Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak NZ – Ski Resort Review
Coronet Peak is the most popular ski resort on the South Island of New Zealand, probably due to its proximity to
Queenstown. It is on the outskirts on Queenstown, and a major drawcard is the sealed road all the way up to the resort; an incredibly rare attribute for a ski resort on the South Island of NZ.
Ski and Snowboard Terrain
The Coronet Peak ski terrain is pretty impressive as an all-rounder. Coronet Peak is an excellent mountain for beginners and intermediates with long wide trails such as the M1. The fall line is perfect, and considering the high-quality grooming, the Powderhounds have given Coronet Peak a “best skiing in New Zealand” award for “best cruisers”.
With 35% of the trails rated as black, Coronet Peak is not just a mountain for beginners and intermediates. In addition to the trails there are lots of off-piste runs around the fringes of the resort and a few chutes. CP is generally not well suited to powderhounds, but if you love moguls then you’ll be spoiled for choice.
The terrain is tree-less, so the ski area and the snow are exposed to the elements. The lack of trees can pose problems with visibility on poor weather days, but thankfully the weather at Coronet Peak is relatively stable compared to ski resorts further north such as Mt Hutt aka Mt Shut.
Like many other NZ resorts, the Peak is not particularly large at only 280 hectares and only 462 metres of vertical drop, yet the capacity of the resort is amazing. With a very efficient lift infrastructure, the resort copes with the crowds incredibly well and there are no lift queues. The only downside of crowds at any ski resort is that powderhounds might miss out on fresh tracks, but with only 2 metres of annual snowfall at Coronet Peak, the chances of fighting over freshies are slim.
The minimal snowfall is not an issue for most skiers though as the resort can operate on a very small base because there are only grassy tussocks under the snow. Combined with quality grooming and very extensive snow-making, the snow cover is fine.
Where is Coronet Peak?
Coronet Peak is located 18 kilometres to the northeast of
Queenstown, and 7 kilometres west of Arrowtown. From Queenstown it is an easy 20-30 minute drive to Coronet Peak on the fully sealed road. If you don’t want to drive, there are regular shuttles from various locations around Queenstown.
Coronet Peak Accommodation
Coronet Peak has limited on-mountain accommodation located at the base of the lifts in a small club lodge with dormitory style accommodation. Most people stay in
Queenstown which provides the flexibility to ski at other resorts or partake in other infamous
Queenstown activities.
Queenstown accommodation options are prolific and range from 5-star resort hotels to inexpensive motels, and there’s also a huge range of Queenstown backpackers.
Why Ski or Board at Coronet Peak?
Coronet Peak is a great ski resort for families and those who like to ride the groomers. The multi-million dollar investment into infrastructure has improved the Coronet Peak experience, and with great day lodge facilities and an efficient lift system, it’s not surprising that everyone flocks there.
Also impressive are the spectacular views from the resort across Lake Wakatipu, Lake Hayes, and The Remarkables.
If you can’t get enough of Coronet Peak during day-light hours, you can also go night skiing on Friday and Saturday nights.
Powderhounds.com has given the following "
best skiing in New Zealand" awards to Coronet Peak for the:
- best intermediate terrain
- lift infrastructure
New Zealand Ski Packages & Tours
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7 - Day South Island Safari
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Self-Drive Tours
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10 Day / 9 Nights - Ride the BIG 5
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