3 great ski fields in the South Island of New Zealand that take the hassle out of skiing with children
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Home > Articles > New Zealand > Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt
In this article I find out how NZSki makes their facitlies in Queenstown and Mt Hutt so family-friendly.
I'll let you know which of the NZSki ski fields best suit the needs of families. Plus I'll cover all those questions you need to know from child care to ski passes. If you're wondering what to do while on the slopes, I'll cover that too!
Is there childcare facilities at the ski fields:
If you have children under five years of age, I know you will be please to learn that all three mountains have licensed childcare in their respective Skiwiland Early Learning Centres and provide a safe, fun learning environment for the littlies. At Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, Skiwiland caters to children aged three months to five years, at Mt Hutt Skiwiland caters to children aged two to five years.
However as you can imagine these get very busy and space in Skiwiland is limited so advance bookings are essential.
Helping your children learn to ski
For those with children over fives and up to 15 years of age then the Kea Club offering all day ski and snowboard instruction for all ability levels.
There is also a range of all day school holiday programmes to choose from and for adults and children aged 16 and 17 years, there are a range of options including group lessons, combo packages which include lift passes, rental equipment and group lessons, or families can opt for a private lesson.
How easy is it to hiring ski gear for your children?
Both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are introducing a brand new HEAD BYS rental system this season. It’s been tried and tested already at Mt Hutt, and it works a dream for families. Put simply, colour-coded boots are pre-matched with a range of skis, making the whole rental system so much faster and efficient.
When do I have to pay for my child’s lift pass?
I know how expensive it can be to take your family sking but you’ll be please to know that Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt that you can get free children day lift passes. It does depend on which ski field you go to and the age of your child.
At The Remarkables children aged 10 years and under: at Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt children aged six years and under receive FREE day lift passes every day of the season. To view prices for the 2011 season or to purchase online visit www.nzski.com
So now that we have covered the ins and outs, we’ll find out which mountain will best suit your family?
Which ski field do I choose for my ski hoiday in the South Island?
Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables all offer a wide selection of terrain, ranging from gentle sloping beginner/novice areas through to terrain parks and off-piste, big mountain thrills. So lets breaks it down.
Coronet Peak - Queenstown
Renowned for its roller coaster terrain across a series of interconnected bowls, Coronet Peak has dedicated learner and novice areas serviced by a state-of-the-art high-speed quad chairlift. To make life easier for parents there’s a new 102m long magic carpet ride that picks you up just outside the base building and takes you right there. That means that the little ones no longer have to walk up the slope in their boots and mums and dads are saved from carrying all the skis.
Coronet Peak has a stunning base building which has proven a hit with families who like the convenience of getting gear, passes, lessons and kids sorted under the same roof. It has world-class facilities and magnificent views with entrance levels that make getting to the slopes quick and easy. There’s also a new ‘Kids Fun Zone’ running from the top of Meadows all decked out with jumps, berms and flags.
Getting there: To get to Coronet Peak it’s18km/20 mins from Queenstown via sealed roads.
Coronet Peak: 25% beginner, 45% intermediate, 30% advanced
Mt Hutt - Methven
Mt Hutt’s 365 hectares is known for having the greatest variety of terrain ranging from long, super wide groomed runs to double black diamond chutes. Its 140m enclosed carpet lift and the gentle learners’ slopes provide a fantastic learning environment for all ages. Mt Hutt’s modern facilities include a warm and comfortable base building providing all services including café and bar, rentals, retail, guest services, Snowsports School and the Skiwiland Early Learning Centre
At Mt Hutt, you’ve got to try out ‘Dinner with the Stars’ and experience night time activities at a ski field. The kids get a ride on a snow groomer or skidoo, and who can resist getting up close and personal with the famous huskies.
Getting there: Mt Hutt is 26km/35 mins from Methven. Mt Hutt access road is gravel; chain hire is available when required in limited supply.
Mt Hutt: 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced
The Remarkables – Queenstown
The Remarkables: The Remarkables has arguably the largest and best beginner area in the country, serviced by three carpet lifts and further up the mountain a quad chairlift. The Remarkables is also renowned for its progressive terrain park network, starting with the highly popular beginner/novice park designed for gentle progression for all ages. The Remarkables’ base building also provide all services and has an expansive sun deck overlooking the beginner’s area, the perfect spot for having lunch, relaxing to the regular live music and people watching.
Getting there: To get to the Remarkables it’s a 28km/45 mins drive from Queenstown. The Remarkables access road is gravel; chain hire is available when required in limited supply.
The Remarkables: 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced.
If you don’t want to drive up the mountains then the NZSki Snowline provides affordable transport to and from each mountain. In Queenstown the express service runs from the Snow Centre throughout the day with pick ups along the way if space is available. There is also a pre book service which will pick you up at major hotels and motels. There are a number of transport options in Methven, just ask your accommodation provider or visit http://www.nzski.com/guides/2011/queenstown/snowline.jsp
So what family-friendly events are on over winter:
American Express Queenstown Winter Festival runs from 24 June to 3 July.
Parklife Invitational downtown Queenstown – 12 August
Parklife Youth Mini Shred at the Remarkables is on 17 July and 9 October
Parklife Youth Mini Shred at Mt Hutt is on July 23 and September
The Parklife series has been developed especially for kids under 16 years. Based in the mini-terrain parks at The Remarkables and Mt Hutt there is a massive prize pack up for grabs. Registration is from 9-10am. FREE ENTRY. Helmets are compulsory.
Kids Day Out at Coronet Peak, 24 July: plenty of fun for kids large and small. Face painting, music, games, competitions and live entertainment.
Spring Carnival at The Remarkables, 8 October: Three days of spring fun on and off the slopes
100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games August 13 – 28, 2011
16 days of snow and ice sports attracting over 1,000 elite athletes from throughout the world to the Southern Alps. Events at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt
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