Queenstown and Wanaka snow forecast

Skiing in Queenstown and Wanaka

Queenstown and Wanaka share four ski fields in the Southern Lakes of New Zealand's South Island, all reached by mountain access roads rather than from slopeside villages. Most people stay in town and drive or take a shuttle up each day. The season typically runs from mid-June to early October, with July and August usually the most reliable, and chains may be needed on the access roads after snow or frost.

In the Queenstown section, Coronet Peak is the closest, about 25 minutes from town, near Arrowtown. It has extensive snowmaking, well-groomed intermediate slopes and night skiing on some evenings. Queenstown/Remarkables, about 45 minutes away, sits higher, with a base around 1,600 m, and offers open bowls, good beginner areas, freestyle parks and some serious advanced lines. Coronet Peak and The Remarkables share a lift pass.

In the Wanaka section, Cardrona, between Wanaka and the Crown Range road from Queenstown, is one of the largest ski areas in New Zealand and is known for its terrain parks. Its slopes are spread fairly evenly from beginner to expert, and it is often recommended for learners in the Wanaka area. Treble Cone, about 40 minutes from Wanaka, has the biggest vertical in the South Island, long runs and steep, big-mountain terrain such as The Saddle, and is the usual choice for experienced skiers. Cardrona and Treble Cone share a lift pass.

Conditions can differ noticeably between the Queenstown and Wanaka fields on the same day, so comparing the two sections is often worthwhile.