Ski Queenstown New Zealand                                          

Page updated: 23 July 2010



Remarks leading the way to accessible slopes

The Remarkables Ski Area is once again making the thrill of the snow available to everybody this season with a series of adaptive open days on the mountain designed for people with physical or mental disabilities.

The Remarkables Snowsports School is hosting a day of the 2010 Adaptive Snow Sports Festival (Tuesday 27 July) and The Remarkables Adaptive Open Day (Saturday 11 September) to encourage all people of all abilities to enjoy snowsports.

Anyone who has a disability is invited to register for the interactive days. On each of the days the ski area provides free rentals on specially modified skis and snowboards with free lift pass, lesson and volunteer support for first timers and a heavily discounted rate of $50 for those who have been before.

The Remarkables Adaptive Programme Coordinator Ross James said the interactive days are an opportunity for everyone to participate in snowsports regardless of ability.

“Whether it’s a cognitive, physical or sensory disability, we can help anyone onto the slopes and show them how fun it is to truly feel the freedom of the mountain,” he said.

“We have instructors and volunteers specially trained to teach the programme and top-of-the-range equipment and techniques to help everyone. We’re looking forward to welcoming future snowsports enthusiasts, their families and their caregivers to The Remarkables for a fun and exciting day in the mountains.”

Mr James, who has over 25 years adaptive snowsports instruction and disability services experience said he expects around 30 participants and volunteers at the festival day and is looking forward to welcoming many new faces to The Remarkables.

“This is the first time that the national festival will spend a day at The Remarks so this is a great opportunity to showcase and promote the adaptive program here,” he said.

“Being a part of the snow and blue skies up the mountain is something that everybody should be able to experience while in Queenstown.”

Due to limitations on the amount of available equipment for the open day, priority will be given to people from the Wakatipu, Southland and Cromwell areas who are trying an on-snow experience for the first time.

Those who wish to take part in the 2010 Adaptive Snowsports Festival and The Remarkables Adaptive Open Day should register in advance in order to receive the appropriate support and ensure maximum fun from the day.

Night Skiing and First Tracks at Coronet Peak
It’s that time of year again, when night owls and early birds take flight up to Coronet Peak for extended opening hours on the slopes.

Night Skiing officially opens this Sunday (4 July) at 4pm at the closing party for the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival, and will then continue every Friday and Saturday until mid-September (conditions permitting).

The M1, Shirtfront, Big Easy trails and some beginner areas are all open and fully floodlit from 4pm to 9pm allowing skiers and riders of all levels to experience the thrill and incredible beauty of Night Skiing. A range of hot meals and beverages will be on offer during the evening and there will be regular live entertainment.

This Sunday evening, snow-sport enthusiasts can twist and turn under the stars to the beats of New Zealand’s leading Reggae/Ska/Dub band, dDub or warm their hands around the braziers on the deck and soak up the atmosphere.

From the following weekend, Saturday nights are to have a family focus offering a whole heap of slope-side fun for all ages, plus a free meal for kids in the Coronet Peak Restaurant with each adult who purchases a main course.

Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie said night skiing was very popular with locals and he was keen to encourage a family night out on Saturdays.

“It’s a great opportunity for families to have a night out together. Head up around 4pm, ski or board until dinner time and then hit the slopes again before a hot chocolate and home. It’s a pretty magical family experience.” he said.

“It’s also mind blowing for many visitors and holiday-makers. It a whole different atmosphere at night – skiing under the stars then enjoying music and hot mulled wine on the deck, all with views over a sparkling valley – it’s very special.”

From Monday July 5, the Coronet Express chairlifts will open up for early birds with First Tracks extensions to their passes. The lifts will open from 8am – an hour before they ‘officially’ open at 9am.

“First Tracks is popular with those keen to ski or ride before work and early risers who look to share the fresh powder and groomed corduroy trails with only a handful of others,” said Mr McCrostie.

“The restaurant serves breakfast from 7.30am. It’s lovely to catch a hot meal or cup of coffee, before hitting the slopes at sunrise.”

Coronet Peak has the longest ski area opening hours in New Zealand with weekend opening times from 8am till 9pm.

Night Skiing lift passes from 4-9pm cost $49 for adults, while Twilight lift passes allowing access from 12.30pm-9pm cost $95 for adults. An adult Sightseeing lift pass costs only $15.

Day Lift Passes with First Tracks cost $128 per adult, or $35 as an add-on for season pass holders.

Operation for both First Tracks and Night Skiing is dependent on weather conditions.

Up to two children (aged 12 and under) can eat for free from the kids’ menu with each adult purchasing a main meal at Coronet Peak Restaurant. This offer is available on Saturday nights only.

Local ski areas 2010 season, snow conditions. Coronet Peak-  The original A short 20minute drive from Queenstown Status: Open for season Snowbase: 65-95cm packed powder ski vote & profile Snow report Remarkables - Some nice chutes 40minute drive from Queenstown Status: Open for season Snowbase:63-83cm machine groomed - excellent ski vote & profile Snow report Cardrona - Renowned for superb snow Depending on road conditions about 1 hour from Queenstown Status: Open for season Snowbase:45-80cm excellent skiing and riding ski vote & profile Snow report Treble Cone- Beeeg mountain 30 minutes from Wanaka 1.5 hours from Queenstown Status: Open for season Snowbase:55-83cm good skiing and riding ski vote & profile Snow report SnowFarm- Cross country Nordic field 35 km from Wanaka and 55 km from Queenstown. Status: Open for season Snowbase:trails in great condition ski vote & profile Snow report Snow Park- New School 35 km from Wanaka and 55 km from Queenstown. Status:Open for season Snowbase:great coverage whole moutain ski vote & profile Snow report The Remarks has some sweet park features

Missing Queenstown? Need that feeling back?
If you are missing Queenstown and need that feeling back from one of the most beautiful places in the world take the time to take a photo tour of some fantastic and very moody panoramic photos taken by our resident mountain photographer Peter Laurenson. These are worth the download time folks they are special check them out! The links are below these tasters we recommend you check them out the tasters do not do it justice!




Follow these links!
(each image is around 120k) All copyright Peter Laurenson.

Coronet Peak Panorama

Glenorchy Panorama

Wakatipu Panorama 1

Wakatipu Panorama 2

Queenstown New Zealand Queenstown New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places in the world. If is a spectacular place to base yourself for your New Zealand ski and Snowboard experience. The are two ski fields close to Queenstown and more a little further away. Coronet Peak 'the original' is not a huge field but it does offer some fantastic terrain and runs. Highly recommended by Powderhound. Queenstown is New Zealand's best ski resort town. It offers a true alpine style holiday experience. There is a huge range of accommodation and a wide variety of bars and restaurants. If you are looking for a alpine resort style ski and snowboard holiday in New Zealand this is the place to go.     Coronet Peak is a convex hill and it therefore offers a variety and type of terrain that is quite uncommon. Lots of man made snow at times but still pretty wicked.