Ski The Remarkables - It’s a gem
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.
The Remarkables Ski Area is definitely 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.
Personally I love the challenge of the southern side of the field, with its steeper terrain. Although I haven’t skied the new Shadow Basin chair yet, so that could change. And the views – they’re extraordinary. I don’t say that lightly.
The Remarkables has also opened a new chairlift at Sugar Bowl, 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 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.
- Average Snowfall: 3.67m per annum (excl. snowmaking).
- Access: 24km, 45min from Queenstown (9km sealed and 4km unsealed access road)
The Remarkables terrain breakdown
TRANSPORT
A dedicated, scheduled bus service operates throughout the day from central Queenstown before 9am and Frankton after 9.30am.
SNOWMAKING
Extensive automated system comprising 158 guns covering beginners’ area, Alta Green, Casterway, Gotham City, Curvey, Cross Fall, Serpentine, Turquoise, Waterfall, and terrain parks.
