THE REMARKABLES

📍Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand

🏞️ Scenic Cruiser 💎 Hidden Gem 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Cruiser 7 Days on Ikon ☀️ Year-round destination

Photo: Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia · Public domain · Photo details

Vertical drop: 1,167 ft^*
Skiable terrain: 1,109 acres
Avg snowfall: 150 in^*
Lifts: 7^*

Another season up here

BEYOND WINTER

Hike from the ski-field buildings to Lake Alta through alpine wetlands.

Before you go: The 2.4 km return route is graded advanced; snow and cold conditions are possible year-round. This verifies hiking access, not summer lift operations.

Explore summer activities ↗Make a mountain escape →

QUEENSTOWN & SOUTHERN LAKES

Queenstown occupies one of the most dramatically situated town sites on Earth—wedged between Lake Wakatipu's glacial blue waters and the Remarkables m...

THE REGION

Queenstown occupies one of the most dramatically situated town sites on Earth—wedged between Lake Wakatipu's glacial blue waters and the Remarkables mountain range that rises like a fortress wall to the east. The setting feels almost impossibly picturesque, as if someone designed a landscape specifically to make visitors gasp.

The Southern Lakes region of New Zealand's South Island encompasses a string of glacier-carved lakes—Wakatipu, Wanaka, Hawea, and countless smaller bodies of water—surrounded by mountains that seem to pierce the sky despite modest elevations by global standards. What the peaks lack in altitude they compensate for with drama: steep flanks, hanging valleys, and rock faces that glow gold and pink in the long summer twilights.

The Ngai Tahu people have called this region home for centuries, drawn by the same resources that later attracted European settlers—greenstone (pounamu) in the rivers, food in the lakes and forests. Gold brought the first significant European settlement in the 1860s, creating boomtowns that collapsed into obscurity when the gold ran out. Queenstown survived by reinventing itself, first as a farming community, later as a tourist destination.

The Remarkables mountain range rises directly across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown, creating the town's iconic backdrop. The ski area occupies a high basin in this range, offering more challenging terrain than neighbor Coronet Peak and a different atmosphere—more alpine, more removed from town, more focused on the skiing itself.

New Zealand skiing differs from Northern Hemisphere norms in ways both subtle and significant. The season runs June through October, reversed from American and European winters. The terrain tends toward open alpine bowls rather than forested slopes. And the culture is distinctly Kiwi—unpretentious, friendly, and focused on the experience rather than the scene.

THE LOCAL SCENE

A day here takes you from high alpine basins to the streets around Lake Wakatipu. Steamer Wharf is a natural meeting place after the drive down. Leave another morning for the cafés or set aside a rest day for Central Otago’s vineyards.

GETTING THERE

Queenstown Airport is the closest gateway. For the climb to the ski area, reserve a Ski Bus seat with a pickup location, departure and mountain, or drive the access road. Drivers must carry snow chains, know how to fit them and follow road-team instructions. Check the snow report for road conditions, parking and the day’s carpark shuttle coverage.

WHEN TO GO

July through early September offers the most reliable snow, with August typically delivering peak conditions. The Remarkables' higher elevation and more sheltered aspect often mean better snow retention than Coronet Peak, particularly later in the season.

June brings early season conditions—potentially excellent snow but also the possibility of limited terrain. The season builds through June and into July as snowpack accumulates and Shadow Basin opens for expert skiers.

Late September and October extend the season in good years, with spring snow and longer days. However, the New Zealand season can end abruptly when warm weather arrives; spring conditions are less predictable than mid-winter.

School holidays (mid-July for two weeks) bring crowds from New Zealand and Australia. Weekends are busier than midweek throughout the season. For the best combination of conditions and manageable crowds, target late July through mid-August on weekdays.

The Remarkables faces east, catching morning sun while Coronet Peak faces north. This orientation affects snow conditions differently through the day—The Remarkables often holds better snow in the afternoon when Coronet's north-facing terrain has softened.

BEYOND THE SLOPES

The region offers much more than skiing. Here's what else to explore:

🏔️

Milford Sound

Outdoor

New Zealand's most famous fjord, a dramatic day trip through mountain scenery

🏔️

Bungee Jumping

Outdoor

The original commercial bungee at Kawarau Bridge or the extreme Nevis Bungy

🍽️

Central Otago Wine Trail

Dining

World-class Pinot Noir from vineyards set against mountain backdrops

🎭

Arrowtown

Culture

Historic gold-mining village with excellent restaurants and beautiful autumn colors

🧘

Onsen Hot Pools

Wellness

Private hot tubs overlooking the Shotover Canyon, perfect for après-ski recovery

🏔️

Jet Boating

Outdoor

High-speed river adventures through narrow canyons on the Shotover or Dart rivers

WHERE TO STAY

Choose central Queenstown for evenings on foot. Eichardt’s is on the lakefront, and Nomads has dorms, private rooms and a shared kitchen. The Holiday Inn is in Remarkables Park in Frankton, while Hilton is across the water in Kawarau Village. Coronet Ridge is in Arthurs Point. Compare the actual drive or ski-bus pickup from each property before booking, especially if you plan to spend most days at The Remarkables.

THE FOOD SCENE

The Remarkables Cafe serves quick lunches in the base building. Back in Queenstown, Bespoke Kitchen serves breakfast and brunch, Fergburger supplies burgers on Shotover Street, and Rātā features South Island produce. For a steak dinner, Botswana Butchery is in Archers Cottage on Marine Parade.

APRÈS & NIGHTLIFE

Rastusburn Coffee Bar offers a warm drink at the base before the descent. In Queenstown, Atlas Beer Cafe pairs craft beer and food with a view from Steamer Wharf.

INSIDER TIPS

💡Check patrol’s terrain openings and the return shuttle before heading into Homeward or Outward Bound.
💡Use the daily report to compare conditions at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.
💡Book the Ski Bus ahead if you would prefer to leave the access-road drive to someone else.
💡Leave a rest day for the Central Otago wine region.

DESTINATION FACTS

Nearest Town

Queenstown, New Zealand

Population

~15,000 (permanent)

Elevation

5,249 ft (base)

Timezone

New Zealand Time (NZST/NZDT)

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Language

English

LIVE WEATHER

Real-time conditions for planning your The Remarkables trip

❄️Snow Depth 🌨️Precipitation 💨Wind 🌡️Temperature ☁️Visibility

Learn to read ski weather maps →

GETTING THERE

✈️

ZQN

Queenstown Airport

About 30–60 minutes

Approximate planning ranges; allow extra time for winter conditions.

OVERNIGHT STAYS & CAMPERVANS

For The Remarkables, compare a booked room or rental around Queenstown with a designated campsite that accepts your vehicle and winter dates. Choose your base around the daily mountain journey and the power, water and indoor facilities you need.

Compare lodging options ↗

Book a designated overnight place for your vehicle and dates. Day parking does not provide permission to camp.

Sources & planning context

Historical planning figures · Figures marked * come from earlier references and may differ from current resort figures.

Other names · Remarkables

Local recommendations are editorial guidance. Travel times are approximate and depend on your route and conditions.

Typically mid June to mid October

A broad planning range from the historical guide, conditions permitting. Use the operator’s schedule for your travel dates.

Official schedules & conditions ↗

Schedule source ↗Official resort ↗

Summit elevation (ft): 6529; Source ↗ · Oct 21, 2026
Skiable area (acres): 1109; Source ↗ · Oct 21, 2026
Runs: 26; Source ↗ · Oct 21, 2026
Published opening time: 09:00; Source ↗ · Oct 21, 2026
Published closing time: 16:00; Source ↗ · Oct 21, 2026
Summer and winter destination: Yes; Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Beyond winter: Hike from the ski-field buildings to Lake Alta through alpine wetlands.; Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Summer visit planning: The 2.4 km return route is graded advanced; snow and cold conditions are possible year-round. This verifies hiking access, not summer lift operations.; Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Official website: https://www.theremarkables.co.nz; Source ↗ · Oct 26, 2026

Historical mountain figures awaiting field-level confirmation: Vertical drop (ft), Lifts, Reported average snowfall (in), Base elevation (ft).

Individual listings retain their own sources and check dates. A source check covers only the named details; it does not confirm availability. Snowfall averages describe climate, not a forecast.

Official pages count surface lifts differently. The skiable-area source reports more than 449 hectares; use the current trail map for lift layout.

The Remarkables freeride guide ↗Steep Homeward and Outward Bound terrain off Shadow Basin Express. Outward Bound ends at a shuttle stop. Alta Chutes require an uphill hike. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Getting here guide ↗Drivers must carry chains and follow road reports. Book Ski Bus departure, mountain and pickup. Carpark shuttle coverage varies. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Welcome to Eichardt's | Eichardt's Private Hotel Queenstown ↗architectural beauty on Lake Wakatipu · since 1861 · One MICHELIN Key in 2026 · THE PENTHOUSE · THE RESIDENCE BY EICHARDT’S · THE GRILLE · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Luxury Rooms & Suites | Coronet Ridge Resort Queenstown ↗At 146 Arthurs Point Road, the resort offers rooms and suites; selected suites include kitchens or outdoor baths and Shotover River views. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Queenstown Hostel - Nomads Backpackers Hostel Queenstown ↗Nomads Queenstown is at 5–11 Church Street in central Queenstown. It lists dorms and private ensuite rooms, a fully equipped communal kitchen, cinema, fireside lounge, sauna, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage and ski storage; it also states that the hostel is dry and one side can receive weekend bar noise. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa ↗The hotel is in Kawarau Village on the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu. It offers a heated indoor pool, full-service spa and multiple dining choices, with a water taxi across the lake. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

IHG · Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park ↗The hotel’s Giants Restaurant & Bar is in Frankton. It offers in-house dining, grab-and-go options and a children’s meal program. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

The Remarkables ski and snowboard lessons ↗The school offers group, private and children's lessons, performance camps and adaptive private instruction arranged in advance. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

The Remarkables First Timer Package ↗First-time skiers and snowboarders check in ready on the snow outside the base building. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

The Remarkables ski and snowboard rentals ↗The operator offers on-mountain fitting and a seasonal town collection option at 25 Shotover Street. Ski and snowboard packages include boots and a helmet. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

The Remarkables mountain facilities ↗The Remarkables Cafe has grab-and-go food. The base area also has Rastusburn Coffee Bar with coffee, tea, beer and wine. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Rātā restaurant ↗Rātā at Te Nuku, 43 Ballarat Street, central Queenstown. South Island flavours through produce-driven cooking; warm dining room for dinner for two or friends. Bookings offered. No chef or award claim adopted. · Checked Oct 30, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Atlas Beer Cafe | Queenstown's Home of Craft Beer ↗A Steamer Wharf bar serving boutique craft beer, breakfast, lunch, coffee, tapas, and steaks with lake views. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Bespoke Kitchen — Queenstown Café | Breakfast, Lunch & Vegan ↗A central Queenstown all-day café serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, coffee, and fresh-juice options. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Ferg Loves You ↗A central Queenstown burger shop on Shotover Street, open every day from early morning until 2:30 a.m. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Botswana Butchery Queenstown ↗The steakhouse is in Archers Cottage, 17 Marine Parade, Queenstown, and accepts reservations. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

The Remarkables 2027 mountain information ↗
Planned winter season, daily 09:00–16:00; snow and weather dependent.
Lake Alta Track ↗
Hike from the ski-field buildings to Lake Alta through alpine wetlands.

THE REGION

GETTING THERE

WHEN TO GO

BEYOND THE SLOPES

The region offers much more than skiing. Here's what else to explore:

🏔️

Milford Sound

Outdoor

New Zealand's most famous fjord, a dramatic day trip through mountain scenery

🏔️

Bungee Jumping

Outdoor

The original commercial bungee at Kawarau Bridge or the extreme Nevis Bungy

🍽️

Central Otago Wine Trail

Dining

World-class Pinot Noir from vineyards set against mountain backdrops

🎭

Arrowtown

Culture

Historic gold-mining village with excellent restaurants and beautiful autumn colors

🧘

Onsen Hot Pools

Wellness

Private hot tubs overlooking the Shotover Canyon, perfect for après-ski recovery

🏔️

Jet Boating

Outdoor

High-speed river adventures through narrow canyons on the Shotover or Dart rivers

WHERE TO STAY

INSIDER TIPS

💡Check patrol’s terrain openings and the return shuttle before heading into Homeward or Outward Bound.

💡Use the daily report to compare conditions at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.

💡Book the Ski Bus ahead if you would prefer to leave the access-road drive to someone else.

💡Leave a rest day for the Central Otago wine region.