Queenstown heli skiing & snowboarding

Queenstown ski days come in two flavours: lift passes at the nearby ski fields, and helicopters that fly you into backcountry terrain. Cardrona and Treble Cone handle the lift passes, lessons and rentals, while heli skiing, snowmobiling and paragliding cover the days when a chairlift is not quite enough. Most of it runs through the winter months, from about June to September.

Lift passes, rentals and first lessons at Cardrona and Treble Cone

A single or multi-day lift pass at Cardrona covers the mountain from 8.30am. A single day is date-specific and can be Cardrona or Treble Cone, while a multi-day pass of 2 or more days is open-dated and covers both. Add the lift pass and rental package if you're travelling light, because you can swap skis or boards through the day and store them overnight on the mountain for consecutive days.

Beginners are covered by the first-timer ski or snowboard package at Cardrona: group lessons, a learner's conveyor pass, a ride up McDougall's Chondola and rental gear, then easy green runs from the top. Book the lesson a couple of days ahead and choose ski or snowboard at the same time.

Getting to the slopes from Queenstown and Wānaka

The Cardrona mountain transfer is a return bus from Queenstown or Wānaka with early and later departures, so you skip the parking stress. For something faster, the private helicopter ski field transfer flies up to six passengers to Coronet Peak, the Remarkables, Cardrona, Treble Cone or Snow Farm, with a drop at the ski base or the mountain top. More road options sit under Queenstown transfers.

Heli skiing from Queenstown

Harris Mountains heli skiing runs July to September on treeless terrain with runs of 2,000 to 2,500 vertical feet in sheltered basins and bowls. The classic 4-run day suits first-time heli skiers, the 7-run maximum vertical day is aimed at advanced skiers, and the 10-run version piles up the vertical. All include a guide, transceivers, an alpine buffet lunch and transfers from your accommodation.

To go bigger, True South Flights flies from Queenstown to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park for Mount Cook heli skiing with scenic flights, with up to five runs across six mountain ranges and a picnic lunch on the snow. The Tasman Glacier ski day skis the glacier twice and needs wide, well-waxed skis. Groups wanting their own helicopter can book private heli skiing with lunch for a half-day or full-day trip.

Snow days without skis

Non-skiers still get snow. The snowmobile adventure with a helicopter flight is a 75-minute guided ride on the Garvie Plateau, reached by a short helicopter flight, and the Coronet Peak winter paragliding flight launches from the top of the ski field for a 10 to 20-minute tandem flight. Helicopter flights with snow landings cover the quick version.

After the cold, Onsen Hot Pools is a popular choice for a soak above the Shotover River, with lantern-lit pools after 5pm and a shuttle from central Queenstown.

Choosing a Queenstown snow day

Pick by experience. First-timers should start with the lesson package, confident skiers with a multi-day pass, advanced skiers with the 7 or 10-run heli days, and groups who want mountain scenery with the Mt Cook flights. Weather runs everything, and operators change plans for it.

The wider Queenstown activities fill the warmer months, and ski and snow experiences across Australia and New Zealand covers more mountains.

Frequently asked questions

When is the ski season in Queenstown?

The ski season in Queenstown centres on the winter months from about June to September. Heli skiing from Queenstown is listed for July to September, and winter paragliding from Coronet Peak for June to September.

Can beginners learn to ski near Queenstown?

Beginners can learn to ski or snowboard near Queenstown with the first-timer package at Cardrona Alpine Resort, which combines group lessons, a learner's conveyor pass and rental gear. Lessons need to be booked a couple of days ahead.

Is a Cardrona lift pass valid at Treble Cone?

A single-day Cardrona lift pass is valid at Cardrona or Treble Cone for the date you choose. Multi-day passes of 2 or more days are open-dated and give access to both Cardrona and Treble Cone.

How do you get from Queenstown to Cardrona?

The Cardrona mountain transfer is a return bus from Queenstown or Wānaka with pickup points near accommodation. From Queenstown it leaves at 7.30am or 8.50am and returns at 4.15pm or 5pm.

Do you have to be an expert to go heli skiing from Queenstown?

Heli skiing from Queenstown does not require an expert, since the Harris Mountains packages are listed as suitable for guests of all abilities. The 4-run classic day is the usual first step, and the 7 and 10-run days push the vertical for stronger skiers.

Can you ski the Tasman Glacier from Queenstown?

The Tasman Glacier ski day from Queenstown flies to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, skis the glacier twice and stops for a picnic lunch on the glacier. Skis should be at least 90mm underfoot and well waxed, and rental is advised.

What can you do in Queenstown in winter if you don't ski?

Non-skiers in Queenstown can ride a snowmobile on the Garvie Plateau, paraglide from Coronet Peak or take a helicopter flight with a snow landing. Hot pools such as Onsen Hot Pools suit the evening.

The Queenstown snow season is short and weather-dependent, so lock in the lift pass, the lesson or the helicopter early and leave a spare day in case a flight moves.