Winter has officially arrived at The Remarkables, with the Queenstown ski area announcing it will open for the 2026 season on Saturday, June 27, following fresh snowfall and a successful snowmaking window.
After receiving 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) of wind-affected snow, with drifts reaching up to 60 centimeters (24 inches), resort staff confirmed conditions are sufficient for a limited opening featuring the Learners’ Area and conveyor lifts. Snowmaking will continue throughout Friday, helping prepare the beginner terrain for opening day. “The weather is looking good for Saturday, and we are excited to get the season underway,” the resort said in its latest snow report. “We look forward to seeing you up here.”
In a video shared on social media, The Remarkables Ski Area Manager Steve Hall confirmed the news. “It’s a cold, snowy Remarks, which is great news and it means we are gonna open on Saturday,” Hall said. “We’re gonna open our learners area on Saturday and we are super stoked to get open and be able to have you up here and share the mountain with you.”
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The opening comes after a slow start to the New Zealand season, with warm early-winter temperatures delaying operations across several South Island ski areas. However, a recent cold snap has allowed snowmaking systems to run continuously, while natural snowfall has begun replenishing the mountain.
Located just a 40-minute drive from Queenstown, The Remarkables is renowned for its wide-open alpine terrain, freestyle facilities, and spectacular views across Lake Wakatipu.
While Saturday’s opening will initially focus on beginners, forecast cold temperatures should allow snowmaking teams to continue expanding terrain as conditions permit.
With neighboring Coronet Peak already operating and Cardrona Alpine Resort also opening today, New Zealand’s South Island ski season is finally beginning to gather momentum.
- Related: Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand, Announces Opening Day for Tomorrow After Fresh Snowfall
The Remarkables Resort Stats
- Summit Elevation: 1,943 meters (6,375 feet)
- Base Elevation: 1,586 meters (5,203 feet)
- Vertical Drop: 357 meters (1,171 feet)
- Skiable Terrain: 385 hectares (951 acres)
- Lifts: 7
- Trails: 44
- Terrain Difficulty: Beginner (30%), Intermediate (40%), Advanced (30%)
