News from across the Tasman Sea this week, Queenstown (NZ) has been transformed into a winter wonderland, with its first snowfall blanketing the mountain peaks surrounding the alpine town.
This significant snowfall provides a glimpse of the winter season to come.
In anticipation of the ski season’s opening next month, the Southern Lakes ski areas are in their final stages of preparations. Cardrona Alpine Resort is scheduled to open on June 12, followed by Coronet Peak on June 19, while The Remarkables and Treble Cone are both set to open on June 26.
‘We’ve been teased by a few dustings of snow over the past month. And this winter blast has dumped 10cm of snow at Coronet Peak and 18cm at The Remarkables this week, with more to come. Combined with our snowmaking network cranking in these cold conditions, we’re getting set for a great start to the season,’ said Paul Anderson, NZSki CEO.
Bridget Legnavsky, General Manager Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone Ski Area, shared this sentiment. ‘The first snow in May is always exciting for us. As well as having snow under our feet, the ground is cooling, so we can look to start snowmaking when conditions allow. It’s a good sign of things to come,’ said Ms Legnavsky.
Essentials’ 2021 Guide to New Zealand’s Southern Lakes Ski Resorts
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is Queenstown’s closest ski area and is a 20-minute drive from downtown. World-class facilities, superb conditions and spectacular rollercoaster terrain make Coronet Peak an exciting destination for snow lovers of any ability. Shuttle and bus options available. Scheduled to open on June 19.
The Remarkables
The Remarkables offers an authentic alpine experience just a 45-minute drive from central Queenstown and is perfect for the whole family, from beginners to advanced skiers and boarders. This winter, the new Sugar Bowl Express chairlift is fully operational for the 2021 season, making it faster and easier to access two brand new trails from the top of Sugar Bowl Express: Nakahi and Serpentine. The Sugar Bowl development has also widened and lengthened the trails, providing more terrain to explore this winter. Shuttle and bus options are also available. Scheduled to open on June 16.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Cardrona Alpine Resort is known for its laid-back, friendly vibe, deep snow cover, wide-open slopes, serious half pipes, steep chutes and an extensive terrain park for freestylers. It also offers excellent family facilities and on-mountain accommodation. This winter, skiers and boarders will have access to new terrain, with the new Willows Quad chair opening up an extra 65 hectares of snow. Cardrona is an hour’s drive from Queenstown. Shuttle and bus options are available. Cardrona is scheduled to open on June 12.
Treble Cone
Treble Cone is the South Island’s most extensive ski area and a favourite for advanced skiers and snowboarders with the most prolonged vertical rise in the Southern Lakes, two large basins, great off-piste terrain and stunning views. This season, Treble Cone will have increased snowmaking capabilities on lower Easy Rider/Triple Treat. The ski area is an hour and a half’s drive or a short 15-minute flight from Queenstown, and a free mountain shuttle is available from the base of the Treble Cone access road. Treble Cone is scheduled to open on June 26.
For more information on Queenstown’s winter deals, visit: queenstownnz.co.nz
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