LEARN TO SKI

FIRST TIME ON THE MOUNTAIN

Want to learn how to ski or snowboard?

You’ve come to the right place. Coronet Peak has extensive beginner facilities, modern and easy to use chairlifts, progressive terrain and packages for all ages to help you make the most of your first day on the snow!

First Timer Package

Learn to ski or snowboard

Ready to hit the slopes? The First Timer Package is crafted for first-time skiers and snowboarders to jump start their snow journey. Perfect for learning the basics in a fun, supportive environment, this all-in-one package sets you up for an amazing day on the mountain.

Includes:

Learner Area Pass

9am - 4pm

Group Lesson

10am - 3:30pm
Groups are kept to small sizes and break for around 1 hour for lunch.

Equipment Rental

Skis/snowboard, boots, poles and helmet
Clothing can be hired separately. Googles and Gloves are not included but can be purchased on the mountain from our retail shop.

Adult: $260

Child (6-15): $225

Child (4-5): $205

FAQs

Six tips for chairlift loading for kids

Wait your turn
a. Line up in the lift queue and wait your turn before sliding forward to the chair loading zone. 

Load with an experienced adult
a. If you are over 120cm tall you can ride the lift by yourself.
b. If you are under 120cm you must ride the lift with an adult
c. If you are riding the chairlift with a friend, get your adult to sit between you both to help you on and off.
d. Only you and one friend can ride with one adult, if you have lots of friends in your group, other adults will be asked to help.

Sit back-to-back
a. Sit all the way to the back of the chairlift so your back is touching the back rest.

Put the safety bar down
a. If you are tall enough you can pull the safety bar down, but if you can’t reach it let the adult put it down for you.

Sit still and hold on
a. Once you are on the chair and the safety bar is down, sit still and hold on until you are up the top of the mountain.

Let the adult raise the bar and tell you when to slide off
a. When you reach the top of the mountain, don’t rush to get off. Wait until you can touch the ground then slide off and enjoy your day.

How to stay safe on the mountain?

Visit our mountain safety page for more details on how you can have a safe experience on the snow.

Beginner Terrain

We have plenty of space for first time and novice skiers and snowboarders at Coronet Peak. The Meadows Express chairlift has unique safety features to make it easier to get on and off the lift. We also have 4 conveyor lifts for accessing the dedicated beginner areas at Coronet Peak. There is also a dedicated Snow Play and sledding lane.

How to reschedule a lesson

If you are booked into a ski or snowboard lesson and need to change the date you are booked into, please follow the below link and steps to reschedule.

  1. Log in to your account and head to your Profile page.
  2. Select “Overview” and then "Order History"
  3. Find your order and select “DETAILS"
  4. Select "RESERVATIONS"
  5. Select "RESCHEDULE" and then select your preferred date.

If you are unable to reschedule your product please fill out this form

Please note, that due to limited capacity, not every date may be available. For private lessons, we require 48 hours notice prior to your lesson time for rescheduling.

What is a Beginner Lift Pass?

A Beginner Pass gives you access to our beginner lifts at Coronet Peak. These include our conveyor lifts. With a beginner lift pass you will not be able to access the other chairlifts at Coronet Peak, however you can upgrade your beginner lift pass to a full lift pass at Guests Services.

How can I hire Ski/Snowboard equipment?

You can hire ski or snowboard gear, clothing and helmets when you are on the mountain. We strongly recommend you wear a helmet when skiing or snowboarding.

Due to health reasons, we don't rent gloves or goggles but you can purchase these at our retail shop at Coronet Peak.

When you purchase online or from one of our Guest Service teams, you can add on rental equipment. 

Then once you are on the mountain, take your MyPass card loaded with your Rentals and Lift Pass products to our rental department. 

Here, our friendly team at Coronet Peak will guide you through getting you fitted and equipped to head out on the snow. 

Hiring ski or snowboard equipment on the mountain means you don't have to lug your gear from town. You simply pick it up in the morning when you arrive, and drop it back before going home.

If you are skiing/boarding for more than one day you can take advantage of our FREE overnight storage too! 

We have equipment for ages 4 and up. If you have a younger child you would like to get on skies, please contact us directly and we will see what we can do.

We carry brands such as Head, Burton and Salomon to give you a choice of fit and feel.

As you start to progress, you can upgrade from our recreational to performance rentals. We also tune our gear regularly so it's in top shape when you hit the slopes. 

If your skis aren't performing well or you think you might have the incorrect sized ski boots, you can take your gear in and get it changed right away, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment.

What do I need to bring?

Preparation is key to have a great day on the slopes, so when you pack for your first trip to the snow, remember to include:

Boots or shoes with a bit of a tread for all family members ‐ snow and ice can be slippery!

Dress warm! It can get pretty cold on the mountain so it’s important to layer up. Thermals, (merino is a great base layer), a thicker mid layer top, hiking or ski socks are a good starting point.

Waterproof pants and jacket (rentals are available on the mountain) are a must to keep you dry and protect you from the wind.

Sunscreen and lip balm to protect you and your family from the sun's harmful UV rays Eye protection is important, even on cloudy days – and don’t forget goggles or sunnies for the kids!

We recommend wearing a helmet on the snow, you can hire from us on the mountain or purchase at our retail shop. If you don’t have a helmet, then a beanie is a must.

Waterproof gloves.

If you forget anything, almost everything you need is available right here on the mountain at our ski hire outlet and the Snow Shop. And if you get hungry or thirsty, we’ve got you covered at our restaurant and café.

How do I get there?

Getting to Coronet Peak is easy; we’re the closest ski field to Queenstown, only 16kms away. There are a few ways to get here, visit our Transport Page for more details.

When is the Ski Season?

The New Zealand Ski Season runs from June to October.

Can I get food on the mountain?

You bet! We’ve got restaurants, cafes and Ice Bars to keep you fuelled and hydrated for an epic day on the snow.

What time does the mountain open?

Coronet Peak is open daily from 9am – 4pm, subject to weather conditions.

First Tracks: 8am – 9am daily.

Night Ski: 4pm – 9pm Wednesday, Friday and Select Saturday nights.