The sun’s back out, the temperature’s turning up and the vibe is good. Spring is the season for getting back outdoors. In Queenstown and Wanaka, Spring is the season for skiing! Soft snow and fewer queues are just some of the reasons to hit the slopes after the peak of winter. Some of the best dumpings of fresh snow have been in September over the years, meaning it’s not all over for skiers and snowboarders at the end of August. For those with a spring ski pass, it’s just getting started! It’s not a hard sell to convince you to get up the South Island ski fields in spring, but these juicy points will have you recommending spring skiing to all your loved ones too.
The ski fields in Queenstown and Wanaka stay open until September or October each year and closing days depend on the weather.
1. Discounted passes for spring skiing
When skiing and snowboarding and cost-saving are paired together, you know you’re in for a good thing. Cardrona and Treble Cone spring multi-day passes get you on the slopes from just $85 per day. Spring deals are one of the biggest perks about skiing and snowboarding at this time of year. Explore two of the best alpine resorts in the South Island for several days and make the most of the snow. There are ski runs for beginners, advanced skiers and boarders and everyone in between. Check out the natural halfpipe at Treble Cone or indulge in some sightseeing from the gondola cabins (McDougall’s Chondola) at Cardrona. It’s all a go in spring.
Check out the pricing for spring passes for adults, kids, students and seniors here.
2. More daylight
Warmer weather and more hours of daylight. What’s not to love?! September and early October can be the ultimate months for snow sports in the South Island. Cardrona Alpine Resort is a huge mountain which means you can follow the sun. Start the morning on east-facing slopes and progress to the runs on the northern and then west-side of the mountain. A cheeky sleep-in is yet another reason to get into spring skiing. Let the snow soften early morning, and hit the slopes at a leisurely 10 am or thereabouts. 5 am starts are not necessary. As winter wraps up and the days start to get longer, there are plenty of hours of daylight ahead of you after a full day up the mountain too. That means ample time for après-ski in Queenstown and Wanaka.
Check out Après in Wanaka for some epic post-skiing socialising!
3. It’s not peak season
It’s becoming common knowledge that doing anything popular outside of what’s considered peak season is beneficial. If you plan on hibernating over winter to then ski or snowboard in spring, you’re in for a treat. Sunny slopes and little to no queues make for great days. Many people will have enjoyed a ski holiday in July or August, leaving the runs on Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone less busy in spring. Take the time to explore more of the mountain by heading up multiple chairlifts and checking out all the bars and restaurants.
4. Queenstown and Wanaka events
There are plenty of events in and around Queenstown and Wanaka during spring to entice people to the area for a ski holiday. The Monster Energy Jossi Wells Invitational amps up the atmosphere at Cardrona in early spring. The best in the business are shredding for a week across two mountains. The Winter Games NZ overflow into the beginning of spring too. Expect everything from family-friendly events to athletes in their element. Whether you’re in on the action or a spectator enjoying everything on offer, it’s a great time to be in the Queenstown Lakes District.
This article was created in paid partnership with Real NZ.
