12 Tips for the School Holidays this Winter
A ski holiday is the best kind of family holiday! We won’t lie, there’s a fair bit of admin involved in making your time on the mountain smooth & stress-free, especially when Queenstown is bustling. So, here are our top tips to make your ski holiday one to remember!
1. Pick-up your MyPass Card in advance
Everyone needs a MyPass Card to use as their Lift Pass, access Rental Gear, for Lessons or ride the Queenstown Ski Bus.
Save time by buying online and pick-up your MyPass Cards the day before you head up the mountain. You can do this at the Snow Centre in downtown Queenstown (25 Shotover St).
The easiest way to pick-up your MyPass Card, is to use one of our self-service kiosks. Simply scan the barcode on your order confirmation email and your MyPass Card(s) will print.
If you already have a MyPass Card, you don't need to get a new one. However, if it’s been a while since you’ve skied with us or you have more than one MyPass card, you may want to check online that it’s linked to your purchases for this season.
2. Pick-up your Rentals in town
Once you've collected your MyPass Card, you can pick up any ski or snowboard rentals you've purchased at the Queenstown Snow Centre. Rentals can be picked up between 3pm-7pm the day before you head up the mountain. By picking up your rentals up in town, you’ll skip the morning rental queue on the mountain and hit the snow faster.
Of course, rentals are also available for pick up on the mountain near Guest Services. Allow yourself at least an hour to get fitted in case there are queues.
3. Take the Bus
Take the Queenstown Ski Bus to either Coronet Peak or The Remarkables. Book online for $30 return per adult. Children 5 and under ride for free! Check out the schedule and pick up zones here. Capacity is limited, so book in early. If you’ve booked a Lesson, make sure you catch the 7.30am or 8.00am bus to The Remarkables to make your lesson on time.
Getting to The Remarkables
4. Be aware of Carpool Priority days at The Remarkables
During the School Holidays at The Remarkables, we give priority to full vehicles travelling up our access roads. This helps to reduce congestion and ensure everyone gets on the snow as fast as possible.
On our 'Carpool Priority Days' only vehicles with 4 or more occupants can park in our upper car parks. Vehicles with fewer occupants will be parked in our lower car parks, which are serviced by a free shuttle to the base building.
If you’re driving to Coronet Peak, take advantage of our Drop Zone where you can drop the family off outside the Base Building, before parking your car.
5. PACK MITTENS & SNACKS FOR THE KIDS
Spare mittens can be a lifesaver for little hands. Even if it’s a bluebird day, mittens can get wet from the snow. Change mittens for a fresh pair at lunchtime to keep the afternoon comfort levels high. You can also purchase spares from our Retail Shop on the mountain. For snacks, fill your ski jacket with high-energy muesli or choccy bars that are easy to eat with mittens on.
6. Bring Gumboots for the kids
Walking from the bus or carpark can be tricky for kids, so bring gumboots for the walk from the bus / car to the café. Gumboots will also keep their feet (and ski socks) warm and dry & protect the base of ski boots.
7. Check out Skiwiland at Coronet Peak for the little ones
Skiwiland is our purpose-built Early Education Centre and Ski School for kids aged 2-5 years. We have a team of qualified teachers and ski instructors that offer snow play and ski lessons for 3 years and over. Book in advance as Skiwiland does fill up fast.
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8. Experience Night Skiing at Coronet Peak
A bucket list activity to do with the family! Night Ski is on from 4-9pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, plus Saturdays during the school holidays. Ski through the sunset and finish with a yummy pizza, drinks by the fire with music on the deck. Check out our Night Ski passes here.
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9. HEAD TO THE BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY APRÈS
For après off the mountain head to Canyon, a craft brewery and restaurant situated right above the Shotover River in Arthurs Point. They’ve got great pizza, great local beer, a cozy atmosphere, and plenty of space for the kids to run around outside.
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10. Book a Family Lesson
Take your first turns or master carves together as family. Our Private Family lessons cater for up to 6 people. This bespoke experience will make for a super fun memorable time on the mountain. We also have Group Lessons There are also Learn more here.
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11. Visit Time Tripper
Time Tripper is an entertaining and educational experience for the whole fam! Plus it's right in the heart of Queenstown and costs less than $50 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children.
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12. Check the daily Snow report
The Snow Report is the first place where we publish updates about the mountain and road status, as well as other important info, including the weather forecast and events. We keep these updated throughout the day from 6.30am.
Check the Snow Report