The Remarkables — Queenstown's ski field guide
How much does a Remarkables ski day pass cost in 2026?
Adult day lift pass approximately NZD 139-165 / USD 83-99 / EUR 76-91 (prices vary by season and advance purchase). The Remarkables is one of two major ski fields above Queenstown (alongside Coronet Peak). Access road is 15 minutes from Queenstown town centre — a ski area accessed entirely by a single winding road.
The backdrop that defines Queenstown
The Remarkables (Kawarau Range in te reo Maori: Remarkable Flat in early colonial usage) are the distinctive jagged ridge that rises to 2,319m directly across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown. The ski field sits at 1,600-2,319m on the eastern face, visible from every point in the Queenstown basin as the serrated skyline above the lake.
The ski field itself is managed by NZSki (the same company that operates Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt), and runs from approximately mid-June to late October, weather and snow permitting. It is specifically designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders — the beginner terrain is limited compared to Coronet Peak, but the advanced terrain (including the Shadow Basin area) is among the best in the South Island.
This guide covers both the winter ski operation and the summer hiking options.
Winter skiing: the practical guide
Season: Typically mid-June to late October, with variability based on snowfall. The 2025 season ran approximately 22 June to 26 October. The Remarkables sits at higher altitude than Coronet Peak, which means it often has better snow quality later in the season (September-October).
Access: The ski field access road starts at Frankton (12 km from Queenstown) and climbs 14 km on a steep, winding gravel road. Four-wheel drive or snow chains are required when conditions demand (staff at the road base will advise). Access road toll applies (currently included in lift pass) and the road can close in extreme weather. Drive time: 25-30 minutes from Queenstown.
Lift access: No public transport to the ski field base — bus services run from Queenstown seasonally (check the NZSki website for current schedules). Most visitors either drive or take the ski shuttle bus from Queenstown.
Terrain overview
The Remarkables has three distinct areas:
Home Basin (beginner to intermediate): The lower ski area accessed from the base lodge. Cruising runs, wide groomed terrain, and the main lift network. This is where most recreational skiers spend the majority of their time.
Alta (intermediate to advanced): Above the Home Basin, accessed via the Alta quad chair. More variable terrain, longer runs, better views.
Shadow Basin (advanced to expert): The off-piste terrain above Alta, requiring access through an avalanche gate and guide assessment. The steepest, most dramatic terrain at the ski field. Naturally preserved snow in the shadowed northeast face.
Lift pass costs (2026 estimates — verify current pricing)
Prices vary by advance purchase and season period. General 2026 estimates:
| Pass type | NZD | USD | EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult day pass (gate) | 149-165 | 89-99 | 82-91 |
| Adult day pass (online advance) | 129-149 | 77-89 | 71-82 |
| Half-day (afternoon) | 99-120 | 59-72 | 54-66 |
| Child (5-14) day pass | 75-89 | 45-53 | 41-49 |
| Multi-day passes | volume discount | — | — |
Note: The Remarkables and Coronet Peak are operated by the same company. Multi-day combo passes covering both fields are available and often the best value for visitors spending 3+ days skiing in Queenstown.
Ski hire and lessons
Ski and snowboard hire at the base lodge. Standard hire (skis, boots, poles) from NZD 65-80 / USD 39-48 / EUR 36-44 per day. Performance hire (higher end equipment) from NZD 90-120 / USD 54-72 / EUR 50-66.
Group lessons from NZD 125-165 / USD 75-99 / EUR 69-91. Private lessons from NZD 285-350 / USD 171-210 / EUR 157-193. The ski school is generally well-regarded for beginners and those returning to skiing.
Summer hiking at the Remarkables
From approximately December to May, the ski field road is open for summer access (call ahead to confirm). The terrain above the snowline transforms into high-alpine grassland, schist rock, and alpine tarns with extraordinary views over the Queenstown basin, Lake Wakatipu, and — on clear days — the Southern Alps extending south.
Lake Alta (4 km return, 2 hours from the ski area base, moderate): A glacial tarn at 1,800m in the cirque below the main ski area peaks. The lake is cold but swimmable in summer. The walk from the ski field car park to the lake involves some rough terrain but no technical difficulty.
Remarkables summit ridge (10+ km, 5-7 hours, challenging): Full traverses of the ridge are possible for fit walkers with navigation ability. No maintained DOC tracks above the ski area.
For a summer helicopter experience above the Remarkables, the Queenstown: Remarkables Helicopter Tour with Alpine Landing provides a scenic alpine landing. NZD 345-395 / USD 207-237 / EUR 190-217.
The Queenstown: Scenic Alpine Heli-Flight (with Snow Landing) accesses the snow-covered terrain for a landing experience available in the winter ski season. NZD 295-375 / USD 177-225 / EUR 162-206.
The Remarkables vs Coronet Peak
Queenstown’s two main ski fields have meaningfully different characters:
| Feature | The Remarkables | Coronet Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from town | 35 min (access road) | 20 min |
| Terrain character | Beginner to expert, better advanced | Beginner-focused, excellent grooming |
| Night skiing | No | Yes (some evenings) |
| Snow quality | Higher altitude, better late season | Good early season, can ice mid-season |
| Views | Lake Wakatipu panorama | Arrowtown valley, more sheltered |
| Preferred by | Intermediates/experts | Beginners, families |
For most visitors spending 2 days skiing in Queenstown, one day at each is the correct approach.
The view from below
Even non-skiers should plan to see the Remarkables from the Queenstown lakefront at dusk in winter — when the snow-covered ridge glows orange-pink in the last light above the dark lake, it is one of New Zealand’s great winter spectacles. The gondola from Queenstown provides the elevated perspective, but the lakefront walk delivers the most unobstructed mountain-over-water composition.
The Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu crosses Lake Wakatipu directly below the Remarkables. NZD 75-95 / USD 45-57 / EUR 41-52. In winter, the proximity to the ski field while on the lake is spectacular.
Frequently asked questions
When does the ski season typically start and end?
Mid-June opening and late October closing are typical, but actual opening depends on snowfall. The Remarkables has a high-altitude snowmaking system that allows a baseline surface even in low-snowfall years. Follow @theremarkables on social media for daily conditions updates.
Is The Remarkables good for beginners?
Manageable for beginners but not optimal. The beginner terrain (the Home Basin’s lower runs and dedicated learner slopes) is reasonable, but limited compared to Coronet Peak’s broader dedicated learner area. First-time skiers or snowboarders would be better served starting at Coronet Peak.
Can I visit the Remarkables without skiing?
Yes. The summit restaurant and viewing area at the top of the main chair are accessible to non-skiers via the gondola lift (or on foot — the access road walk in summer). In winter, you need a lift pass to access the ski area above the car park. Summer hiking requires no pass.
Are there heliskiing options from the Remarkables?
Yes. Harris Mountains Heli-ski operates from Queenstown, with pickups near the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Heliskiing in the surrounding ranges (not the ski field itself) runs throughout the winter season.