Winter, made early.
Ski, Sled, See and Play
Early Winter Opening | 29 May–12 June 2026
Fresh snow. Beginner laps. Snow play magic. And views from the top.
New for 2026: thanks to our brand new Snow Factory, we’re opening earlier than ever from 29 May, with snow on the ground even when winter’s still finding its rhythm.
- 29 May–12 June: Early Winter operations (10am–3pm)
- From 13 June: Full mountain opens as usual (9am–4pm)
What’s open during Early Season (29 May–12 June)
Here’s what you can do
We’re running a focused Early Season snow zone on our beginner terrain. Perfect for first timers skiers and snowboarders, families, learners getting their legs back and anyone looking for some fun in the snow!
Open daily, 10am–3pm
- Peak Gondola for sightseeing adventures to the top of Coronet Peak featuring amazing views.
- Magic Carpet lifts for ski and snowboard access to our beginner terrain and snow sledding lane.
- Sledding lane (accessed via Magic Carpet lift - fun and smiles guaranteed!
- Sled hire (bookings required)
- Equipment rental (skis/snowboard, boots, poles, clothing, helmets)
- Ski and snowboard lessons (First Timer + Private)
- Café for great coffee and kiwi hospitality at altitude
- Ski bus return transport from Queenstown
What’s not open yet (until 13 June)
To keep expectations clean and happy:
- Beginner terrain only during Early Season
- Full mountain terrain and full lift access begins from 13 June
- Sledding lane will move to another area from 13 June without Magic Carpet access.
- Full winter operations kick in, this includes more snowsports coaching options, skiwiland and an expanded ski bus service.
- Full café, restaurant and bar facilities available as we get into the main winter season.
The Snow Factory
Our new Snow Factory helps us build snow earlier by making it independent of air temperature. It works using a closed circuit that freezes water into snow without chemical additives. That means: Earlier turns, more reliable beginner conditions and a proper first snow moment from 29 May.
Winter Magic Without Skis
Snowball fights, sledding magic, and panoramic views from the top of Queenstown. Ride the Peak Gondola to breathtaking views, sled down our dedicated snow sled lanes, build your first snowman, or give skiing a go on gentle beginner slopes.
Getting Here
Getting to Coronet Peak is easy, we're the closest ski area (just 16km) to Queenstown. You can drive yourself up or catch our Ski Bus service. See below for the full run down.
What Pass Do I Need?
Choose your adventure:
Early Winter Access Pass: Valid from 29 May - 12 June.
Prior to the full opening of the mountain (June 13th) this pass is required for all users of the area where the Snow Factory snow is being used. This includes access and use of the Magic Carpet Lifts for skiing, snowboarding and sledding from 10am – 3pm.
NOTE: Keep your Super and Saver Passes for the full mountain experience from 13 June.
Can you use your 3 Peak Season Pass for early season access? Absolutely! It's the perfect way to remind your muscles what they need to do before going large.
Sightseeing Pass: Access the Peak Gondola & upper mountain views
2 Hour Snow Sled Hire: Hire one of our sleds to use in our dedicated sledding lanes. Must be used with a Early Winter Access Pass to access the Magic Carpet Lifts.
First Timer Package: 10am - 3pm ski/snowboard group lesson, equipment rental and lift pass. Perfect for your first time on snow.
Early Winter Snowplay & Sightseeing Package: Get the best of both worlds with sledding and gondola rides in a winter wonderland.
Full pass details and options to book below.
Early Winter Access Pass
Valid 29 May - 12 JuneYour lift ticket to Early Season at Coronet Peak. This pass is required for all users of the area where the Snow Factory snow is being used. This includes access and use of the Magic Carpet Lifts for skiing, snowboarding and sledding from 10am – 3pm.
Adult: 16+
$25
Child: 6 - 15
$15
Child: 5 & under
Free
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Early Winter First Timer Package
Valid 29 May - 12 JuneReady to try skiing or snowboarding? We’ve got you covered! Our First Timer Package makes it easy with Lift Passes, Equipment Rental (skis/snowboard, boots, poles, helmet) and a Full Day Group Lesson. Hire clothing separately and grab goggles or gloves from our on-mountain shop. Let the fun begin!
Adult: 16+
$270
Child: 6 - 15
$235
Snowboard from 7 yearsChild: 4 - 5
$215
Sightseeing Pass
Includes Peak Gondola RideTake a scenic ride on the Peak Gondola and soar above Queenstown. At the summit, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping alpine views across the Wakatipu Basin, perfect for photos, proposals, or just pausing to take it all in. Snow boots recommended for wandering up top, you can hire from us on the mountain.
Adult: 16+
$39
Child: 6 - 15
$39
Child: 5 & under
Free
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Sled Hire
Hire one of our sleds to use in our dedicated sledding lanes. Must be used with a Snowplay Pass to access the Magic Carpet Lifts between 29 May and 12 June. Please note personal sleds are not permitted in the lift accessed areas, only Coronet Peak sleds are permitted.
2 Hour Sled Hire
$35 per sled
Bookings required as capacity is limited
Early Winter Snowplay & Sightseeing Package
Includes Peak Gondola Pass, Sled Hire & Snowplay PassDouble the fun. Enjoy the best of both worlds, a scenic Peak Gondola ride to panoramic views over Queenstown, plus access to our dedicated sledding lanes for some downhill thrills. It’s the perfect winter combo for first-timers, snow lovers and anyone chasing that magic Coronet experience. Enjoy unlimited Gondola rides at Coronet Peak for a day. 10am -3pm for a day between 29th May – 12th June.
Valid 29 May - 12 June
Adult: 16+
$99
Child: 6 - 15
$79
Family
$277
2 adults, 2 children
Early Winter Lessons & Coaching
Valid 29 May - 12 JuneWe’re running focused coaching lessons for ski and snowboard on our beginner terrain during our Early Winter period of 29 May - 12 June. Ideal for first time on snow, confidence building, getting your rhythm back for winter. Full winter products are available to use from 13 June onwards.
Early Winter Full Day Private Coaching
$1225
Price includes up to 6 People. Maximise progress with experienced coaches. 10am – 3pm on Beginner Terrain. Book NowEarly Winter: Half Day Private Coaching
$775
Price includes up to 4 People. Fast, Focused, Personalised Coaching on Beginner Terrain for 3 hours. Book NowEarly Winter Premium Private
$2050
Price includes up to 4 guests. Learn from our best coaches for an unmatched lesson experience. Book NowEarly Winter Premium Family
$1450
Price includes up to 4 guests. Private Create unforgettable memories together on the mountain with a full-day, family-focused coaching experience. Book Now
Ski Bus
Bookings RequiredDeparts regularly from 9am until 11am from 9 Duke St, central Queenstown. We stop at all the main bus stops on the way to Coronet Peak through Gorge Road and Arthurs Point.
Central Queenstown to Coronet Peak
Pickups from 9 Duke St
9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm
Returns from Coronet Peak to Queenstown
11.30, 1.30, 2.30 and 3.30pm.
Equipment & Clothing Rental
We offer a wide range of ski and snowboard equipment, regularly tuned and maintained to keep you riding smoothly and feeling comfortable on the mountain.
FAQs
Can anyone use the Snow Play Area?
You are welcome to bring your own sled and use it in areas away from the base of Meadows and Carpet lifts where people are skiing and sliding.
For safety reasons personal sleds are not allowed in our lift serviced sledding lanes or on the ski slopes.
The Snow Play area is restricted to those using the lifts to avoid collisions in the active area.
How do I get to Coronet Peak?
For full details on the best way to get to Coronet Peak this winter - check our out Getting Here page.