Photo: Nick Bramhall from Tillicoultry, Scotland / CC BY-SA 2.0
The Remarkables Ski Area is a winter sports paradise just a short drive from Queenstown, offering dramatic alpine scenery and slopes for all abilities. With its jagged peaks and stunning views over Lake Wakatipu, this skifield combines world-class skiing with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. The mountain features modern lifts, a well-regarded snowsports school, and an on-mountain café with panoramic vistas, making it a top choice for both beginners and seasoned skiers.
Highlights & What to See
- Skiing and snowboarding across 36 trails, with a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, including the famous Alta Chutes for experts.
- The Remarkables Viewing Platform – a short walk from the base area offering jaw-dropping photo opportunities of the peaks and the valley below.
- Snowsports lessons for all ages, with a dedicated beginner zone and top-notch instructors.
- On-mountain dining at the Rime Café, where you can enjoy hot chocolate and gourmet burgers while soaking up the sun on the outdoor deck.
- Nearby Queenstown – the adventure capital of New Zealand, just 45 minutes away, with endless après-ski options, from bars and restaurants to bungee jumping and jet boating.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend a full day skiing or snowboarding, which allows time to explore the different trail zones and enjoy lunch on the mountain. If you're keen to tackle multiple runs or take a lesson, arrive early (the road can be icy in the morning) and stay until last lifts. For a relaxed trip, combine a day on the slopes with a night in Queenstown to experience the lively après-ski scene.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Queenstown – the base for your ski trip, with accommodation, dining, and endless activities.
- Arrowtown – a historic gold-mining town with charming streets and boutique shops, perfect for a half-day visit.
- Glenorchy – gateway to the Routeburn Track and filming location for The Lord of the Rings, ideal for scenic walks and photography.
- Wānaka – another lake town with its own ski fields (Treble Cone and Cardrona), about an hour's drive away.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Queenstown — Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand / CC0
- Arrowtown — Bgabel / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Glenorchy — Vladka Kennett / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Wānaka — Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר / CC BY-SA 4.0