Why work a ski season in Queenstown New Zealand

Considered the adventure mecca of New Zealand - it's no surprise that Queenstown's ski season goes off too.

So if your dream winter consists of catching pink-orange sunrises on snowy peaks, carving freshies on the slopes and making mates who love the outdoors life too - a ski season in Queenstown could be just the money-maker your working holiday in New Zealand needs. Here's why...

Why do a winter working holiday in New Zealand?

Lake Wakatipu is one of the main attractions in Queenstown, and the ski seasons there are great too. You have similar views and attractions to those you’d find in the larger resorts in Canada, but without the price tag and insane amount of tourists. Queenstown is the kind of place where casual weekend plans include bungee jumping off bridges, jet boating through narrow canyons, and skydiving – or drinking hot chocolate after a day skiing, if that’s more your vibe.

There are plenty of jobs

There are always lots of jobs going on the mountain, but you also have the option of working in the local hotels, restaurants or retail shops. Everyone is always super friendly and it’s easy to make new connections. Seeing as it’s a popular working holiday destination, a lot of people are in the same boat. Finding accommodation can be tricky as its a popular spot so try get down there early to do viewings and check local Facebook groups for listings from other working holiday makers.

There are a variety of runs

New Zealand’s ski areas might not quite be the large size of European or North American resorts, but they more than make up for it with a solid mix of off-piste challenges and perfectly groomed blue and black runs. As the slopes aren’t as big as other resorts around the world, this also means they’re not as busy, so you usually don’t have to queue too long for the ski lifts – if you’re lucky, the slopes might even be empty mid-week.

The locations

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is Queenstown’s iconic ski destination and one of New Zealand’s oldest ski resorts. Just a 20-minute drive from the town centre, it’s known for its stunning panoramic views and epic runs that cater to all levels. The terrain is really nice and varied with large ski moguls near the top and lots of sharp drops. It’s mainly black runs with a very busy blue run ironically named the M1. Plus, with its state-of-the-art snowmaking system, it has high quality snow all year round, and some of the best night skiing in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Remarkables

The Remarkables, located just 40 minutes from Queenstown, live up to their name with jaw-dropping alpine scenery and some of the most varied terrain in New Zealand. The runs are short, however, with the longest one being only 2.5km in length. Wide, easy-going runs like Turquoise and Alta cater to those just finding their ski legs, while more experienced skiers can test their skills on harder runs like Homeward Bound or dive into the off-piste terrain and chutes in the Shadow Basin area.

Cardrona

Cardrona Alpine Resort, nestled between Queenstown and Wanaka, is a top spot for anyone seeking an all-round ski experience in New Zealand. As it’s slightly further out of town, it isn’t included in the Queenstown ski pass. Home to the Southern Hemisphere's only Olympic halfpipe, it's where many professional skiers and snowboarders come to train. Add in the resort's family-friendly vibe, excellent facilities, and panoramic views of the Southern Alps, and Cardrona stands as one of New Zealand's top visits – just don't forget your ski goggles.

Why else is Queenstown a great place to do a working holiday?

Known by those who go there as New Zealand’s adventure capital, a Queenstown ski season is epic on all counts. Want to leap off a bridge with nothing but a bungy cord to catch you? Check. Prefer to race down mountain trails on a bike while trying to remember which way is up? Check. Feel like dodging death in a white-water raft? Double check. And if that’s not enough, there’s jet boating, skydiving, and power gliding—basically, if it involves gravity, they’ve got it.

The nightlife is also super lively and there are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants to visit once you’re done with your day of adventure. It’s hard not to stay up and watch the sunrise over Lake Wakatipu – we've all been there!