BOOTHY’S BLOG – Waiting for snow in NZ

July 20th, 2010


Chris and Sophie, jet-boating in Queenstown
Blog | Chris Booth

After trimming over the Canterbury range my girlfriend Sophie and I arrived in Christchurch Tuesday the 13th July.

The better flight availability and cheaper car rentals had drawn us away from Queenstown airport – the more popular choice for skiers and boarders. But for us it was perfect, because not only was it more friendly to our last minute reservations, it also made us feel like we weren’t just doing what everyone ‘else’ was.

Since arriving we have skied at Treble Cone (by far and away the best lift accessed skiing in New Zealand) and Coronet Peak (by far and away the most crowded, overrated resort in New Zealand). We have gorged on delicious Methode Traditionelle alpine cuisine at Les Alpes restaurant on Bastille Day, chatted with whoever at Ballarat Trading Co. and tasted our way along the Gibbston Valley wine trail (buying up heavy on Preregrine Valley’s absurdly good 2007 pinot noir). We also love the brand new Searle Lane & Social, cleverly cached in the laneway behind Beach Street.


Sophie and the spectacular view at the Remarkables. No snow though

But.

While the Aussie resorts get hammered, across the ditch the mountains are still looking very thirsty. So its a bit of a cringe to see blower powder photos back in Thredbo and Falls Creek while we sit around under blue skies in Queenstown waiting for it to snow. This noted, we are loving the student rate lift passes at Remarkables and Treble Cone. Its about time the Aussie ski resorts looked at their future customers like these guys are.

Update from The Remarkables, 18 July

The best part about Queenstown is the way you can squeeze in activities around your day skiing. This morning we jumped in the shotover jet for a blast through the canyons before heading up to the Remarkables for a ski in the afternoon. The remarkables is the second best ski resort in the Southern Lakes region, after Treble Cone. But if you don’t mind hiking here and there, then Remarkables is probably worthy of top spot. What is truly remarkable about the place though is the $58 afternoon lift ticket. When it finally snows here early next week, that’s where I’ll be headed.