Skiing & Snowboarding in and around Queenstown
Stay warm and close to the slopes at Judge & Jury Village. Because we’re nestled in Gibbston Valley, our accommodation offers the perfect retreat after a day on the snow. You can enjoy vineyard views, crackling fires, and peaceful surroundings. From June to October, Queenstown transforms into a snow‑sport paradise with four world‑class ski fields and reliable alpine conditions. As a result, the region attracts skiers, snowboarders, and winter lovers of every kind. Whether you’re chasing fresh powder or planning a family holiday, Judge & Jury Village provides a warm, character‑rich base just minutes from the action. Across the region, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, and Treble Cone each deliver unique terrain and atmosphere. For something a little wilder, you can even swap skis for tubing or tobogganing. These carefree, laugh‑out‑loud experiences prove winter isn’t just for experts.
The Ski Fields
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is Queenstown’s closest ski field, and it’s a favourite for its rolling terrain and efficient lift system. Because it also offers legendary night skiing, guests can carve turns under the stars and enjoy one of the region’s most iconic winter experiences.
Distance: 30 minutes from Judge & Jury Village
Highlights: Night skiing, fast lifts, family-friendly terrain
Best for: All levels, especially families and intermediate skiers
The Remarkables
With north‑facing slopes and dramatic alpine views, The Remarkables offers freestyle features and gentle runs for all levels. Because the terrain feels open and welcoming, it’s perfect for learning, progressing, or simply exploring the mountain at your own pace.
Distance: 45 minutes from Judge & Jury Village
Highlights: Wide bowls, terrain parks, beginner zones
Best for: Freestyle riders, beginners, and scenic seekers
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Cardrona blends laid‑back vibes with top‑tier facilities, offering wide groomed runs and excellent ski schools. Because the terrain is so open and spacious, there’s plenty of room to explore, learn, and play at your own pace.
Distance: 1 hour from Judge & Jury Village via Crown Range
Highlights: Terrain parks, reliable snow, family facilities
Best for: Beginners, families, and park enthusiasts
Treble Cone
Treble Cone is the South Island’s largest ski area, known for challenging terrain and sweeping views over Lake Wānaka. Because the slopes are steep and expansive, the mountain appeals to confident skiers who love big, dramatic lines. Altogether, it’s a standout destination for anyone seeking a bold alpine experience.
Distance: 90 minutes from Judge & Jury Village via Crown Range
Highlights: Steep chutes, powder bowls, advanced terrain
Best for: Experienced skiers and snowboarders
Heliskiing & Backcountry Snow Adventures
Queenstown is one of the world’s premier gateways to untouched powder and remote alpine terrain. For skiers and riders who want to go beyond the resort, heli‑skiing and guided backcountry tours offer true winter freedom. Because these trips access vast and varied terrain, they deliver deep snow and big‑mountain adventure in its purest form. Altogether, it’s a rare chance to explore landscapes that few ever reach.
Heliskiing
Experience the Southern Alps at full throttle with heli‑skiing in Queenstown. With Southern Lakes Heliski or Harris Mountains Heliski, you lift off from the valley floor and rise into a world of untouched peaks and glittering snowfields. The silence is so deep it feels otherworldly. Once you land, every run delivers fresh, untracked powder across remote peaks, long glacier descents, rolling bowls, and steep faces shaped by the weather and your own turns. Because the terrain feels vast and wild, the skiing becomes fast, cinematic, and unforgettable. Altogether, it’s the ultimate “big story” adventure for Judge & Jury guests. You return glowing, legs burning, and already planning your next run as you sink into a wood‑fired hot tub under the stars.
Backcountry Snow Adventures
Explore Queenstown’s wild side with guided backcountry ski touring through quiet basins and untouched powder fields. With expert guides from Queenstown Mountain Guides, Aspiring Guides, or Adventure Consultants, you earn every turn and experience the mountains up close. Because these journeys move at a slower and more deliberate pace, they create a deeper connection to the landscape. You skin through silent basins, trace high ridgelines above the lake, and carve your own line down slopes you climbed yourself. As a result, the experience feels immersive and soulful. You notice the crunch of skins on snow, the warmth of the sun on a high saddle, and the satisfaction of skiing untouched terrain far from resort noise. Altogether, for Judge & Jury guests, backcountry touring matches the valley’s sense of solitude and ends with an evening of warmth, storytelling, and a sky full of stars.
Queenstown Winter Sports & Snow Activities
Queenstown’s winter offerings go far beyond skiing and snowboarding. Because the region has such a long winter season, it delivers snow adventures for families, first‑timers, and seasoned explorers alike. Across the area, quality snow and varied terrain across four major ski fields create unforgettable days on the mountain. But the fun doesn’t stop there, with plenty of alternative snow experiences that reveal the playful and scenic side of winter. Altogether, Queenstown becomes a destination where every snow lover finds their perfect way to explore.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is one of the most peaceful ways to explore the mountains. With guided alpine walks through snow‑covered forests and quiet basins, it offers a gentle way to experience winter. With operators such as Basecamp Adventures, guests can venture into the serene backcountry around Queenstown and move at a slower, more immersive pace. Because snowshoes make travel easy and accessible, these tours suit families, first‑timers, and anyone wanting a soft introduction to the alpine environment. Altogether, it’s a tranquil winter experience that pairs beautifully with a warm return to Judge & Jury Village.
Tubing & Tobogganing
For families, tubing and tobogganing deliver pure winter joy. At The Remarkables and Cardrona, dedicated snow‑play zones let kids and adults slide, spin, and laugh down groomed lanes. Because these activities are low‑pressure and easy to enjoy, they’re an ideal alternative to skiing for first‑timers or anyone wanting a relaxed day in the snow. Altogether, it’s simple, carefree fun that adds a playful spark to any Queenstown winter itinerary.
Cross‑country Skiing
If you prefer endurance and scenery, cross‑country skiing offers a slower and more immersive way to experience the Southern Alps. On trails near Wānaka and Glenorchy, you glide through quiet valleys and open snowfields with views that rival the downhill resorts. Because the terrain unfolds gently and steadily, it suits anyone who enjoys rhythm, solitude, and long stretches of alpine beauty. Altogether, it’s a peaceful winter adventure that pairs perfectly with a warm return to Judge & Jury Village.
Ice-skating
Winter also brings seasonal ice‑skating rinks to Queenstown and Arrowtown, creating classic alpine moments for couples and families. Because these rinks feel charming and low‑pressure, they make an ideal après‑ski activity or a relaxed standalone highlight. Altogether, it’s a simple and joyful way to enjoy the magic of winter in the Southern Alps.
Freestyle Parks
For freestyle riders, Queenstown’s ski areas feature terrain parks with jumps, rails, and half‑pipes for every level. Across all major resorts, these parks offer progressive features that help you build skills or push your limits. Because they attract local pros and visiting athletes, the atmosphere feels vibrant and inspiring. Altogether, it’s the perfect playground for anyone who loves creativity, airtime, and the thrill of freestyle riding.
Après-Ski & Winter Events
After the slopes, Queenstown’s winter charm continues
Alpine Cafés & Wine Bars
Queenstown’s après‑ski scene is famous for its cosy alpine cafés and intimate wine bars. Across the region, guests can settle in with mulled wine, Central Otago pinot noir, or rich hot chocolate beside firelit interiors and mountain views. Because these spots feel welcoming and unhurried, they’re ideal for anyone wanting to experience authentic Queenstown après‑ski culture with local flavours and a relaxed alpine atmosphere. Altogether, it’s the perfect way to end a winter day before returning to the comfort of Judge & Jury Village.
Luxury Spas & Wellness
For a restorative end to your winter adventure, Queenstown’s luxury spas and saunas offer world‑class relaxation with alpine backdrops. From outdoor hot pools overlooking snow‑covered peaks to deep‑tissue massages for tired ski legs, these wellness experiences feel like a reward after a day on the mountain. Because the atmosphere is so calm and rejuvenating, it’s easy to unwind, recharge, and enjoy a touch of indulgence. Altogether, it’s one of the most soothing ways to close out a winter day before returning to the comfort of Judge & Jury Village.
Live Music & Firelit Lounges
Queenstown’s nightlife comes alive in winter with live music, craft cocktails, and firelit lounges that create a perfect après‑ski atmosphere. At popular venues like The World Bar and Little Blackwood, you’ll find everything from acoustic sets to DJ nights, making them standout spots for evening entertainment. Because these venues feel cosy and full of alpine character, they’re ideal for sharing stories from the mountain or soaking up the evening vibe. Altogether, they deliver the warmth and energy Queenstown is known for.
Winter Festivals
Queenstown hosts some of New Zealand’s most iconic winter festivals, including Winter Pride and Snow Machine. During Winter Pride, the town comes alive with a week of inclusive events both on and off the mountain. Meanwhile, Snow Machine brings world‑class artists to ski‑in, ski‑out stages set against the Southern Alps. Altogether, these festivals are standout highlights of the Queenstown winter calendar and draw visitors from around the world.
Stay Cosy at Judge & Jury Village
Located in Gibbston Valley, Judge & Jury Village offers a peaceful, character-rich alternative to busy town hotels.
Here’s why it’s the perfect winter base:
Plan Your Queenstown Snow Holiday
Queenstown’s ski season runs from mid‑June to early October, with the best conditions in July and August. Because these months book out quickly, it’s smart to secure ski passes, gear hire, and accommodation early. During school holidays and festival weeks, demand rises even more. Altogether, a little planning ensures a smooth, stress‑free winter escape.
From first tracks to firelit evenings, Queenstown offers a rare blend of adrenaline, comfort, and alpine beauty. With Judge & Jury Village as your base, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds — close to the slopes yet far from the crowds. Altogether, it creates a winter escape that feels both energising and deeply relaxing.
Ready to hit the snow? Book your stay now or explore the full range of seasonal experiences