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Are you wondering which is better – Coronet Peak or The Remarkables? From the moment your plane begins its descent into the New Zealand resort town of Queenstown, you’ll realise why it is considered one of the best alpine ski destinations in the Southern Hemisphere – a bucket list destination for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. Set in a beautiful valley lined by the towering, snowy peaks of the Southern Alps, with the shining expanse of Lake Wakatipu just a stone’s throw from the end of the runway, Queenstown has been a haven for winter tourism for decades.
As well as its spectacular scenery, the region is famous for its reliable snowfall, settled winter weather, award-winning dining and cellar door experiences… and not one but two world-class ski resorts within a 30-minute drive of the airport. We’ve summed up the key features of both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables Ski Area to help you decide which one’s best for you:
Coronet Peak’s well-groomed slopes and excellent facilities make it a popular choice for a variety of ability levels, including beginners. The resort has a total of 280 hectares of skiable terrain with a vertical drop of 462 metres. There are extensive beginner areas with gentle slopes, magic carpet lifts and beginner-friendly ski lifts, as well as dedicated ski schools and packages for first timers. If you’re an intermediate skier, Coronet Peak features plenty of blue runs where you polish your skills – the longest ski run on the mountain is 2.4 kilometres long.
The Remarkables (known locally as “The Remarks”) comprises 385 hectares of skiable area with a vertical drop of 468 metres. It features a large area of green runs located close to the main restaurant – great if you need to refuel on steaming hot chocolate mid-way through your morning. Wide trails mean plenty of space for taking large, gentle turns, with three magic carpet-style lifts offering a gentle ride back to the top of the run. There’s even a beginner terrain park where you can work on your rails, grabs and spins.
Our verdict: The Remarkables
The Remarkables provides snowboarders with a diverse range of terrain, including wide-open slopes and challenging runs, making it an ideal playground for riders of varying skill levels. The resort’s excellent terrain parks, featuring jumps, rails, and obstacles, add an extra layer of excitement for freestyle snowboarders.
Coronet Peak‘s well-groomed slopes are equally appealing for snowboarders, while the resort’s terrain parks cater to riders looking for space to work on their jumps, jibs, and halfpipes.
Our verdict: too close to call
Remarkables, New Zealand
Both ski resorts offer an Adaptive Programme which is designed to ensure that people with disabilities can still enjoy the thrill of carving turns. As well as offering specialised equipment hire, volunteer support and professional coaching for people with physical disabilities, they also support people with hidden needs. The Remarkables hosts an Adapative Snowsports Festival every August – a fun weekend that champions skiers and snowboard with disabilities.
Our verdict: The Remarkables. However, please note that the two resorts share their adaptive equipment, so be sure to let them know of your requirements prior to your arrival.
Even if you’re not interested in hitting the slopes, it’s well worth making the journey to both ski areas, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of valley and mountains. Coronet Peak offers accessible gondola cabins which will whisk you to the top of the slopes, where you’ll find a viewing platform that looks out over the entire Wakatipu basin. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, drink hot chocolate and enjoy the snowy wonderland. At The Remarkables, a thrilling ride on the Shadow Basin Chair, followed by a snowy trek, will deliver you to the top of the ridgeline for more incredible vistas. Hire snowshoes and take a guided walk up to scenic Lake Alta or treat yourself to the latest way to experience snowy thrills by hiring a Yooner – a fun-filled hybrid between skiing and tobogganing.
Our verdict: The Remarkables
Both resorts are located within roughly thirty minutes of the resort town of Queenstown, as well as the impossibly picturesque historic village of Arrowtown and multiple award-winning wineries. However, we think Coronet Peak has the edge over The Remarks, thanks to its night ski sessions which take place every Wednesday and Friday throughout July and August. Watch the sun set over the lake and mountains, then hit the floodlit slopes while live DJ entertainment and crackling fires set an unforgettable mood.
Our verdict: Coronet Peak
At The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, kids under five can ski for free, so it’s a great option if you want to introduce your kids to the joy of skiing. They also have a range of kids programmes available, ranging from ski school to school holiday activities. At The Remarkables, the Freeride World Tour Academy offers professional training for junior and youth athletes to hone their slopestyle and free-riding skills, while at Coronet Peak, Skiwiland offers a fully licensed Early Learning and Childcare Centre for kids aged two to five.
Our verdict: Coronet Peak for the little ones, The Remarkables for the serious riders.
Because both ski resorts are part of the NZSki Ltd group, you can ski both fields on the same value Superpass (which also includes skiing at Mt Hutt near Christchurch). This multi day ski pass also provides discounts at many of Queenstown’s most popular eateries, shops and tourist attractions, including heli-skiing adventures, scenic flights and enjoying a post-mountain soak in Onsen hot pools. The winter season for both resorts runs from mid-June to mid-September, depending on snow availability.
Our verdict: why choose one when you can enjoy both!
If two incredible ski resorts aren’t enough to satisfy your snow lust, it’s only a 75-minute drive from Queenstown to the equally scenic lakeside town of Wānaka – just across the snow covered Crown Range (or “over the hill”, as the locals would say). Here, you’ll find two more epic ski areas – Cardrona and Treble Cone – as well as a multitude of other winter activities such as cross-country skiing, ski touring and dogsledding. Contact your personal travel manager if you’re ready to start planning your 2024 winter holiday in New Zealand.
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