COVID-19 has sure thrown a spanner in the works for anyone planning their annual pilgrimage to the snow, or hoping to experience it for the first time. Add in an international flight to New Zealand, and it is even trickier. The major NZ ski areas of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables, Mt Hutt, Cardrona and Treble Cone have all announced they will be open under the country’s current level 2 restrictions. Of course ‘open’ is defined a little differently in 2020 compared to previous years, but here is the current plan:
Cardrona & Treble Cone
- 2020 is their first season of joint ownership with lift passes valid at both mountains
- Cardrona to open from 26 June to October 18
- TC to open from 27 June – 6 September, and not necessarily 7 days a week.
- The resorts are preparing to open McDougall’s, Whitestar and Captain’s at Cardrona, and the Home Basin and the Saddle at Treble Cone.
Coronet Peak, Remarkables and Mt Hutt
- Earlybird extended until 30 June, which is great for Aussie’s as we wait for news about the Trans-Tasman bubble
- Coronet Peak will operate 7 days per week from 26 June through to 27 September
- The Remarkables will open on 4 July for the school holidays, then only for weekends beyond 19 July.
- Mt Hutt will be the first resort to open on 12 June, but only 3 days per week. From 1st July, the resort will open 5 days a week. Which five? Good question. It will include the weekend plus the other best weather days of the week.
- Lessons: Group and Private lessons will be available, but must be reserved in advanced. Kids Kea Club and Skiwiland (2-5 years) will operate aslo, but with reduced capacity.
- Rental: Equipment will be available but clothing will not.
So, with all this great news on opening, what does it mean for Australian’s? It is all dependent on the Trans Tasman bubble, which will be going ahead any time between July 1st and September depending on which news article you read and when. We are keeping a very close eye on it, and are hoping it is soon. However, if not until September, it is still a great time to ski in New Zealand. Spring days bring sunny weather but a typically later season than what we experience in Oz means the snow cover lasts longer. It’s also much nicer for other Queenstown activities like jet boating and bungee jumping!! We are offering refundable deposits on NZ land packages, so hop on over to our NZ ski deals page to check out what is on offer.
