Ski The Remarkables, Queenstown – A Local Favourite
If you’re visiting Queenstown to ski or snowboard this winter, The Remarkables should be your first stop. It’s a gem – I’ve skied it many times, and it never disappoints. When I’m not skiing, I still drive up the access road for the views.
The road climbs high into The Remarkables Mountain Range and gives you arguably the best view over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. In the afternoon sun, it’s a magical place to sit and watch the world go by.
Ski The Remarkables - It’s a gem
The Remarkables Ski Area is a local favourite, if I lived in Queenstown it would be a no brainer. With a short drive form downtown Queenstown, your up and skiing quickly. The ski field is positioned in a bowl, so you get steep angles at the top with smoother wider runs at the base. The intermediate runs are wide and a great place to improve your skiing.
The base area is modern wonder, I believe the Architects Wyatt & Gray designed the Base Area to be “The building is like a dark brooding rock outcrop in a sea of snow. Up close it seems dynamic with its many diagonal lines.” The learners’ area is right next to the Base Area, making it easy to access – it’s very well set up with magic carpets.
I love skiing all over the mountain but I do like southern side of the field, with its steeper terrain and views. Although I haven’t skied the new Shadow Basin chair yet, which apparently opens a lot more terrain. And the views, watch the video below – the lookout is ust a short hike from the Shadow Basin chairlift. From here, you get arguably the best panoramic view of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. – they’re extraordinary. I don’t say that lightly.
The Remarkables has also opened a new chairlift at Shadow Basin, unlocking even more terrain and improving flow across the field. Whether you’re learning, cruising, or chasing steeps, there’s something here for everyone.
If you’re planning a day up the mountain, I hope this page will help you have a great day on The Remarkables.
The Remarkables - Transport
A dedicated, scheduled bus service operates throughout the day from central Queenstown to The Remarkalbes Ski Area before 9am and Frankton after 9.30am.
Access: 24km, 45min from Queenstown (9km sealed and 4km unsealed access road)
The Remarkables mountain information
Vertical Drop: 468m
Skiable Area: 385 Hectares
Lifts: Three high-speed six-seater chairs, one quad chair, four surface conveyor lifts including three with covered galleries.
Terrain
Beginner: 30%
Intermediate: 40%
Advanced: 30%
Snowmaking
Extensive automated system comprising 158 guns covering beginners’ area, Alta Green, Casterway, Gotham City, Curvey, Cross Fall, Serpentine, Turquoise, Waterfall, and terrain parks.
Average Snowfall: 3.67m per annum (excl. snowmaking).
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