Skiing in Queenstown is a very fun trip – but not because of the skiing alone.
The ski fields themselves are good but not world-class compared to the Alps or North America. But what makes Queenstown special is the combination of skiing during the day, then coming back to a beautiful lakeside town with great restaurants, bars and a lively atmosphere at night. Add in the scenery, nearby day trips and the general New Zealand “adventure” feel, and it becomes a very enjoyable winter trip overall.
So if you are a serious skier chasing the best snow and biggest mountains in the world, this probably isn’t the place. But if you want a really fun winter trip — skiing, scenery, good food, bars and a great travel atmosphere — then Queenstown is a very good option.
The skiing in Queenstown isn’t in the same league as those of the Alps, North America or Japan. With only Coronet Peak (4 ski lifts total) and The Remarkables (also 4 ski lifts total), and with no interlink between the resorts, it can feel a tad underwhelming on the comparison.
But that being said, it is the best skiing within a 10hour flight radius and the stunning views all around Lake Wakatipu, great restaurants and nightlife, and nearby mega wow experiences make it very much worth it as a ski destination.
Biggest tip is to aim for a week on the south island, with a day skiing in each of the Remarkables and Coronet Peak, and combine the rest of the time with seeing the amazing other activities that Queenstown and this part of New Zealand has to offer. In particular, Paragliding through the mountains and clouds in Queenstown, Bungy jumping the Thrillogy in Queenstown and the nearby experiences of Taking a boat trip through Milford Sound and Climbing the Frans Josef Glacier.
