- Vertical: 481 meters
- Runs: 40km of trails, well-groomed daily
- Unique: Night skiing (until 9pm), "Fast Tracks" early access
- From Queenstown: 20 minutes (closest resort)
- Best For: Intermediates, convenience, long ski days
- Snowmaking: Extensive coverage ensures reliability
Coronet Peak's proximity to Queenstown and extended operating hours make it incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike. The "Fast Tracks" program allows early birds to access freshly groomed runs from 8am (before standard 9am opening), while night skiing extends the day until 9pm—perfect for maximizing your mountain time or fitting in afternoon adventures like bungy jumping.
The terrain suits intermediate skiers and riders particularly well, with long, sweeping runs that build confidence and allow you to really open up. Advanced terrain includes steep chutes and off-piste areas, while beginners have dedicated learning zones with gentle gradients. The resort's comprehensive snowmaking system (one of New Zealand's largest) ensures consistent conditions even in lower snow years.
Treble Cone
The South Island's largest ski area and the region's most challenging terrain. Treble Cone receives the highest annual snowfall of any NZ ski field (5.5 meters average) and boasts the longest vertical rise in the Queenstown Lakes district at 700 meters. Famous for legendary off-piste terrain, uncrowded slopes, and unrivalled views over Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring, this is where serious skiers and riders come to play.
- Vertical: 700 meters (longest in region)
- Runs: 22km including 4km top-to-bottom runs
- Terrain: 550 hectares, 50% advanced/expert
- Snowfall: 5.5m average annual (most in NZ)
- From Wanaka: 30 minutes
- Best For: Advanced skiers, powder hounds, backcountry access
Treble Cone is renowned for "The Saddle"—New Zealand's most challenging in-bounds terrain featuring steep chutes, natural halfpipes, and technical lines that demand respect. The resort attracts powder enthusiasts from around the world, and on big snow days, the off-piste terrain delivers some of the best riding in the Southern Hemisphere. Austria's national ski team uses Treble Cone as their off-season training ground.
Don't let the expert reputation deter intermediate skiers—Treble Cone also offers fantastic cruising runs including a 4km top-to-bottom intermediate trail. Beginners can ski for free on the magic carpet and platter lifts near the base. The views from the summit are breathtaking, with Lake Wanaka shimmering below and Mount Aspiring's pyramidal peak dominating the horizon.
The resort also sells discounted lift passes for backcountry access, allowing ski tourers to hike from the resort boundary into pristine off-piste terrain with proper avalanche safety equipment. This makes Treble Cone a hub for the thriving backcountry skiing community around Wanaka.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
New Zealand's "fun and friendly" family mountain and the country's largest ski resort at 900 hectares. Cardrona made history in 2025 by opening New Zealand's first gondola and expanding with the new Soho Basin, adding 6-seater chairlifts and more terrain. Known for exceptional learner facilities, dedicated kids' centres, world-class terrain parks, and the sunniest, most reliable snow conditions in the region.
- Vertical: 600 meters
- Runs: 40km of trails across 900 hectares
- New: First NZ gondola, Soho Basin expansion (2025)
- From Wanaka: 45 minutes / Queenstown: 1 hour
- Best For: Families, learners, terrain parks, intermediates
- Snow Reliability: Excellent snowmaking, sheltered location
Cardrona's reputation as New Zealand's premier family ski resort is well-earned. The dedicated learner areas, patient instructors, and gentle progression terrain build confidence quickly. Kids' programs are outstanding, with specialized coaching, fun zones, and childcare services allowing parents to enjoy their own skiing. The terrain parks have produced Olympic medalists and cater to all levels from first-time park riders to professionals.
Intermediate and advanced riders also love Cardrona's varied terrain. The new Soho Basin (opened 2025) provides playful, natural terrain similar to Captain's Basin—perfect for exploring off-piste areas in a controlled environment. The high altitude base (1,670m) and sheltered location combine with extensive snowmaking for the region's most reliable snow coverage throughout the season.
Cardrona's location between Wanaka and Queenstown (accessible from both via the stunning Crown Range road) makes it convenient for visitors staying in either town. The on-mountain facilities are excellent, including multiple cafés, restaurants, equipment rental, and a vibrant base area perfect for meeting friends and family throughout the day.