Queenstown Accommodation

Queenstown and Wanaka are the two main resorts for skiing and snowboarding in Central Otago. With an incredible range of ski fields to suit all abilities and unprecedented views of icy lakes, snow-capped mountains and clear blue skis, it’s the ideal location for a winter break.

Given that Queenstown is also the adventure capital of the world, thriving all year round with visitors keen to indulge in adrenalin-fuelled activities, it’s of no surprise that this becomes one very busy town during the winter months. If you are planning to visit between June and September, it’s advisable to book early because accommodation fills up fast.

As well as hitting the white covered mountains, holidaymakers love the diversity that Queenstown offers to their winter break. Days off the slopes can be filled with bungy jumps, skydives, jet boat rides, boat cruises, scenic flights, white water rafting, and horse riding. Or you can simply relax with a little sightseeing, a wine tour, shopping, café-hopping, a soak in the hot pools or indulge in a beauty treatment or massage at one of the many day spas. The opportunities are limitless!

Queenstown is well equipped to cater for the annual pilgrimage, ensuring visitors are just as entertained through the evenings as they are during the days, with endless bars, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs, many of which are open to the very early hours for those with real stamina!

With the glistening Lake Wakatipu and the towering surrounding mountain ranges, Queenstown is the ultimate alpine resort, attracting powder-hungry riders and skiers from all over the world.

The main fields in Queenstown include Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, while Snow Farm, Snow Park NZ, Cardrona and Treble Cone are also within easy reach, located about an hours drive out towards Wanaka.

 
Ski Areas

Coronet Peak

Ratings: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 30%

Coronet Peak is an all-round mountain, with green runs for the beginners and enough blue and black runs to keep intermediate and advanced abilities happy.

Part of Coronet Peak’s appeal is that it is located just 25 minutes (18km) drive from the centre of Queenstown, making it the closest mountain for locals as well as the most accessible ski area in the region. This does however make it one of the busiest mountains so expect crowds at peak times.

Coronet Peak is also the only mountain in Queenstown offering night skiing on Friday and Saturdays.

• Highest point: 1649m
• Longest run: 2.4km
• Open: Daily 9am – 4pm, night skiing Fri – Sat, 4pm – 9pm

The Remarkables

Ratings: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%

The Remarkables is a great ski field for all abilities and offers spectacular mountain views. A new Burton Terrain Park opened in 2008 -The Stash, is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere and a huge hit with keen snowboarders.

Located 45 minutes (28km) drive from the centre of Queenstown.

• Highest point: 1943m
• Longest run: 1.5km
• Open: Daily 9am – 4pm

Cardrona Alpine Resort

Ratings: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 20%

Relaxed friendly mountain, great for beginners and families and a playground for freestyle skiers and boarders with lots of wide open spaces and great natural snow.

Located 1 hour from Queenstown (34km from Wanaka).

• Highest point: 1894m
• Open: Daily 9am – 4pm

Treble Cone Ski Area

Ratings: Beginner 10%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 45%

Treble Cone is ideal for more intermediate / advanced riders and skiers, offering the largest skiable terrain, longest groomed trails and the highest vertical rise in the South Island.

Located 1 hour 30 minutes from Queenstown (27km from Wanaka).

• Highest point: 1960m
• Longest Run: 4.3km

 
Finally Don’t Miss…

The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival runs from 26 June to 5 July 2009 – a ten-day party celebrating the start of the season.

For more information on skiing and snowboarding in and around Queenstown as well as off-mountain activities, accommodation and restaurants and bars, visit www.brownbear.co.nz