The First Timer's Guide to Coronet Peak
There’s a first time for everything – and there’s no better place to start than Coronet Peak.
As New Zealand's first commercial ski field, we've been welcoming first turns, first stacks, and first breakthroughs since 1947 – and the tradition continues with you.
Whether you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, or just new to this mountain, The Peak delivers a magic mix of terrain, atmosphere, and hospitality that makes every visit unforgettable.
For first-time riders, our beginner zones are the stuff of snow dreams – gentle slopes, easy-to-use lifts, and expert instructors ready to show you the ropes. It’s where thousands have taken their first slide – and where lifelong snow lovers are born.
For experienced skiers and snowboarders visiting for the first time, this is your chance to carve fresh corduroy, and soak up Queenstown’s best views with fast laps and a vibe like no other.
With Night Ski, rollercoaster terrain, and après-ski that keeps the good times rolling, we’ve been Making Memories Since 1947 – and your next one starts here.
Getting Here
Getting to the Peak is easy, especially if you catch a ride on our Ski Bus. We recommend booking in early as it books out during our peak season and some weekends. Check the schedule to catch the right bus if you have a lesson booked to ensure you arrive with plenty of time.
Prefer to drive? We’re just 16km from central Queenstown via a sealed alpine road. Check our Getting Here Guide for all the tips and tricks for an easy journey to the snow.
Choosing your Lift Pass
At Coronet Peak, we’ve got a range of ski passes to match your adventure.
First time on snow? our First Timer Package is the best way to get started. Great value and includes your Lift Pass, a Group Lesson and equipment rental.
Catching a few days during the season? Go for a Superpass – it unlocks Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Mt Hutt, with the flexibility to exchange unused days for off-mountain fun and the more days you buy the more you save.
Looking for more days, value, or living it up with a Sesson Pass? Check out all our pass options here.
Lessons & Packages
Dreaming of your first day on snow at Coronet Peak? Whether you're a total beginner or looking to sharpen your turns, ski and snowboard lessons are the best way to get started. Our certified, experienced, snow instructors are here to help beginners build confidence, learn the basics, and experience the magic of skiing or snowboarding in Queenstown’s backyard. Choose from group or private lessons designed for all ages and skill levels. First timers love learning on our gentle beginner slopes, while returning learners can level up fast with tailored coaching. Need rentals and a lift pass? Book a First Timer Package – it includes everything you need for your first day at the Peak.
Rental Gear
Hiring ski or snowboard gear at Coronet Peak is seamless. Rent everything you need from skis, snowboards, boots, poles, helmets, and outerwear. Collect your equipment on the mountain or from the Snow Centre in Queenstown at 9 Duke st. Need goggles or gloves? Purchase them from our retail shop before you hit the slopes. Skip the queue and pre-book your rental gear online. Just collect your MyPass card and visit our rentals team to get fitted and kitted, then ride and return. Too easy.
Your MyPass Card
Everyone needs a MyPass Card to use the products they’ve purchased. It gives you access to the conveyors and chairlifts, as well as any rental gear, lessons or Queenstown Ski Bus rides you have bought. You can collect your MyPass Card two ways:
Kiosks:
Scan your order barcode in your order confirmation email at any self-service kiosk on-mountain, at the Snow Centre (25 Shotover St), or beside baggage claim at Queenstown Airport.
Guest Services:
Visit our team at Coronet Peak, or the Snow Centre (25 Shotover St).
Planning your day
A little planning goes a long way to unlocking Good Times. Here’s how to make your experience at The Peak smooth from sunrise to last lap.
1. Check the Conditions
The weather changes quickly, so before you head up, make sure you scope out the official Snow Report, Live Webcams, Weather Forecast, and Road & Lift Status - all on our site.
Snow Report
2. Plan your arrival
Catching the bus? Check the Schedule - Book ahead and know your pick-up time
Driving up? Aim to arrive on the mountain an hour before you plan to be on the snow. This allows time to park, get to the base building, gear up, catch a coffee and soak in the mountain vibes. Weather can change quickly in the alpine, so always carry snow chains – they’re required when conditions demand it. Snow chain calls for the road will be communicated on our Snow Report.
3. Know where you're going
Renting Gear from us? Visit our friendly rental team. They'll get you fitted and kitted for a great day on the snow. We can sort you with clothing, skis/snowboard, boots, poles and helmets. In Queenstown you've got two options for collecting your rental gear - From the Snow Centre at 25 Shotover St in Queenstown (recommend you get fitted after 4pm the day before you hit the snow) or on the mountain, on the ground floor of our base lodge. Allow at least 30 minutes to get fitted and sorted.
Got a Lesson? Meet your coach at the Snowsports Meeting Area on snow (just along from the bottom of the Meadows Express chairlift - look for the flags. Please arrive 15 minutes early, gear on and MyPass ready.
Quick Tip: Purchase online and sort your MyPass Card the day before you head up the mountain at one of our self-service kiosks. Located at Queenstown Airport beside baggage claim or in the Queenstown Snow Centre.
4. Choose Your Terrain
From first slides to fast laps – our terrain is designed to build confidence at every level.
Start on the Conveyor Carpets in the Learner’s Area – ideal for first timers and kids with gentle, easy slopes.
Next, head to Meadows Express for wide green trails like Big Easy, perfect for learning turns and gaining confidence.
When you're ready to explore further, ride the Coronet Express to access a mix of blue, red and black runs with epic views and loads of variety.
Greengates Express opens some iconic Coronet terrain, with gulleys, steeps and wide roaming trails – a favourite for locals looking for flowy laps.
Seeking something different? Rocky Gully T-Bar offers blue and beyond terrain and access to Heidi’s Hut for alpine vibes and après. Keep an eye out and you might spot some of the world's best Alpine Ski Racers lapping the T-Bar. The Peak is a popular training ground for the best.
Want to plan your lines? Explore our full Trail Map below.
5. Refuel
Carved your heart out? Time to recharge. Whether you’re craving a quick coffee or a long lunch in the sun, we’ve got you covered.
Coronet Grab n' Go & Barista Bar – Located in the main building, it’s your go-to for barista-made coffee, hot meals, sweet treats and grab-and-go snacks. Explore the West End Eatery for something a bit more substantial.
Heidi’s Hut is tucked away in Rocky Gully, at the bottom of the T-Bar. This alpine gem is worth the detour, expect wood-fired pizza, mulled wine, a hot tub with stunning views and European alpine vibes.
FAQs
When is the Ski Season?
The season kicks off in June and runs through early October. July school holidays bring the busiest crowds, so plan ahead and book early to lock in the magic.
What time does the mountain open?
Coronet Peak is open daily from 9am – 4pm, subject to weather conditions.
First Tracks: 8am – 9am daily.
Night Ski: 4pm – 9pm Wednesday, Friday and Select Saturday nights.
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 – whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned shredder.
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.
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.
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.
Can I Reschedule my Ski Bus Booking?
Rescheduling
A Ski Bus pass that has a date and time reservation is only valid for the date, time, pickup location, and destination that it has been booked for.
You can change your booked departure date, time, pickup location, or destination for any reason prior to the booked departure time.
Ski Bus passes cannot be rescheduled after the departure time. You must change your booking before your scheduled Ski Bus departure time to keep your pass valid.
Changes are not guaranteed and are subject to availability.
Bookings can be changed online, by calling our reservations team on 0800 697 547, or by visiting our guest services team.
Tickets cannot be rescheduled after the departure time.
To Change Your Booking:
You can make some changes to your reservations, subject to availability.
- Log in to your account and head to your Profile page
- Select "Overview and then "Order History"
- Select the “Order Reference" number for the reserved product you would like to update
- Select the calendar icon for the product you would like to reschedule
- Select "RESCHEDULE" and follow the steps to select another date or location.
Refunds
There are no refunds or credits available for no-shows, for cancellations or for rescheduling requests made after the booked departure time.
Bookings missed due to illness or injury may be refunded on presentation of a medical certificate as per our general terms and conditions of sale.
Bookings missed in the event of a mountain closed day will be rescheduled where possible or refunded if another day cannot be rescheduled during the season.
All Ski Bus passes are valid only for the season, date and time which they were purchased for. Unused or partially unused passes cannot be refunded at the end of the season.
Ski Bus passes are not transferable. Pass identification requirements are as per our general terms and conditions of sale.
How to reschedule a lesson
- Log in to your account and head to your Profile page
- Select "Overview and then "Order History"
- Find your order and select "DETAILS"
- Select "RESERVATIONS"
- Select "RESCHEDULE" and then your preferred date.
Cancellations, Refunds & Transfers
Please view our full terms and conditions for our cancellation, refund and transfer policy.
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.
Heading home for the day?
To keep the good times rolling, be sure to follow these last few tips.
- Return any rental equipment by the end of the day
- If you’re travelling by shuttle bus, plan your departure. A bus will depart every 15 minutes from the top terminal.
- If you want to beat the evening rush, try to depart around 4:30pm.
Safety Tips for First Time Skiers and Snowboarders
Safety is at the heart of every first turn at Coronet Peak. Our beginner zones are carefully designed with gentle slopes, soft fall lines, and dedicated Conveyor Carpets to make learning smooth and secure. You'll always find our expert instructors nearby — trained to guide, encourage, and make sure everyone’s building confidence at their own pace.
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Start on green runs – Beginner terrain is where confidence is built.
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Look ahead – Keep your eyes up and focus on where you want to go.
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Follow mountain signs – Obey all posted signs and listen to ski patrol.
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Take regular breaks – Tired legs increase your risk of falling.
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Move aside after a fall – Clear the trail before getting up.
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Dress in layers – Stay warm, dry, and ready for changing weather.
- Wear a helmet – Protect your head with proper snow sports gear.
Tip: Helmets are recommended for all riders, and included in all rental packages. Layer up, wear gloves, and follow the signs — they’re there to help you ride smart.
How do instructors keep lessons safe?
Our Snowsports team is made up of certified professionals with top-tier training. Every lesson is structured to match your ability, comfort level, and conditions on the day. We start with clear safety briefings, keep group sizes manageable, and focus on steady progression — from first balance to first carve.
You'll also learn the Snow Responsibility Code along the way, so you're not just riding better, but riding with awareness of others on the mountain. Safe turns = Good Times.