Coronet Peak & The Remarkables
Tips for parents and beginners
It can be quite a daunting task getting the family to the mountains, and if this is your first time on snow, we know that it can be a little confusing choosing the right products to suit your needs.
The following information is designed for families, to make getting to the snow as easy as possible.
What do we need to bring?
Planning and preparation are key to the success of any winter holiday, and having the right equipment will make a big difference to your level of enjoyment. To be as comfortable as possible in an alpine environment, we recommend bringing the following items for each family member:
- Boots or shoes that have good tread – snow and ice can be slippery to walk on.
- Warm, waterproof pants and jacket - these can be expensive to purchase however are available to rent on the mountain. We don't recommend denim or jeans, when wet it gets very cold and is not a good fabric to wear for this sort of physical activity.
- A warm hat (preferably one that covers your ears), a scarf or neck warmer.
- Gloves – preferably waterproof.
- Plenty of layers such as merino or thermal underwear, fleece, t-shirts, skivvies, woollen garments. You ideally want to have the thermal layers next to your skin with heavier garments over top, which can be added or removed as your body temperature changes. We suggest you don't wear cotton against your skin as it retains moisture and will make you colder.
- Eye protection – sunglasses or goggles. Very important as the suns rays can damage your eyes.
- Sunscreen – this is a MUST. Even if it is cloudy, the reflective surface of the snow can cause skin damage.
- Camera – it will be a memorable holiday. Plus the views in and around Queenstown and from the mountains are unbelievable.
Rentals
If this is your first time on snow or you don't have your own equipment, you can rent what you need from our on-mountain rentals. We stock:
- Skis, boots and poles
- Snowboards and boots
- Jacket and pants (for children aged 6 – 14 and sizes XS – 6XL for adults)
- Helmets (limited numbers)
We do not rent hats, gloves and goggles, however a great selection of these can be purchased from our on-mountain retail stores, plus a wide range of other branded and non-branded products.
If you rent from us, you can store your rental equipment on the mountain each night, and you have the option of returning your gear to either mountain (Coronet Peak or The Remarkables), or the Queenstown Snow Centre, irrespective of where you collected it from.
KIDS PROGRAMMES
Skiwiland Early Learning Centre
Skiwiland is a fully licensed childcare facility, based on the mountains. Both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are able to take babies as young as 3 months, however space for these little ones is limited so advance bookings are essential.
Within Skiwiland we have two programme options; Kiwi Kids and Skiwi Kids.
Kiwi Kids
For children aged 3 months – 3 years.
Kiwi Kids is on-mountain childcare, based inside the crèche facility, with some outdoor playtime when conditions and weather allow. Kiwi Kids is run by fully qualified Early Childhood Educators and provides safe and fun childcare in both half and full day options. Children in the Kiwi Kids programme do not ski and lunch is not provided by the mountain.
Skiwi Kids
For children aged 3 – 5 years.
Skiwi Kids is also on-mountain based childcare as per Kiwi Kids mentioned above, however Skiwi Kids also has the option of a ski lesson if required. Pricing for Skiwi Kids is broken down into full and half day options with or without the ski lesson. The ski lesson prices include equipment rental and the full day options include lunch prepared by the on-mountain kitchen.
To book Kiwi Kids and Skiwi Kids, you will need to complete the booking forms, located on www.nzski.com. A non-refundable $25 deposit per child per day will be required upon booking, full payment is required to secure your child's place in Skiwiland.
Download Skiwiland information and booking sheets:
Kea Club
Kea Club is a ski and snowboard programme designed specifically for kids aged 5 – 15 years (ski) and 8 – 15 years (snowboard).
Kea Club operates every day of the season and does not require advance bookings. It caters for children of all ability levels, including children who have never been on snow before. Groups will be split into ability level and similar age, and the kids will be taught by our fully qualified, child-focussed instructors.
Kea Club is a full or half day programme (full day runs 9.50am – 3.50pm, half day morning is 9.50am – 12.20pm and afternoon is 1.20pm – 3.50pm), the full day programme includes a supervised lunch prepared by our on-mountain kitchen. During lunch, Kea Club participants are seated in a reserved area and will be provided with games and activities, plus a yummy lunch to keep them occupied.
Pricing options for Kea Club are made up of lesson, lift pass and rental equipment, depending on what you require. You can also add on helmet and clothing rental to your package.
Download Kea Club information sheet
5 year olds
If your child is 5 years old, you have the option of either Skiwi Kids or Kea Club. The difference between the two programmes is fairly vast, so please consider each programme carefully before you purchase.
Skiwi Kids who opt for ski lessons will be skiing, but length of lessons will be dependent on the child's level of energy. If you're booking a full day and your child doesn't have the energy for six hours on skis, this would be the better option.
Kea Club comes in half and full day options and is ski lesson based. The full day option includes a break for lunch (provided). Your child will need to be willing to ski for extended periods, in a group of similar age and ability level.
Kruiser Squad (School Holiday Programme)
Kruiser Squad is a five day development programme run during the New Zealand school holidays for children aged 5 – 15 years, ability level 2 – 6 (this programme is not suitable for children who have never been on snow or who are beginner level).
Kruiser Squad is run by our top kids instructors and will focus on improving your child's skills and is run by top instructors who will give advanced, individual attention and feedback in a fun and friendly environment. This is a full day programme running 10am – 3.50pm, and includes supervised lunch prepared by our on-mountain kitchen.
Start dates are 5 July, 12 July and 27 September. Bookings are essential and minimum numbers apply. See www.nzski.com for a booking form and pricing options.
Download Kruiser Squad information and booking sheets:
More Info
Contact the Queenstown Snow Centre
Phone: +64 3 450 1970
Freephone from within NZ: 0800 365 696
Freephone from within Australia: 1800 365 696
Email:
Web: www.nzski.com