Learn to Ski or Snowboard

First Time On The Mountain

Learn to shred!

You’ve come to the right place. The Remarkables has a huge beginner area and programmes tailored for all ages and capabilities. This allows you to fly past your mates with style and confidence in no time.

1 day

First Timer 1 Day Package

1 day

Want to keep up with your mates? Learn a new skill and build your confidence in a safe learning environment with full a day of lessons from experienced instructors.

Includes
Lift Pass
Lessons
Rentals
3 days

Intro to Snow Package

3 days

Ever wanted to learn how to shred but it was slightly out of your budget? This 3-day package is designed for someone who has never tried skiing or snowboarding but wants to give it a go.

Includes
Lift Pass
Lessons
Rentals

FAQS

Is there a beginner area?

The Remarkables ski field has a massive learners area with a perfect pitch to progress and become confident. 3 surface conveyor lifts are dedicated to beginners. This provides ample room for large turns and space to test your limits in a safe environment. Alta chair allows beginners to experience a lift in a safe area away from other riders and skiers.

How to stay safe on the mountain?

Visit our mountain safety page for more details on how you can have a safe experience on the snow.

Rescheduling Lessons

If you are booked into a ski or snowboard lesson and need to change the date you are booked into, please follow the below link and steps to reschedule.

  1. Log in to your account and head to your Profile page.
  2. Select “Overview” and then "Order History"
  3. Find your order and select “DETAILS"
  4. Select "RESERVATIONS"
  5. Select "RESCHEDULE" and then select your preferred date.

If you are unable to reschedule your product please fill out this form

Please note, that due to limited capacity, not every date may be available. For private lessons, we require 48 hours notice prior to your lesson time for rescheduling.

What is a beginner lift pass?

A Beginner Pass gives you access to our beginner conveyor lifts at The Remarkables but not the main chairlifts. If you’re feeling good and want to give it a go, you can upgrade your lift pass at Guest Services.

How can I hire Ski/Snowboard equipment?

You can hire ski or snowboard gear, clothing and helmets when you are on the mountain or in the Snow Centre in central Queenstown. We strongly recommend you wear a helmet when skiing or snowboarding.

Due to health reasons, we don't rent gloves or goggles but you can purchase these at our retail shop on the mountain.

When you purchase online or from one of our Guest Service teams, you can add on rental equipment. 

Then once you are on the mountain, take your MyPass card loaded with your Rentals and Lift Pass products to our rental department. 

Here, our friendly team will guide you through getting you fitted and equipped to head out on the snow. 

Hiring ski or snowboard equipment on the mountain means you don't have to lug your gear from town. You simply pick it up in the morning when you arrive, and drop it back before going home.

If you are skiing/boarding for more than one day you can take advantage of our FREE overnight storage too! 

We have equipment for ages 4 and up. If you have a younger child you would like to get on skies, please contact us directly and we will see what we can do.

We carry brands such as Head, Burton and Salomon to give you a choice of fit and feel.

As you start to progress, you can upgrade from our recreational to performance rentals. We also tune our gear regularly so it's in top shape when you hit the slopes. 

If your skis aren't performing well or you think you might have the incorrect sized ski boots, you can take your gear in and get it changed right away, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment.

What do I need to bring?

Preparation is key to have a great day on the slopes, so when you pack for your first trip to the snow, remember to include:

  • Boots or shoes with a bit of a tread for all family members.
  • Dress warm! It can be a bit brisk on the mountain so it’s important to layer up. Thermals, (merino is a great base layer), a thicker mid-layer top and ski or hiking socks.
  • Waterproof pants and a jacket are a must to keep yourself dry and to protect you from the changing conditions (rentals are available on the mountain).
  • No one wants a goggle burn! Sunscreen and lip balm to protect you and your family from the UV rays so you do not end up with a goggle tan.
  • Eye protection is important, even on cloudy days – and don’t forget goggles or sunnies for the kids!
  • We recommend wearing a helmet on the snow, you can hire one from us or purchase at the retail shop.
  • Waterproof gloves.
  • If you forget anything, almost everything you need is available right here on the mountain at our rental shop and the Sno Shop. And if you get hungry or thirsty, we’ve got you covered at our restaurant and café.

How do I get there?

Escape the hustle below and head up to The Remarkables! The drive is 45 minutes from central Queenstown (24kms away) and you can catch the Ski Bus up from the Snow Centre or one of our bus stops. Visit our Transport Page for more details.

When is the Ski Season?

The New Zealand Ski Season runs from June to October.

Can I get food on the mountain?

You bet! We’ve got restaurants, cafes and Ice Bars to keep you fueled up and hydrated for an epic day on the snow.

What time does the mountain open?

The Remarkable is open daily from 9am – 4pm, subject to weather conditions.

Six tips for chairlift loading for kids

Wait your turn
a. Line up in the lift queue and wait your turn before sliding forward to the chair loading zone. 

Load with an experienced adult
a. If you are over 120cm tall you can ride the lift by yourself.
b. If you are under 120cm you must ride the lift with an adult
c. If you are riding the chairlift with a friend, get your adult to sit between you both to help you on and off.
d. Only you and one friend can ride with one adult, if you have lots of friends in your group, other adults will be asked to help.

Sit back-to-back
a. Sit all the way to the back of the chairlift so your back is touching the back rest.

Put the safety bar down
a. If you are tall enough you can pull the safety bar down, but if you can’t reach it let the adult put it down for you.

Sit still and hold on
a. Once you are on the chair and the safety bar is down, sit still and hold on until you are up the top of the mountain.

Let the adult raise the bar and tell you when to slide off
a. When you reach the top of the mountain, don’t rush to get off. Wait until you can touch the ground then slide off and enjoy your day.