The Remarkables ski resort hides in the iconic mountain range overlooking Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu - Easily accessible from Queenstown Airport it provides a perfect skiing destination for family snow holidays and weekend ski trippers.
Sitting 40 minutes outside Queenstown, The Remarkables is often the first choice for all abilities of skiers and snowboarders. Its high altitude combined with North facing slopes creates a sunny ski field packed with great conditions snow throughout winter.
Beginner skiers enjoy the lower Paradise slopes leading into the modern base building established in 2015. Advanced freeriders also revel amongst the jagged bowl with chutes and drops that host Freeride World Tour events every winter.
Opening times winter: 9am – 4pm
The Remarkables ski field stats:
- Base Area Elevation: 1586m
- Highest Lifted Point: 1943m
- Vertical Rise: 357m
- Ski Lifts: 5
- Beginner Terrain: 30%
- Intermediate Terrain: 40%
- Advanced Terrain: 30%
Getting to The Remarkables
Transport to The Remarkables from Queenstown
Driving from Queenstown to The Remarkables is really simple and generally is accessible to most vehicles. It is always advisable to carry snow chains as the upper roads can often be snowy.
The only route is to take the Kingston Road from the Frankton roundabout (near the airport). Follow this road out of town over the bridge. The after a couple more corners you will arrive at the ski field access road on the left.
Be sure to check weather conditions before setting off in the morning, bad weather can cause road closures. Plus you may need snow chains to get up to the ski resort.
Here’s some directions:
If you don’t have a car there are also a number of other options for you to choose between. Many buses run from Queenstown including a package by NZSki who operate the ski resort. You can book a lift pass and a return bus ticket on their website here. https://www.theremarkables.co.nz/passes-rentals-lessons/transport/
The Remarkables Ski Pass
Lift tickets are easily available from The Snow Centre lift pass office in town or on arrival to the mountain. During peak weeks it is highly recommended you collect a ski pass prior to arriving at the ski field. You don’t want to be queuing on your first morning!
½ day and full day lift passes are available. ½ day passes run between 12.30 – 4 in the afternoon. Plus, under 5 years go free. Amazingly, If you’re skiing for multiple days your lift pass will work for both The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Both resorts are operated by NZski and allow skiers to switch between the two. Ideal if you want to sample different areas or choose a ski area day by day, 1 pass, 2 ski areas.
Skiing at The Remarkables
The Remarkables ski area consists of three distinct areas. Alta and Curvy Basin chairlifts serve the wide open beginner and intermediate runs along with allowing the wider terrain.
Learning and progressing skiers cruise straight on to the snow as you step out of the base building. A covered magic carpet gives first timers a swift taste of the action while also delivering progressing riders to the Alta chairlift. Sit back in the sunny cafe and watch the glee on the faces of those finding a new passion.
Advancing skiers should head straight to Curvy Basin chairlift where you can put a few warm-up laps in from top to bottom or grab a beer from the high altitude Corona bar. Once you have the legs warmed up start to explore at your leisure. A selection of runs will bring you back to base no matter your confidence level. Sugar Bowl and Shadow Basin have cruisy laid back skiing or steep groomers to choose between.
You’ll soon notice the Sugar Bowl lift which serves riders into a whole new area of the mountain. As you reach the first crest on this lift there a little surprise. Freestyle terrain parks perch among the rollers here. Beginner and Hike parks give a taste of the action if your rest for the first jump of the day. More confident skiers and snowboarders can play on the intermediate and advanced lines. Don’t mess it up though, you’ll be on view for all on the chairlift.
Easy to access freeride options surround the whole ski area, especially heading up Shadow Basin. Look right as you float up the lift, you’ll see off-piste bowls accessible from the cat-track. Above that, you’ll see a small hut sitting on the peak which marks the start point for the 2* Freeride World Qualifier event. Look left from the top of Shadow Basin and you will likely see a boot pack which leads to the sharper Alta and Escalator chutes.
Facilities at The Remarkables
The Remarkables houses a solution for refreshment that is always quickly accessible. No matter your lift choices there is always a direct route back to the base building where coffee, beer, chips, and lunch are ready.
The Remarkables cafe serves easy going food to help you refuel quickly. Choose between bakery goods, fish & chips, hot snacks and gourmet rolls.
If you want to take your time with a long lazy lunch in the sun then head to the restaurant. Beefy burgers, steak sandwiches from the char-grill, hearty mountain meals, soup bowls, curries… get the picture.
The Ice Bar sits in a prime location below the Curvy Basin chairlift. Cold beers with epic views are always welcome, especially in September when the warm spring sun is gleaming of the white peaks.
The Remarkables ski resort is one of New Zealand's destinations. Families and groups are able to enjoy the varied terrain on offer that suits all abilities. Its North facing aspect makes it a warming choice when the skies are blue. Plus the proximity to Queenstown airport creates quick access for weekend trippers with limited ski time.
