Queenstown

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is not particularly large, with 280ha of skiable terrain accessed by 3 chairs, a T-bar and 4 magic carpets. However the layout and infrastructure is fantastic, getting you to where you want to go comfortably and efficiently. The resort has a state of the art snowmaking system covering the whole resort, making it one of New Zealand’s best ski destinations.

Only 25% of the resort is considered beginner and much of this is for first timers who want to utilise the magic carpets. For those that have progressed past this stage there is really only one option, ‘Big Easy’ off the top of Meadows Express. It is a great run with lots of room to move and is separated from the more advanced trails, giving plenty of space to improve your skills.

For intermediate skiers and snowboarders Coronet Peak is the perfect resort, with 45% of the terrain suitable. Offering a fantastic fall line, top to bottom groomers and plenty of room. For some longer runs try M1, Greengates and Sarah Sue.

While 30% of the resort is classed as advanced terrain, it can feel much less than this if the snow conditions aren’t good. If the conditions are working in your favour then the off-piste terrain is great, allowing you to drop into bowls on the sides of the resort. Some of the best advanced terrain is to skiers left of the Coronet Express and Rocky Gully’s T-bar.

Make sure you check out the Night Skiing at Coronet Peak on Wednesday and Friday nights. You can access a large area from the top of the Coronet Express Chair, with live music playing on the decks and delicious pizza served in the restaurant.

The Remarkables

The Remarkables is a relatively small resort with only 4 chair lifts across 220ha of skiable terrain, however it offers a big mountain experience. With 3 wide, sun-soaked bowls, the Remarks offers terrain and facilities that suit first timers to expert skiers and snowboarders.

With 30% of the resort suitable for beginners it is great for those starting out, with wide open runs through the middle of the resort and 3 magic carpets. For those looking to progress their skills the Sugar Bowl Express takes you to the top of some great beginner and intermediate runs with a number of natural features. The Homeward run which takes you through the previously out of bounds area, is a large ungroomed bowl which can be a lot of fun after a decent snowfall. Just be prepared for a slow shuttle back to the resort.

For the more advanced skiers and boarders, lookers right offers steep chutes, rock drops and off piste powder. For those needing more of a challenge a short hike up Alta Chutes will take you to the top of the resort for even more challenging terrain.

The Remarks parks are some of the best in the world, with options for every level from the kids park to the famous ‘Burton Stash’.

Cardrona

A popular resort for everyone, due to its extensive beginner and intermediate terrain, snow quality and world class parks. Spread across 3 bowls with over 400ha of skiable terrain accessed by 3 chairs, a chondola, a T-bar and a magic carpet.

The beginner terrain is second to none, with immaculately groomed wide open runs and great lift infrastructure. The recently opened Chondola allows beginners to ride the lifts without the fear of getting on and off chairlifts. For a cruisy run take Skyline or Footrot Flats back to the base and do it all over again. Cardrona’s fully licensed child care centre is available for babies as young as three months and for the older kids the Adventure Programmes are great.

With a lot of terrain on offer for the more advanced skiers and boarders, with Captain’s Express perfect for all levels of intermediate and Valley View Quad for the more advanced. Try Arcadia Chutes to find powder stashes and natural kickers.

Cardrona is known for its extensive park terrain with four parks and two half pipes, there is something suitable for anyone willing to give it a go.