Here's to the 40-year-olds
40 Years of The Remarkables: A legacy of adventure and innovation
The Remarkables Ski Area stands as a testament to Queenstown's enduring love for adventure, carving a niche in the alpine world over the past four decades. From its early days as a fledgling operation to its current status as a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Share Your Remarks Stories
Help us celebrate our 40th birthday. Share your stories and photos from over the years to help us tell the story of the mountain through the decades.
Share Your Remarks Story
40 Years of Freedom
40 years of sending it, shredding it, and living the dream on Kawarau Maunga—cheers to the legends who’ve made Remarks what it is! Here’s to more pow, more progression, and more freedom in every form.
Early days
Born from Queenstown’s growing demand for more terrain, The Remarkables opened in 1985 with just a Handle Tow and one chairlift—Alta, which still stands today. Fast forward, and over $90M in investment has transformed the mountain, with a new base building, high-speed chairlifts, and expanded terrain fueling a 45% visitor surge. From humble beginnings to a world-class destination, The Remarkables continues to push the boundaries of alpine adventure.
Something for everyone
The Remarkables is where freedom takes many forms—whether carving the park, chasing fresh lines, or finding your feet on wide-open terrain. CEO Paul Anderson puts it best: “The feeling of freedom here is unlike anywhere else.” Home to the only Burton Stash in the Southern Hemisphere and the North Face Frontier, The Remarkables is a hub for freestyle, freeride, and progression. Its adaptive programme empowers skiers like Jack Howatson to thrive, reinforcing a spirit of inclusivity, adventure, and community.
Connection to the mountains
Sustainability is at the heart of The Remarkables, with a bold goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. From wetland restoration to eco-conscious infrastructure, conservation is woven into every move—so seamlessly that even DOC rangers struggle to spot the work. Spearheaded for over 16 years by Ross Lawrence, the legacy now continues under Steve Hall, ensuring the mountain’s commitment to preservation stays strong.
40 Years of Freedom
More than a mountain, The Remarkables is a legacy—where friendships last a lifetime and the stoke never fades. “The people I worked with felt like family,” says Hall. As it celebrates 40 years, The Remarkables remains Queenstown’s alpine icon, drawing skiers, riders, and families to its sun-soaked bowls and untamed terrain. With a future rooted in sustainability and innovation, the journey continues.
Join the celebration at the 40th Anniversary Carnival, September 26-28!