Published On:Monday, July 9, 2012
Posted by abg man
Where to Ski in New Zealand
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Over the years New Zealand has developed a reputation as an international skiing destination. Its spectacular scenery, uncrowded wide open bowls, off-piste skiing and relatively short queues make it the ideal skiing destination for all level of skiers. There are 18 commercial ski fields along with a number of club fields and back country and heli skiing areas. The close proximity of the fields to large towns and cities means that accommodation is easy to find. Towns such as Queenstown have developed around the ski industry and offer a wide range of Queenstown accommodation options from backpackers to exclusive lodges.
Queenstown, with its close proximity to 5 of New Zealand's most popular ski fields, including Treble Cone often voted as the best skiing in New Zealand, is probably the most popular destination for a ski holiday. Accommodation in Queenstown is geared around the ski season and the town comes alive in winter with restaurants, nightclubs and bars overflowing with après skiers. Coronet Peak is the closest ski field and although it is quite small, it is an excellent mountain for beginners and intermediates with some options for more advanced skiers. Annual snow fall at Coronet Peak is only around 2 metres, although with mostly grassy slopes, the ski field operates quite well with a small amount of snow cover.
The Remarkables is the second closest ski field to Queenstown and is best suited to beginner and advanced skiers with not a lot to offer the intermediate skier. Made up of 3 sheltered north facing bowls, the Remarkables are often protected from the wind and bad weather and are less likely to have closed days compared to surrounding ski fields.
For those keen to try out the slopes of Treble Cone, there is unfortunately no on the mountain accommodation. The nearby town of Wanaka offers some good accommodation options although many skiers choose to book their accommodation in Queenstown, 90 minutes away, to take advantage of the night life and happening atmosphere. Treble Cone is the largest ski area on the South Island of New Zealand and boasts the longest vertical drop of 700m. Approximately 45% of the ski runs at Treble Cone are classified as advanced, intermediate skiers also get a fairly good choice of runs but only 10% of runs are suitable for beginners.
Cardrona Ski Field is a favourite amongst families, with a family friendly atmosphere and wide well groomed runs suitable for children and beginners. Intermediates are also well catered for here with half of the runs being classed as intermediate. Advanced skiers also get a look in with around 25% of runs suitable for advanced skiers only. Again Queenstown accommodation is probably the most suitable, with the biggest range although Wanaka has some good options too.
Whakapapa, on the North Island, is New Zealand's largest ski field and is home to the largest beginners area and also boasts 24 black and double black runs making it ideal for beginners to extreme skiers. Located on an active volcano, Whakapapa has diverse terrain some areas created by lava flows during times of eruption. Whakapapa has a number of members only lodges at its base and a range of accommodation in nearby villages. Another option is to book some Taupo accommodation, with Taupo being the closest town with an airport so it may be your entry point to the ski fields.
New Zealand is a well priced option for a ski holiday, with fields to suit all levels and abilities. In general, New Zealand ski fields are less crowded than those in Australia and accommodation options are more varied. The ski season is also usually slightly longer than the Australian season, and the snow cover more reliable. All these things combined, along with New Zealand's spectacular scenery make New Zealand a great option for skiers looking for a new skiing experience.
For more information on Queenstown accommodation, including budget accommodation in Queenstown accommodation in Queenstown and Taupo accommodation visit Choice Hotels NZ online.
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