Queenstown experiences best winter snow season in decades

Queenstown has enjoyed a record winter with the snow conditions being described as the best in decades.

With a huge June snowfall setting the mountains up for a long season of quality snow, Cardrona Alpine Resort opened on 11th June before then briefly closing with too much snow.

Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone General Manager Laura Hedley says what followed for the entire winter “was just wall-to-wall snow”.

Advising that the snow at the Remarkables and Coronet Peak was also "wall-to-wall from the get-go", NZSki Chief Executive Paul Anderson stated "it’s certainly one for the history books. Described by locals as the best snow in 30 years - it kickstarted a bumper season for us in terms of conditions, visitation numbers and open days,”

Destination Queenstown Chief Executive Mat Woods says from opening day right through to closing, conditions were the best he can remember, adding “our mountains have done an amazing job welcoming guests from New Zealand, Australia and around the world, providing a truly world-class experience.”

Visitors have stayed longer in Queenstown this winter, with length of stay up 15%. Visitor expenditure also increased, up 27% on 2019 - a record for the peak ski season months (July-September). The 2022 season also saw the return of events like the Winter Games, Winter Pride and Snow Machine.

Queenstown mountains are now busy preparing for summer with mountain biking, walking and other activities.

For more information visit www.queenstownNZ.co.nz.

Imagea: Cardrona (top, credit: Rocco Jamieson/Troy Tanner), and the Queenstown Remarkables Morning Drone Shot (below).