Coronet Peak Skifield- Queenstown, New Zealand

First and foremost Coronet Peak is known as the South Island’s most popular ski resort, opened in 1947 as NZ’s first real ski destination. In 2008 they opened a stylish new base building. As in other resorts, they have sophisticated snow making machines, and you can do night skiing. There are highspeed chairlifts, lots of trails for all skill levels, several eateries, a heated deck for sunbathing, ski rental and repair facilities, a snowsports school and a children’s crèche.

The ski season starts in early June and goes until October if the weather allows. As Coronet Peak is only 1649 metres high, the snow base often is not very thick, so the season can end rather abruptly in adverse weather conditions. Snow reports from October show you this: Whereas the snow base at Coronet Peak was 25cm, it was 110cm at the Remarkables and 160cm up north at Mt. Hutt where the season ended on 30 Oct although the snow conditions were still perfect.

The snow ratings are 20% beginner, 45% intermediate and 35% advanced. Lifts include 1 quad, 1 triple chair, 1 double chair, T-Bar, handle-tow. A magic carpet carries skiers up the Big Easy beginner’s slope. The highest lifts ends just about 10 metres below the summit.

You can drive up the tar-sealed zig-zag road yourself but there are also ski shuttles available from Queenstown (which is 18 km south of Coronet Peak), so you do not have to worry about transportation and driving conditions, and if you have the right gear. The use of the road is free of charge.

A day lift-pass cost just under NZ$ 100 in winter 2008, for a week it cost $ 600.

Links for winter sports:
http://www.nzski.com
http://www.newzealandnz.co.nz/ski-areas/coronet-peak.html
Phone (03) 442 4620

In summer Coronet Peak has a Mountainbike Park for which you have to pay. This time, it opens on 7 January 2009 and runs until 1 March. It is open from 11.30am to 7.30pm (Tuesday to Sunday, weather permitting; closed on Mondays).

A season pass costs $249 for adults and $199 for youth. ($100 loyalty discount for holders of a 2008 winter season pass.) Multi-day passes and one day multi-ride passes ($40/30) are also available. You get them at the café on the mountain.

As the road is sealed you can get up to the top in summer easily in your own car and enjoy the views, and go for a walk. Less than half-way up is the turn-off to famous Skippers Canyon.

Coronet Peak Skifield, Queenstown

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Coronet Peak Skifield, Queenstown

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Visiting Queenstown?

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