Family Guide to Skiing Coronet Peak
We get it, planning a family ski holiday can be a mission. But at Coronet Peak, we’ve made it easy. Just 20 minutes from Queenstown, our mountain is built for good times and smooth runs. Whether you're wrangling first-timers or skiing with little legends.
Plan Ahead
A little planning goes a long way. Whether it’s your first time up the hill or you’ve got a crew of little legends in tow, these simple tips will help set your family up for a smooth, stress-free day on the snow.
Sort the Night Before
Pack your gear the night before and lay it all out - boots, gloves, goggles, the lot. Line it up in the order the kids will put it on, and you’ll thank yourself in the morning. It’s also the perfect moment to check nothing’s missing.
Check the Snow Report
Our daily Snow Report is up from 6:30am each morning and updates throughout the day if conditions change. It’s your go-to for lift status, temps, and what the weather’s doing up top. If it’s looking chilly, throw in an extra layer for the kids.
Arrive Early
The early bird gets the closest car park (or the front seats on the Ski Bus from Queenstown). Beat the rush, grab a hot choc, and ease into the day with zero stress.
Getting Here
Getting to Coronet Peak is easy, even with little ones in tow. The Ski Bus is a great option for families, taking the stress out of snow day travel. No need to worry about chains or parking. It’s popular during peak season and weekends, so we recommend booking early. If you’ve got lessons, check the schedule to make sure you arrive with plenty of time.
Driving up? We’re just 16km from central Queenstown via a sealed alpine road. Our Getting Here Guide has all the tips you need for a smooth, family-friendly journey to the snow.
Get their gear right
The difference between a full-day adventure and a meltdown by mid-morning? It’s all in the prep.
Cold fingers, soggy socks, and the dreaded boot tantrum, we’ve all been there. But a few smart tweaks can turn your snow day into a win:
Practice at home. Getting geared up can feel overwhelming for kids. A few dress rehearsals at home can make all the difference. It’s also a great chance to chat about what to expect on the mountain.
Sunblock on. Even on those cloudier days.
Layer like a legend. Tuck base and mid layers neatly under the jacket to keep the warmth in.
Socks smooth. No wrinkles or bunching inside boots.
Boots snug. Toes should just touch the end. No heel lift, no pressure points.
Pants over boots. Both layers. Keeps the snow out and the good times rolling.
Neck warmer up. Cover any gaps.
Gloves that fit. Dry, warm hands make a world of difference. Top Tip - always good to have a second pair just in case they get wet/lost.
Goggles attached to helmet. Nice and snug but not too tight. It's all about comfort here.
MyPass in place. A high jacket or sleeve pocket works best, so your little one can glide through the lift gates without a hitch.
Set Your Snow Day Game Plan
Here’s how to keep the day running smooth:
Set meeting times and places
Pick an easy to find location on the deck or inside the base building as your go-to meet-up point. Handy if you’re splitting up for lessons or someone needs a breather.
Take regular breaks
Fatigue can creep up on you when the vibes are good! It helps the day run smooth and everyone make it to the end with smiles if you schedule some regular breaks. Loosen up the ski boots, grab a hot choccy and a bite to eat at the cafe and head back out when everyone’s ready.
Keep it flexible
Kids’ energy can change with the weather. Be ready to pivot - whether that’s an early lunch or swapping one last run for a snowball fight.
Need a hand remembering it all?
Check out our Family Ski Day Checklist below.
Family Ski Day Checklist
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Lift passes (we call them MyPass Cards) in jacket sleeve pockets (easy to scan at the gates). Top Tip, purchase online and print these off at our self service Kiosks. You can find these on the mountain, in the Queesntown Snow Centre (25 Shotover St) or beside baggage claim at Queenstown Airport.
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Skis, snowboard, or rental gear sorted ahead of time. If you're hiring from us we recommend getting these sorted the day before you head up the mountain from our team in the Queenstown Snow Centre.
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Boots that fit well and are already adjusted.
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Helmets (compulsory for kids’ lessons) included if you're hiring equipment from us.
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Goggles and waterproof gloves - dry and ready to go.
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Waterproof jackets and pants - ideally with snow gaiters.
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Base layers, mid layers, and ski socks.
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Neck warmers or balaclavas.
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Sunscreen and lip balm applied before heading out.
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Snacks and a water bottle in the backpack.
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Meeting spot and break times planned.
- Plan for getting up the mountain on time.
Forgot something? No stress. Our on-mountain retail store is stocked with last-minute essentials, and you’ll find warm meals, treats and coffee at our cafés and restaurants.
Get Started with Kids' Lessons & Programmes
Kids' ski and snowboard lessons ensure they learn and progress their skills in a safe and fun environment without picking up any bad habits along the way.
Kids' lessons and programs can be purchased online or at Guest Services. Lessons can fill up fast, we suggest booking online in advance.
Child Ski & Snowboard Lessons
Our child ski and snowboard lessons at Coronet Peak are designed to spark a lifelong love for the snow. Perfect for ages 4 and up, these lessons cater to all ability levels from first-time turns to confident carving. Led by experienced instructors who know how to blend fun with skill-building, each lesson helps your tamariki grow their confidence on the mountain while making friends and unforgettable memories along the way.
Full Day Group Lesson
$185.00
Add-On: Hour Supervised Lunch - Includes a hot meal with a side salad and fruit - $40.00 Book NowHigh Performance Workshop
$185.00
Kids High Performance Workshops for skiers and riders ready to level up. Offering discipline-focused training in park, freeride, freestyle, or racing. Book Now
Child Programmes
Looking for more than a one-off lesson? Our multi-day kids’ programmes are designed for fast progression, top-tier coaching, and maximum fun, all in a supportive, high-energy crew. Whether your tamariki are just finding their feet or pushing their performance, these programmes build confidence, skills, and a real love for the mountain. With consistent coaching and plenty of time on snow, the results speak for themselves.
Rippers 6 Weekends
$690.00 | 4-12 Years
Rippers delivers 6 action-packed Saturdays or Sundays of fun, fast progression and expert coaching at Coronet Peak. Book NowRippers Enduro Holiday Camp
$780.00 | 13-18 Years
A high-energy, Enduro-level holiday programme for 13–18 year olds confident on blue runs, featuring 5 consecutive days of expert coaching, progression and fun. Book NowJunior Performance Academy - 12 Days
$1.899.00 | 5-17 Years
12 Days of elite world-class coaching for aspiring junior skiers or riders looking to learn and level up a mix of technical, park, race & freeride skills. Book NowJunior Performance Academy - 22 Days
$3,190 | 5-17 Years
A 22-day elite-level coaching programme for 5–17 year olds ready to push boundaries in race, freeride or park. Book NowMake Time for Your Turns Too
Family ski days can be full-on but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your own mountain time. With flexible lift pass options, including our Parent Pass and all-day Skiwiland childcare, you can sneak in a few solo laps while the little ones are sorted.
Skiwiland
My First Ski SchoolSkiwiland is our licensed Early Learning and Childcare Centre for children aged 2–5, offering snow-filled fun guided by the NZ Early Childhood Education curriculum. With play-based learning, outdoor adventures, and even beginner skiing, it’s the perfect place for little ones to grow confidence on the mountain. Our qualified teachers and instructors create a safe, nurturing space so you can carve easy, knowing they’re in great hands.
Premium Family Privates
Make memories together with a private coaching day designed just for families and friends. The Family Private Experience pairs your group with one of our expert Performance Academy coaches for a personalised, laughter-filled day on the snow - tailored to every skill level, from first-timers to confident cruisers. You’ll also enjoy priority lift access, plus access to our shared private lounge and catering, giving you the space to relax, refuel and reset between runs.
Premium Family Private
Lift Passes
Superpass
The Superpass is your flexible lift pass for Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Mt Hutt.
Ski any day of the season (no booking needed) or swap a snow day for credit at local restaurants, activities and retailers in Queenstown and Canterbury if you're needing a break.
The more days you buy, the more you save - it’s the ultimate way to ski your way, on your schedule.
Parent Pass
Taking turns watching the kids? The Parent Pass is the perfect option for families with young children, allowing two caregivers to share a single Day Lift Pass, one on the slopes at a time, from 9am to 4pm.
Parent Passes are available exclusively from Guest Services at Coronet Peak or the Snow Centre in central Queenstown (25 Shotover Street). Just swing by and our team will sort you out.
Learner Area Pass
Just getting started? The Learner Area Pass is your best-value ticket to building confidence on the snow. With all-day access to beginner surface lifts (think magic carpets and conveyors), it’s the perfect way to practise your turns, stops and technique at your own pace.
Feeling good by lunchtime? You can upgrade your pass to select chairlifts from 12:30pm - just ask our Guest Services team if you’re ready to level up.
Afternoon Pass
Not a morning person? No worries. The Afternoon Pass is made for cruisy starts and sleep-ins, giving you full mountain access from 12:30pm to 4pm. Sleep in, roll up when you're ready, and still get your fix of fresh air, fast laps and unforgettable views
View All Passes
From first-timers to seasoned shredders, early risers to après-lovers - we’ve got a pass to suit every kind of mountain day. Take a look through the options and choose the one that fits your style. Whether it’s just a few afternoon turns, a full season of fast laps, or something in between, your perfect day starts right here.
Kids 5 & Under Ski Free
Start 'em young and stoked. Kids aged 5 & under ski free at the Peak. Just grab their free Season Pass online, print their MyPass Card at a kiosk or with Guest Services, and they’re all set to ride. Because the love of snow starts early, and we’re here for it.
Book Now
Hire your equipment on the mountain
We have a range of rental equipment for you and your kids starting from 4+ years and up. That includes skis, boots, poles, helmets, jackets, pants, and snowboards (available for ages 7+).
Feeling organised? Head along to our Snow Centre in central Queenstown the afternoon before you head up the mountain and the team will sort get your fitted and kitted. One less thing to think about when you get slopeside. Or catch the team on the mountain and hire it all at Coronet Peak to get your family mountain-ready, just be sure to have your MyPass card ready or visit Guest Services first.
Important to know: If you hire from our Queenstown Snow Centre (25 Shotover St), you’ll need to return your gear there. Keep that in mind so your après plans run smoothly!
Planning a multi-day adventure? We’ll store your rentals overnight, free of charge but subject to availability.
Less lugging, more skiing. Easy as.
Fuel the Fun
Sorting food on the mountain takes the pressure off. It means less packing, less planning, and more time for fun. Whether you’re after a proper feed or a little pick-me-up between laps, we’ve got tasty options to keep the whānau happy.
Grab n’ Go & Barista Bar (main base) serves up toasties, hot chips, sweet treats and barista coffee - quick, easy, and ready when you are.
West End Eatery offers hot, hearty meals to keep energy high from first lift to final lap.
And tucked away in Rocky Gully, Heidi’s Hut delivers wood-fired pizza, alpine charm and unbeatable views. A hidden gem worth discovering.
FAQs
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.
Where do I take my kids for lessons?
Our lessons at Coronet Peak start by the learner’s area at the far end of the base building. Please arrive for your lessons at least 15 minutes early as each lesson has a maximum group number for safety and optimal learning.
Are my kids too young to ski?
We offer lessons from as young as 2 years old at our fully licensed early learning centre, Skiwiland. Little ones can join a full-day Snow Play session, designed to introduce them to the snow in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. You can ski easy knowing they’re in great hands, cared for by our qualified early childhood teachers and certified ski instructors.
From age 4 and up, kids can join our group ski and snowboard lessons, where they’ll start learning the basics with other young shredders. Our team knows how to keep things fun, confidence-building, and age-appropriate whether it’s their first time sliding or they’re ready to tackle the beginner slopes.
Private lessons are also available. These one-on-one sessions are tailored to your child’s pace and needs, perfect for those who learn best with individual attention.
And the best part? Kids aged 5 and under ski free. You can purchase a Child 5 & Under Season Pass from our online store or at Guest Services. We also offer child passes for ages 6+ that work across Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt.
No matter their age or stage, we’re here to help your tamariki fall in love with the snow
What will my kids learn in their ski lesson?
Our kid’s lessons cater for all ability levels, so if it’s their first time on snow our experienced instructors will help them learn the basics. If your kids already have some experience our team will help them build their ski or snowboarding skills and confidence.
Do you have rentals equipment for kids?
Hire skis, snowboards, clothing, and helmets right on the mountain or from our Snow Centre in Queenstown.
For hygiene reasons, we don’t rent gloves or goggles, but you can buy them at our Coronet Peak retail shop.
To book your rental gear, simply add rentals when booking online or through Guest Services. On arrival, bring your MyPass card to the rental department, our team will get you fitted quickly and efficiently.
Multi-day rental? Take advantage of free overnight gear storage.
We have equipment for adults and kids aged 4+. For younger children, contact us to discuss options.
Choose from top brands like Head, Burton, and Salomon. As your skills progress, upgrade to performance gear. All equipment is regularly tuned for top performance.
Need to swap boots or skis? No problem, visit us anytime for a better fit and maximum comfort.
What do I need to bring for a Ski Day at Coronet Peak?
Planning a ski or snowboard day at Coronet Peak? Here’s what you’ll need to bring to make the most of your time on the mountain.
Essential gear to bring:
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Warm, waterproof outerwear (jacket and pants)
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Base layers (thermal or merino)
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Gloves or mittens
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Goggles or sunglasses
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Helmet (required for lessons – rentals available)
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Thick socks (ski or snowboard-specific recommended)
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MyPass card or booking QR code
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Water bottle and snacks
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Sunscreen and lip balm
Don’t have all the gear? No worries. We offer ski and snowboard rentals, including clothing and helmets, right at the base building. Our Rental Centre has everything you need for a full day on snow.
How do I get there?
Getting to Coronet Peak is easy; we’re the closest ski field to Queenstown, only 16kms away. You can either drive yourself or catch a ride on Coronet Peak's Ski Bus from central Queenstown.
If you are driving yourself please check our weather page before heading up for daily snow and road conditions.
What facilities are on the mountain?
Everything you need for a seamless day on the snow is right here at Coronet Peak – Queenstown’s local ski resort.
At our base building, you’ll find bathrooms, changing areas, and secure lockers to store your gear. Our on-mountain Rental Centre has everything you need – including ski and snowboard rentals, boots, helmets, and waterproof outerwear. Perfect for first-timers or those travelling light.
Hungry? Head to the Base Café for barista-made coffee, hot meals, snacks, and sweet treats – all served with panoramic alpine views. For a unique mountain dining experience, ride the Rocky Gully T-Bar to Heidi’s Hut, known for its wood-fired pizza, mulled wine, and legendary alpine vibes. While you're up there, don’t miss our newest attraction Heidi’s Hot Tub.
Ready to improve your skiing or riding skills? We offer professional ski and snowboard lessons with expert coaching from our qualified instructors. From first-timers to advanced riders, our lessons are designed to build confidence and technique.
Hop on the Coronet Express Gondola for fast access to the slopes, scenic views, and our mountain viewing platform – ideal for photos or non-skiers taking in the sights.
Driving up? Our free car park shuttles run all day from the lower lots. You’ll also find free Wi-Fi, water refill stations, and plenty of helpful staff to keep your day running smoothly.
Whether you’re here to ski, snowboard, sightsee or simply soak up the alpine atmosphere, Coronet Peak has all the mountain facilities you need for an unforgettable day.