The Remarkables are a mountain range and skifield in the South Island of New
Zealand. Located on the southeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, the range lives up to
its name by rising sharply to create an impressive backdrop for the waters. The
range is clearly visible from the nearby town of Queenstown.
High points in the range include Double Cone (2340 metres) and Ben Nevis (2330
metres, named after the Scottish mountain of the same name).
The mountains were allegedly named The Remarkables because they are one of
only two mountain ranges in the world which run directly north to south. An alternate
explanation for the name given by locals is that early Queenstown settlers, upon
seeing the mountain range during sunset one evening, named them the
Remarkables to describe the sight.
In the winter, The Remarkables skifield plays host to a wide range of winter activities.
Comprising three sunny sheltered bowls, with a lively atmosphere, The
Remarkables has become a popular place to spend the winter season. The
patrolled area is about 220 ha in size and the terrain is 30% beginners, 40%
intermediate and 30% advanced. The whole skifield area is 540 acres (2.2 km²) with
5 lifts. For back country enthusiasts The Remarkables provides easy access into
some of the country's best terrain, freestylers can enjoy the terrain park where recent
(2007) installion of automated snowmaking equipment ensures excellent
conditions, major earthworks leading up to winter 07 have revamped the park
creating awesome intermediate and advanced lines of kickers, boxes and rails. A
new snow groomer has also been acquired. There's also a snow tubing park for all
ages to enjoy and take a break from the slopes.
Just a 45-minute drive from nearby Queenstown, with frequent bus services to and
from town, and several carparks for car drivers, the mountain is in a convenient
location. The atmosphere is relaxed and family friendly, children 10 and under
receive free day lift passes, there's live music on the deck and the mountain also
plays host to a large population of Keas.
The mountain is managed by Southern Alpine Recreation Ltd, NZSKI, which also
manages another mountain in the area, Coronet Peak, multi day lift tickets are valid
at both mountains. Further north in Canterbury nearer to Christchurch is Mount Hutt,
also managed by Southern Alpine.
