Do you like snow? How about seeing it every day and getting yourself sweat at the same time?
The Remarkables ski field is a well-known ski resort in the area as its relatively close location to Queenstown and the view as the name suggests — remarkable.
This was also my first mountain where I learned snowboarding, skiing and had one of my best first rides.
The season starts from Jun to the middle of October, however, the winter season only lasts from Jun to September. This is my experience riding in springtime from September to the end of the season.
There are many available options for passes, you could buy a daily pass, packages, or season pass. For me, I got the season pass which gives access to not only Remarkables, but Coronet peak and Mt Hutt.
The ride from the town center to the Remarkables ski field is also quite of a ride, a 40-minute scenic ride that offers a breathtaking view over the lake Wakatipu, snow-capped mountains and the basin.
I did drive here many times, but most of the time I would hitch-hike or take the shuttle bus, but I prefer to hitch-hike as this was also a wonderful chance to meet and talk to like-minded people. Beware that you may need chains for your own safety in the winter conditions.
The ski field provides a large area for parking lot, but it might get crowded during the weekends or peak hours.
Leaving your car, you need to walk up a steep slope to enter the ski field base. This is a complex that offer rental services, bar, cafe and restaurants, one downside is there’s no accommodation, but there are plenty of great options in town.
Since I am a beginner, I must say the Remarks is very beginner-friendly. There is one area for beginners with carpet and two parks for more challenging terrain.
They also have good terrain parks available for intermediate and advanced levels, but I never get there, LOL.
However, with the bowl facing the sun, it usually doesn’t get much powder, so you would see people rush to the mountain after a snowfall to enjoy the powder. Don’t worry! they have a snowmaking gun to make up for that, you could see how this gun works if you show up early when the ski field is just open.
During the training, I took one lesson for skiing, just to learn how to move around, stop and turn. It was really interesting, but I went right back to snowboarding after that, just because I fell in love with it first.
After a few lessons riding on the carpet, the instructor took us to the chairlift to ride down, I remember the first time landing on the ground I was so scared that I couldn’t stop by myself and the instructor had to help me.
I would never forget the feeling every time sitting on the lift, taking in the fresh air, the stunning vista of mountain ranges and surrounding area, everything seemed so surreal.
Nearly a month riding mostly on beginner terrain, I think I got the hang of it, still remember the first time I did the box and nailed it after 4 attempts, it was so thrilling.
Then I also practiced 360 spinnings and begin with carving, I wish I had had more time to master it before the season ends though.
This is the place I grew a love for winter sports, I love to learn more about skiing and pick up more tricks with snowboarding as well.
The Remarkables ski field is my first mountain, and I'm sure it's not the last one.
Have you been here? I'd love to hear your take.