7 days snow trip to Queenstown
From July 1st to 7th, I went on a 7-day snowboarding trip to Queenstown, New Zealand. I was hesitant to go because I had no experience in snowboarding. But, having my family living in Christchurch driving down to Queenstown for skiing, I decided to fly to Queenstown for 7 days.
Day 1
When I arrived at Queenstown airport, I took a bus that took me straight to Queenstown mall. There, I went to Cookie Time. The milkshake and ice cream sandwich I indulged in turned out to be sweeter than anticipate. While waiting for my family to arrive, I booked my lift pass.
While waiting for my family to arrive, I took the opportunity to secure my lift pass. To my surprise, the pass granted access not only to Remarkables and Coronet Peak but also to Mt Hutt, with discounts available for longer bookings. It was a relief to discover options for beginners like me, including comprehensive lesson packages tailored to first-time skiers and snowboarders. Next time when I'm back, I'll be getting those.
Day 2-5
We set out from the house around 7 am, aiming to reach the carpark of Remarkables ski resort by 8 am. Despite what the weather forecast had suggested, the road surprised us with a complete blanket of snow. As we ascended the mountain, the snowfall intensified, creating a wintry wonderland around us. The air turned bitterly cold, and for a moment, I regretted my decision to come to Queenstown.
Hours passed, and with each minute, the snow accumulated. Surprisingly, as I ventured out onto the slopes, I discovered a newfound ease. The soft, powdery snow cushioned every fall, transforming what could have been painful tumbles into exhilarating slides down the mountain. It was a stark contrast to my initial apprehension, and I found myself embracing the thrill of gliding effortlessly through the winter landscape.
Day 6-7
On the 4th day of our snowboarding adventure, we ventured to Coronet Peak ski resort. Unlike Remarkables, Coronet Peak had received less snow, leaving the mountain feeling noticeably icy. Despite the challenging conditions, the terrain offered a pleasant surprise with wider slopes and a variety of twists and turns—a welcome change for someone navigating beginner routes like myself.
As our trip drew to a close, we took a break from the slopes and visited a nearby lake, where we indulged in some hearty burgers. It was a perfect way to unwind and savor the last moments of our time in Queenstown.
Reluctantly, I boarded the flight back to Melbourne, but my mind was already wandering back to Queenstown. The thrill of snowboarding and the picturesque landscapes had left an indelible mark, and I found myself eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to return.
