Queenstown is often referred to as the adventure capital of the world. With two world class ski resorts situated just a few kms from the town centre, in addition to regular buses to the resorts in Wanaka, you could say that Queenstown locals are spoilt for choice. When it comes to night skiing though, only Coronet Peak illuminates its slopes for skiing and snowboarding after dark. This makes Coronet Peak the place to be if you want to continue your ski day well after Apres.

What Is Night Skiing?

Night Skiing refers to skiing or snowboarding after the regular hours of the ski resort. Normally the lifts stop turning at 4pm and that is when people will hit the bars or head back to their accommodation. Night skiing allows you to keep the fun going with an extra 5 hours of lift accessible skiing and snowboarding. At Coronet Peak this is made even more awesome by the ski resorts epic location. Coronet Peak has panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu that become even more special as the sun begins to set. When the sunlight has gone, Coronet Peak illuminates the pistes by using floodlights. Riding on floodlit pistes is an brilliant experience that every skier or snowboarder should try.

Night Skiing At Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is open between 4PM and 9PM for night skiing and offers this on a Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The Fridays and Saturdays can be quite lively with large party’s and live music, but if that’s not your thing head up on a Wednesday or the Saturday after a Friday show. This way you will find it much quieter. If you like live music then be sure to stop in at the main lodge in between laps, where you will find bands, DJ sets and other activities.

Coronet Peak Night Skiing Trails

Coronet Peak opens up the majority of it’s terrain for night skiing which is really cool. Unlike previous night skiing resorts I had tried you can reach the summit on the Coronet Express Chair. This essentially opens all 460M of Coronet’s vertical drop. Although the GreenGates Express is open at 4PM it closes as Night Skiing gets into full swing, leaving skiers right of the GreenGates inaccessible after 5PM. This still leaves access to; Green, Blue and Black runs from the summit, meaning that everybody at night skiing can make the most of the whole mountain. Coronet Peak also leaves its Meadows beginners area open throughout night skiing meaning that you can take lessons and practice your turns ready for a full day on the slopes tomorrow.

Coronet Peak Night Skiing Costs

If you have been paying attention to my previous videos and blogs on New Zealand you may have decided to purchase the NZ Ski Pass. If so great decision, especially if you grabbed the early bird deal. With the NZ Ski Pass you will be able to ski or snowboard at Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables unlimited for the season, and YES!! That includes night skiing at Coronet Peak. If you missed it, you can check out the video below for more information.

If you don’t think that the NZ Ski Pass would represent value for your trip, then you can pay as you go with prices below.

Adults Night Skiing Pass $65 NZD

Child or Senior Night Skiing Pass $45NZD

Valid from 4-9PM.

Prices accurate as of 2019 season, for latest prices click here

Why Go Night Skiing?

Queenstown is an incredible place to explore and during the daylight hours you will find plenty of activities to keep you occupied. You might want to take the day off the snow to go on the famous Shotover Jet Boat or to take a stroll along the Routeburn Track. Like me, you may arrive in Queenstown late after driving back from Milford Sound but still fancy your snow fix. If this is the case, then night skiing offers the perfect opportunity for you to have your FergBurger and eat it too!

More than anything though, night skiing at Coronet Peaks offers the chance to be elevated to one of the most picturesque view points in Queenstown. From here you will be able to watch the sun set over Lake Wakitipu and the Remarkables mountain range, whilst enjoying the crisp evening air.

Final Thoughts

I was apprehensive about night skiing at Coronet Peak as my last experience of after hours snowboarding was a bit of a let down. This really was the opposite, with plenty of terrain and some awesome events happening. I was always keen to head back to Coronet for more night skiing. Although night skiing proper doesn’t start until after 5pm, I would urge you to get on snow from 4pm. By doing so, you will be able to watch the sun set over Queenstown and beat the crowds to the often busy car parks.