New Zealand: Best Ski Resorts for Adrenaline Junkies
Winter is coming, and for many people, it means feeling miserable in cold weather. The most unlucky of us don't even live in an area that usually gets some snow, and are doomed so spending months in the rain and cloudy sky.
Still, there is one thing universally acknowledged as a perk of winter – winter sports. Skiing and snowboarding are among the most exciting of pastimes, and they are only possible during the cold months. Some of us love those activities so much that we travel in pursuit of snow, in order to do our hobby. Therefore, if you’re visiting New Zealand during the winter, you may wonder about the best skiing destinations to visit, so here are some suggestions.
1. The Remarkables
If you are a beginner, this is the place for you. The terrain is very versatile, and you try your luck on less or more difficult slopes, which is great if you’re just starting and you still don’t know how far you can go. On the other hand, if you’re an experienced skier, you can still find more difficult terrain to suit your needs. As an added bonus, the landscape is simply breathtaking, so you can enjoy it immensely, even when not really in the mood for skiing.
2. Cardrona Alpine Resort
Cardrona is famous for all the important names who have trained there over the years, which include Chloe Kim and Scotty James, as well as possibly the most famous snowboarding name - Shaun White. When you consider the 22-foot walls of the Olympic Superpipe, it’s easy to see why this particular destination attracts professionals. For those of you with less experience, there is the halfpipe with 12-foot walls, and if you’re a beginner – worry not, there is a variety of less intimidating ski fields you can pick from. If you prefer ski jumping, there is also the Cardrona Big Air. This mammoth jump brags an 85-foot table, and stands above the base area, making it great for spectators as well.
3. Coronet Peak
You have to take a ride on the ski field in order to reach the peak. This gives you an excellent opportunity to enjoy the landscape as you climb. On the other side of the peak, there is a steep slope, which is great for both beginners and experienced skiers. In addition to this, on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, you can enjoy night skiing, which can provide you with a whole new experience. It’s only 20 minutes from central Queenstown, so there is a lot of other content nearby that you can explore as well.
4. Treble Cone
Treble Cone is the largest ski area on the South Island. You can reach in about 1.5-hour ride from Queenstown, so it's not too close, but it's not terribly far either. This terrain is great for all levels. There are the beginner and intermediate runs, which will make you comfortable enough even if you're not the most confident of skiers. However, if you'd like a greater challenge, go for the Motatapu Chutes. This area is incredibly thrilling, and it would satisfy even the biggest adrenaline junkies out there.
5. Craigieburn
If you’re looking for a thrill, be aware that this is one of the areas that offer the most exciting skiing in New Zealand. Craigieburn is not for the faint of heart, and it’s not the best choice for beginners. It is placed in the heart of the Southern Alps, and it offers magical scenery, as well as plenty of steep narrow chutes and non-crowded runs. If you’re an advanced skier or a professional, this is one of the best options for you.
6. Mt Hutt
There are two things to be said about Mt Hutt – it offers great skiing, and it's windy. As you're well aware, the two don't mix with good results, so if your stay is accompanied by strong winds – tough luck. However, if you are lucky enough to visit this mountain in skiing-friendly weather, you’ll be blown away by the diversity of the runs and passes. It’s great for beginners and professionals alike, and it’s also family-friendly. For the lovers of snowboarding, there’s no lack of entertainment either. All in all, if you’ve never visited the area, make sure to do so the first time you get the chance.
7. Roundhill
Situated near the lake of Tekapo, Roundhill offers beautiful views and mesmerizing scenery. It contains some of the best fields in New Zealand, suited for both beginners and advanced skiers. For the first group, there are areas of gentle gradient and lots of space. For the adventurers, Roundhill offers Australasia’s biggest vertical drop, standing proud at 783m. If you prefer freestyle skiing, there is also a limited range of jumps, rails, etc. It is locally owned, and the relaxed, family atmosphere is another of its many perks.
For skiing enthusiasts, New Zealand is one of the must-visit countries. The country offers some of the best, most exciting fields, and most of them are beginner and family-friendly as well!
Leila Dorari is an entrepreneur and freelance writer from Sydney. She is passionate about exploring different places across the globe and believes that first, you need to get lost before you can get found. In her free time you can usually find her hiking with her furry four-legged friend.
