Skiing The Remarkables — Queenstown's scenic ski field
What is skiing The Remarkables like?
The Remarkables ski field is 26 km from Queenstown, with views over Lake Wakatipu and three distinct basins (Homeward, Shadow, Alta). Better for beginners and families than Coronet Peak, more dramatic scenery, no night skiing. Day pass approximately NZD 149–175.
Skiing beneath the serrated peaks that define Queenstown’s skyline
The Remarkables Range — the jagged, sharply serrated ridge visible from every point in Queenstown — rises directly from the eastern shore of Lake Wakatipu. The ski field sits in a series of mountain basins at the top of an 11 km access road (partly unsealed) that climbs from the valley floor to 1,600m. The mountain’s highest lift-served point reaches 1,943m.
Three basins define the mountain:
Homeward Basin: The main entry area with beginner and intermediate terrain. The learning zone here is the best in the Queenstown ski area — wide, gentle, well-maintained. Families with young children or skiing beginners are correctly directed here.
Shadow Basin: To the north of Homeward, with intermediate runs in a steeper canyon setting. The Shadow Face run is the longest sustained intermediate descent on the mountain.
Alta Basin: The most remote basin, accessed by a chairlift from Shadow. Advanced terrain with genuine off-piste options and natural snow accumulation. The Alta Face is a sustained advanced run.
Verdict: Worth it. The Remarkables provides better beginner terrain than Coronet Peak, genuinely dramatic mountain scenery, and the iconic view over Lake Wakatipu and the Cecil and Walter Peaks opposite. For families or those skiing for the first time, it’s the correct Queenstown choice.
Note: The Remarkables is operated by NZSki and does not sell day passes through GetYourGuide. Purchase directly from the NZSki website or at the mountain. The information below covers everything you need.
Pricing and passes
| Category | NZD | USD | EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (16–64) | 149–175 | 89–105 | 82–96 |
| Youth (8–15) | 110–130 | 66–78 | 60–72 |
| Senior (65+) | 120–145 | 72–87 | 66–80 |
| Children under 8 | 10–15 | 6–9 | 5.5–8 |
Same pricing as Coronet Peak (NZSki operates both). The NZSki Superpass covers Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Mt Hutt — the best value option for skiers spending a week in the Queenstown area.
Equipment hire at the mountain: similar pricing to Coronet Peak (NZD 60–90 / USD 36–54 / EUR 33–50 per day). Hiring in Queenstown is cheaper; factor in the extra 26 km access road if carrying gear.
The access road — an important logistical note
The Remarkables access road is 11 km long, starts from Frankton (south of Queenstown) and climbs steeply to the ski area base. The first 8 km is sealed; the final 3 km is gravel. Snow chains are frequently required (chain fitting areas are located on the access road). If driving yourself, check the NZSki website on the morning of your visit for chain requirements.
By shuttle: The Remarkables Shuttle departs from Queenstown waterfront and central accommodation points. Round trip approximately NZD 40–50 / USD 24–30 / EUR 22–28. Shuttle is often more practical than driving, particularly on chain-requirement days.
The view over Lake Wakatipu
From the base of The Remarkables, the panorama includes Lake Wakatipu stretching to the northwest, the Cecil and Walter Peaks across the lake, and the Queenstown townscape far below. From the Alta Basin at 1,943m, the view extends further north to include the Dart and Rees river valleys. This is one of the most photogenic ski area views in New Zealand.
The view is accessible without skiing — the car park at the base offers the same panorama, and the ski area is a legitimate place to drive to on a clear winter day simply for the visual experience, even if you’re not skiing.
Comparing Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
Most skiers spending a week in Queenstown ski both fields on separate days. For visitors with one ski day to allocate:
| Factor | Coronet Peak | The Remarkables |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity to Queenstown | 23 km (25 min) | 26 km (35 min) |
| Beginner terrain | Limited | Excellent |
| Intermediate runs | Strong | Good |
| Advanced terrain | Expert Bowl | Alta Basin |
| Night skiing | Yes (Fri/Sat) | No |
| Scenery | Good | Dramatic (lake views) |
| Best for | Intermediates, night skiing | Beginners, families, views |
Summary: If this is your first time skiing in the Queenstown area or you’re with beginners, The Remarkables is better. If you’re intermediate-to-advanced and want to maximise ski time close to Queenstown with the option of night skiing, Coronet Peak is better.
Facilities at the mountain
The Remarkables base building was significantly upgraded — the facilities include multiple food outlets, equipment hire, ski school, and a sun terrace with Wakatipu views. The mountain is more purpose-built for day visitors than its appearance from below might suggest.
Ski school at The Remarkables (lessons from NZD 89 / USD 53 / EUR 49 per hour for group lessons) is considered the better option for children versus Coronet Peak, specifically because of the gentler beginner terrain.
Season and conditions
Opens mid-June, closes mid-October in good snow years. The south-facing aspects (particularly Shadow and Alta Basins) hold natural snow better than Coronet Peak’s north-facing slopes. The Remarkables has less snowmaking than Coronet but benefits from better natural snowpack on the shadowed aspects.
In low-snow years: The Remarkables can open late or have restricted terrain. Check snow reports daily from mid-May to assess conditions.
Helicopter skiing from The Remarkables
For off-piste or advanced skiers: the terrain above the ski area boundary, accessible by helicopter, extends onto the main Remarkables Ridge and the adjacent Hector Mountains. Heli-ski operations from Queenstown use the mountains above and around The Remarkables as one of their primary zones.
Queenstown: Remarkables Helicopter Tour with Alpine LandingHeli-skiing from Queenstown costs approximately NZD 900–1,400 / USD 540–840 / EUR 495–770 per person per day (multiple runs included). This is a committed ski-touring experience requiring advanced ability and appropriate fitness. Operators include Queenstown-based heli-ski companies that can be booked as an extension of your ski field day.
Frequently asked questions
What age can children start skiing at The Remarkables?
The Remarkables’ Cardboard Club ski school accepts children from age 3 (ski-ettes on short, controlled skis). From age 5, children can join group lessons. The Homeward Basin beginner terrain is the gentlest ski area terrain available near Queenstown.
Is The Remarkables suitable for snowboarders?
Yes — the terrain is popular with snowboarders, particularly the Shadow Basin. The Alta Basin has powder pockets after snowfall that attract advanced snowboarders. The beginner terrain in Homeward is less steep than Coronet Peak’s learning area, making it more forgiving for beginners on snowboards.
Does The Remarkables get the same amount of snow as Coronet Peak?
The Remarkables typically has more natural snowfall due to its south-facing aspects and higher elevation (1,943m peak vs 1,649m at Coronet Peak). Coronet Peak’s snowmaking compensates in low-snow years. Both fields have good season reliability — Coronet Peak through snowmaking, The Remarkables through natural snowpack.
Can I do both fields on the same day?
Technically yes — 26 km separates the access roads — but practically it’s tight. A half-day at each would require efficient timing. Most visitors ski one field per day. The NZSki multi-day pass lets you choose which field to visit each morning based on conditions.