The Remarkables

The Remarkables, which dominate the landscape of southwest Otago, offer outdoor experiences for the whole family. The Remarkables Ski Area has a range of beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert slopes, as well as the Kea Club—a group lesson program for kids and young people. The Lake Alta Track, starting behind the ski area buildings, is a popular destination, and was a filming location for Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

Arrive independently or book a tour that includes round-trip transportation from Queensland. You can also get a bird’s-eye view of the range by helicopter or gondola.

• The Remarkables are a must for adventure seekers and outdoors lovers.

• You can rent recreational and performance gear from the ski area’s base building.

• The Remarkables Snow Shop offers ski gear, souvenirs, and medical supplies.

• The ski area’s base building has three cafés and restaurants, and you can après-ski on the mountain at the Ice Bar, at Curvey Basin Junction.

The Remarkables is a short drive east of Queenstown, around Lake Wakatipu and down State Highway 6. Parking lots are available down the mountain; a free shuttle takes you to and from the ski area. Alternatively, book a seat on the Ski Area’s Snowline Express bus, which leaves every 20 minutes from Queenstown’s Snow Centre on Duke Street or picks you up from your hotel.

Ski season at the Remarkables typically runs from mid-winter to mid-spring, but specific dates depend on the climate each year. Keep an eye out for the field’s announcements and schedule. A particularly festive time to visit is during the annual Queenstown Winter Festival, a mid-winter celebration held in the mountains and in the city.

The Remarkables aren’t just for snow bunnies. Hikers also get a lot out of these mountains, with a series of challenging daylong tracks scattered throughout the area, across bluffs, and through gorges. You can also break out the mountain bike on a number of these tracks.