The Remarkables Ski Area
The Remarkables Ski Area
The Remarkables Ski Area
4.5
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Queenstowns alpine ski area, the Remarkables are welcoming and relaxed for beginners and challenging for the more experienced.
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- AmandaGreymouth, New Zealand56 contributionsSuch fun!First time to The Remarkables, only been to Coronet peak. Well laid out, lots of lockers and the skiers seem to fly through the lifts. We got a private one on one lesson for our son who hadnt skied before and whilst it seems a bit expensive it was well worth it. After his lesson he was away with all the confidence in the world. We also took the snow bus up....so much easier than taking your own car and they drop you right at the door. Will def come back.Visited September 2020Travelled with familyWritten September 29, 2020
- ThePlantBasedTravellersBrighton, United Kingdom34 contributionsInstructors are amazing - shame it can’t be said for f&b staffThe Remarkables is a really wonderful day out if you are visiting Queenstown to ski or snowboard, the snow is definitely better there than at Coronet Peak if you’re struggling to choose. We had a snowboard lesson with Adam (I think!) and he was absolutely amazing. Our experience in the cafe area was not so good, except the barista’s - they are amazing, and make such good coffees! The manager, I think her name is Alex, was nothing but rude and abrupt whilst I was with my family, trying to rush us through the queue. It wasn’t a busy day and I felt her attitude was disgusting. Definitely would be bringing my own food and drinks on any future visits. Overall experience at the remarkables was great, smooth and consistent transport from town makes it easy to get there and back too so would definitely do this instead of risking driving up in bad conditions!Visited July 2021Travelled with familyWritten August 18, 2021
- Kerrin TBrisbane, Australia16 contributionsRemarkable Customer ServiceThe staff at the Remarkable Ski Area went out of their way to help us - beyond expectation in fact. Their customer service is highly commended (overhearing the manager dealing with another customer who was challenging). Special mention to Isaac who did all he could to make sure our visit was pleasant. Thank you to the management team for their work and flexibility behind the scenes to rectify an error.Visited June 2021Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,238 reviews
Excellent
647
Very good
420
Average
109
Poor
29
Terrible
33
joe
Taiwan3 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Disappointing end to an amazing time in New Zealand. Far too crowded, lift passes clearly oversold. Queues for buses up and down the mountain. Hour+ long queue to pick up equipment in the morning. While the food was fine, only having 1 place to eat the queues are long. All lessons end at 12:30 for lunch so make sure to go another time if you can. Queues for the chair lifts are long. More time spend queuing than skiing. Would return to Europe to ski in the future like I have in the past. Far better experience for the price.
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FiveStarAllTheWa
8 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
- 2.5hrs from walking in the door to getting on the snow due to extreme over-crowding & long queues.
- Inexperienced staff who can’t answer questions like ‘now that I’ve been in this queue for 1.5hrs I’ve missed my lesson - can I still join the class?’
- Unhelpful staff who respond ‘that’s not my problem’ or ‘it’s your responsibility to be here earlier enough to make your lesson’ or refuse to get someone to confirm whether I could join my lesson or not.
- No assistance for absolute beginners - I had no idea how to put on my boots & the attendant was clearly put out when I asked for help.
- Ineffective classes - The front valley is full of skiers ranging from absolute beginners to experienced skiers skiing right through practice areas. I spent 10x longer waiting for others in my class to have their turn than I did actually learning.
All in all it was a horrible experience & I would not recommend The Remarkables to anyone, ever.
- Inexperienced staff who can’t answer questions like ‘now that I’ve been in this queue for 1.5hrs I’ve missed my lesson - can I still join the class?’
- Unhelpful staff who respond ‘that’s not my problem’ or ‘it’s your responsibility to be here earlier enough to make your lesson’ or refuse to get someone to confirm whether I could join my lesson or not.
- No assistance for absolute beginners - I had no idea how to put on my boots & the attendant was clearly put out when I asked for help.
- Ineffective classes - The front valley is full of skiers ranging from absolute beginners to experienced skiers skiing right through practice areas. I spent 10x longer waiting for others in my class to have their turn than I did actually learning.
All in all it was a horrible experience & I would not recommend The Remarkables to anyone, ever.
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mimosa54
Brisbane, Australia3 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Changes needed!
Disappointing to visit this wonderland after so many good reviews.
No Smoking signs everywhere, but it appears vaping is ok !.! Multiple people vaping near the restaurant….staff not overly concerned either after being informed, as they continued to vape.!!!
Food…..ugh. Heart attacks everywhere, no fruit, fried food galore, no sandwich’s.
Surely you can do better? ?
The skiing was amazing, good runs, very popular at the weekends.
Queenstown is so picturesque, well worth a visit.
Disappointing to visit this wonderland after so many good reviews.
No Smoking signs everywhere, but it appears vaping is ok !.! Multiple people vaping near the restaurant….staff not overly concerned either after being informed, as they continued to vape.!!!
Food…..ugh. Heart attacks everywhere, no fruit, fried food galore, no sandwich’s.
Surely you can do better? ?
The skiing was amazing, good runs, very popular at the weekends.
Queenstown is so picturesque, well worth a visit.
Written August 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Livthediv
1 contribution
Jul. 2023 • Family
Getting the easy things right makes such a difference to your experience.
If you park in the top 3 car parks the bus drivers simply won’t give you a ride. They clearly think you should walk. They wouldn’t even pick up 5 of us if you are waving out desperately for a ride.
After waiting 45 mins waiting we resorted to walking - stuffed tired and grumpy way to start the day.
A worker even saw us park the car - is it that hard to radio a bus and say can we get this lot a lift. Isn’t that what we pay for - “service”. Another 30 min walk and tired body and tired kids. Terrible start to the day.
Got to the top and there’s no signs anywhere. No directions or order. Plenty of workers walking around aimlessly though. Would take one person greeting you and directing you.
female toilets are at least 15 mins, awfully unhygienic and the whole place isn’t been cleaned during the day. Messy tables in cafe.
No food left to buy at 2pm. Over priced and not a great choice. Water cost is crazy.
If you park in the top 3 car parks the bus drivers simply won’t give you a ride. They clearly think you should walk. They wouldn’t even pick up 5 of us if you are waving out desperately for a ride.
After waiting 45 mins waiting we resorted to walking - stuffed tired and grumpy way to start the day.
A worker even saw us park the car - is it that hard to radio a bus and say can we get this lot a lift. Isn’t that what we pay for - “service”. Another 30 min walk and tired body and tired kids. Terrible start to the day.
Got to the top and there’s no signs anywhere. No directions or order. Plenty of workers walking around aimlessly though. Would take one person greeting you and directing you.
female toilets are at least 15 mins, awfully unhygienic and the whole place isn’t been cleaned during the day. Messy tables in cafe.
No food left to buy at 2pm. Over priced and not a great choice. Water cost is crazy.
Written July 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
justwaytoohard
97 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
I get it: this ski area is having a rotten season. All the hype,marketing, spin and noise won't hide that. The reality is that snow cover is poor. So what do they do? Jam as many skiers and tourists as possible into the mountain. Sell lift passes when there is no transport to get people up to the ski area. So, here's some tips: whatever the ski depth advertised: take 20cm off that. Whatever percentage of runs are open, deduct 30%. Assume runs will be seriously crowded as a result. Assume 20 minute wait times for some lifts and at least 10 minutes everywhere. Assume only one central area, where you'll wait 20 minutes for a coffee and pay over NZD10 for a litre of water. Assume a 15 minute wait for the loo if you are identifying as female. Assume that you'll pay up to $85 for a bus ride up the mountain, because the advertised $45 fares are long gone due to a driver shortage (apparently). Add that to the expensive (for what you get) lift ticket price, every day. Assume 45 minutes ride to get onto the slopes, or up to 2 hours if you take a car and they want chains fitted. Finally, assume a poky little unconnected ski area. Then...hope it snows. A lot. The only "remarkable" thing is the gap between the marketing and the reality.
Written July 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Voyage66242848626
1 contribution
Jul. 2023 • Family
Do not go in peak times as they issue/sell too many ski passes and then cannot handle the numbers. And i don't mean that the slopes are busy, I mean that they advise that the road to the remarkables is closed. On 2 of our 3 days when our ski passes were valid the remarkables closed the access road. The same is true for Queenstown in general: it cannot cope with peak crowds. Things might be better outside peak times but I think they should refund your ski pass if they close the road to the slopes... how can they sell you a pass but then stop you from getting up the mountain?!
Written July 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susie B
Rowville, Australia3 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
First I suggest you prebook your ski pass, rental gear and bus tickets online (we went through NZSki). The busses sell out quickly especially during school holidays (best to check before you plan your trip). Staff at the town centre are exceptionally patient, helpful and knowledgeable.
When catching the bus ensure you are at the town centre’s meeting place 30 mins early with your gear to line up for your allocated bus.
The trip up to the mountain is long and if there’s any incident on the road up it can take up to 1.5+ hours.
Once there it seems to be chaotic with queues, crowds and a sense of urgency! You can hire lockers for the day.
The ski runs are great - I’m a beginner and hubby is experienced. Only the beginners area is overly congested- the other chair lifts run smoothly with very little wait times.
Unfortunately when it comes to food and sitting down for lunch, this is a fail. Unhealthy fried food, large pre-made sandwiches (more gourmet than basic sandwiches), sushi and the salads on offer didn’t look very appealing. (TBH I’d suggest bringing your own lunch and snacks - especially if you have kids). It’s almost impossible to find tables from about 11:30-1:30. (All ski lessons stop for lunch 12:30-1:30).
The amenities do not accommodate the amount of people on any given day.
Staff are friendly, but perhaps an info booth would help.
When catching the bus ensure you are at the town centre’s meeting place 30 mins early with your gear to line up for your allocated bus.
The trip up to the mountain is long and if there’s any incident on the road up it can take up to 1.5+ hours.
Once there it seems to be chaotic with queues, crowds and a sense of urgency! You can hire lockers for the day.
The ski runs are great - I’m a beginner and hubby is experienced. Only the beginners area is overly congested- the other chair lifts run smoothly with very little wait times.
Unfortunately when it comes to food and sitting down for lunch, this is a fail. Unhealthy fried food, large pre-made sandwiches (more gourmet than basic sandwiches), sushi and the salads on offer didn’t look very appealing. (TBH I’d suggest bringing your own lunch and snacks - especially if you have kids). It’s almost impossible to find tables from about 11:30-1:30. (All ski lessons stop for lunch 12:30-1:30).
The amenities do not accommodate the amount of people on any given day.
Staff are friendly, but perhaps an info booth would help.
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S M
Sydney, Australia59 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Family
If you are getting the Remarkables Bus - board it at the Queenstown Snow Centre, NOT the stops along the way.
We spent 5 days at the Remarkables ski resort from 26 June 2023. We booked the bus transfer each day to collect us from the Upper Stanley St / Blue Peaks stop (first stop after the Queenstown Snow Centre). This was a disaster - our first two days, the 8.30am bus we booked picked us up at 9.15am (only after all people at the Snow Centre had filled multiple buses did a bus with spare seats stop at Upper Stanley St). On the third day, the bus didn't even stop at Upper Stanley. We had booked an 8.30am bus and got picked up at 10am (by a 9.30am bus).
The last two days we walked down to the Snow Centre and then had no problems. Although we felt sorry for people waiting at Upper Stanley. The bus we were on from the Snow Centre had 16 spare seats yet still did not stop at Upper Stanley. I asked the bus driver when we arrived at the Remarkables why he didn't stop, and he said he just forgot.
The lesson here is just get on the bus at the Snow Centre. If you are staying near the Upper Stanley St stop / have booked bus to pick you up from there, just walk down the hill to the Snow Centre and save yourself the stress of not being picked up.
We spent 5 days at the Remarkables ski resort from 26 June 2023. We booked the bus transfer each day to collect us from the Upper Stanley St / Blue Peaks stop (first stop after the Queenstown Snow Centre). This was a disaster - our first two days, the 8.30am bus we booked picked us up at 9.15am (only after all people at the Snow Centre had filled multiple buses did a bus with spare seats stop at Upper Stanley St). On the third day, the bus didn't even stop at Upper Stanley. We had booked an 8.30am bus and got picked up at 10am (by a 9.30am bus).
The last two days we walked down to the Snow Centre and then had no problems. Although we felt sorry for people waiting at Upper Stanley. The bus we were on from the Snow Centre had 16 spare seats yet still did not stop at Upper Stanley. I asked the bus driver when we arrived at the Remarkables why he didn't stop, and he said he just forgot.
The lesson here is just get on the bus at the Snow Centre. If you are staying near the Upper Stanley St stop / have booked bus to pick you up from there, just walk down the hill to the Snow Centre and save yourself the stress of not being picked up.
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
McF352
Sydney, Australia50 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
Remarkables has some nice ski runs for all levels, not a huge selection but ok. The main problem is access. You can drive or go by bus. Either way, Queenstown has a major infrastructure problem with only one road in and out and it comes to a complete standstill morning and evening. If you drive you have to walk uphill from the car parks or wait a long time for a shuttle and you will probably have to fit chains. If you take the bus it is even worse- you need to book a ticket at least a week out as they sell out. If you manage to get a bus ticket there are incredible queues. We waited 1.5 hours and 2 hours respectively to get on a bus back to Queenstown. Not worth it. All up you spend more time waiting and travelling than skiing. There is also only one restaurant which has decent food selection but is packed and feels like a train station. Not a great experience overall.
Written July 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan W
1 contribution
Jun. 2023 • Solo
Everybody knows what it takes to get up the hill we don't even need to focus on that. Today (30/06/2023) it was especially "funny" and the morning was already ruined because of the "usual" things but guys, is common sense banned there? It started okay, had fun for approx 2 hours and then you decided to run your snow canons. Seriously? Nearly crashed twice, someone crashed into me... it's just impossible to ride through the mist without losing 100% of sight, it sticks to your eyes, face, goggles and then you crash...
Talked to someone from staff and got this as a response: "we need snow". Okay. Hope it's not the company's opinion, just an uneducated personnel.
Talked to someone from staff and got this as a response: "we need snow". Okay. Hope it's not the company's opinion, just an uneducated personnel.
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alwaysonthemove_11
Sydney, Australia43 contributions
Hi,
We are thinking of driving up to the Remarkables Ski Area in July. I was wondering how quickly the car parks fill up and when do people start arriving by car to settle to ski for the day? How many car spaces can it accommodate? The bus is an easier option but the car is more convenient with kids??
Thank you
Oldjack
Greater Melbourne, Australia27,626 contributions
Having driven up in early Autumn (no snow) and recognizing the last few km are not sealed and you would need chains I would suggest you catch a bus which operates from downtown (check the web site). Far less hassle in my view despite the kids.
Brendan
1 contribution
Hi, where is best pickup location for the Remarkables ski bus near the airport? Thanks
Erica Jackson
Gisborne, New Zealand
Hi there, first time to ever ski. We are a family of 4, kids ages 11 and 13. jWe want to book the family pass - 2 lessons - one day only.
Just have a few (plenty) questions with regards to the Remarkables. Its suggested that we take the bus to the resort and not drive with our rental 4x4 ?? we want to get there early.
What can and should be arranged beforehand? Ski equipment, bus transfer, lift passes, magic carpet(not sure what this is?) Do we need to go to the resort a day prior to our booking to arrange all of this, so we avoid having to stand in the queue? Or how else can we do it....just to make things easier.
What do I need to buy? Goggles, gloves, thick socks, beanie? I understand that due to covid this is not for hire?
If we arrive early (before 10.20 when the lessons start), will we be able to start "practicing" on the snow....seeing that we have NEVER been on snow before ??
Anything we should bring along?
Any others tips or advise for us? Any info will be much appreciated!
Haanah1608
Singapore1 contribution
Hi.. We are going in November and understand that its not snow season. Can we still go up to The Remarkables and how is the road condition like?
rogeroliveira84
Sydney, Australia37 contributions
Hi, Yes you can go. Not much snow, but roads should be fine, you will like the amazing view on the way up there.
Hadi Suryono
Yogyakarta Region, Indonesia4 contributions
I planned to visit this place on early November 2019. Is there still snow/ iced there? Thanks in advance.
Hadi Suryono
Yogyakarta Region, Indonesia4 contributions
Hi.. Is it possible to come to this place but not doing ski or skiboarding. Just to enjoy the scenery, taking picture and going to the cafe?
We are family with 2 child under 10 yo.
Do i have to buy tickets to access the place? Thanks..
JRSteve2017
Harrisburg, PA47 contributions
It is possible to go up there and experience the scenery without skiing. If you are staying near Queenstown, there is a shop downtown to purchase bus passes. They are reasonably priced, and there are several buses up and back throughout the day. The bus ride is almost one hour. There were definitely people up there just sight seeing, but you may need to purchase a lift ticket to go to the scenic look out point. You should just inquire at the shop that sells the bus tickets, they would know for sure. If you just want to ride the bus, and stop at the lodge, cafe, and the gift shop, then there is no additional fee for that.
JahzYW
Southport, Australia
What is the cost of food at the remarkables and coronet peak for teenagers coming on a school trip please?
Shalini Singh
Sydney, Australia100 contributions
I’m not really sure but the food served at the cafes were pretty reasonably priced. You may need to check their website for more clarity
kidsb4me
Hampton East, Australia424 contributions
Parking -
We are hiring a car for the week and plan on driving up from Queenstown.
Do we pay an entry fee to park in the ski area.
Is parking near the lifts or do we walk / take a shuttle.
Any tips for parking as close / conveniently to the left area would be appreciated
Thanks
Susan T
Gosford, Australia416 contributions
You know, I would take a shuttle myself although there is a good deal of parking, reasonably close. However, skis🏂 ski boots, etc, think its easier to shuttle right to the door
Joe
5 contributions
We are a family of 6. We are planning to go up the Remarkables during our trip in June. Our youngest, 11 yrs, is not too keen on skiing & snowboarding but the rest are.
Is there an area where those who do not want to ski/board can play with the snow, run around etc.? (With parental supervision, of course)
Can those who do not want to ski/board go up the chair lift?(cos the people who took the chair lifts in the many videos I watched all have the skis/boards on their feet)
Is it a must to sign up for lessons? Can we just rent the equipment and then ski/board on our own?
We would like to cater to all in the family so that we can all have fun during this trip.
Any tips and suggestions will be helpful.
Susan T
Gosford, Australia416 contributions
Think the answer below covers the questions?
Genevieve
Melbourne, Australia7 contributions
Best month for skiing would be??
Ginges_revenge
Brisbane, Australia4,560 contributions
Late July to mid September. You can monitor on the web cams as well.
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Claim your listingTHE REMARKABLES SKI AREA - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Remarkables Ski Area
- We recommend booking The Remarkables Ski Area tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 12 The Remarkables Ski Area tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience The Remarkables Ski Area:
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- Restaurants near The Remarkables Ski Area:
- (12.20 km) Fogo Brazilian BBQ Experience
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- (0.06 km) Lake Alta Track
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