TL;DR
Coronet Peak has opened for the 2026 ski season on 29 May, making it the first major ski resort to come online in the Southern Hemisphere this year. The early start is powered by the resort's Snow Factory snowmaking system, with limited terrain and beginner-focused operations running through to 12 June before full mountain hours begin.
Coronet Peak has opened for the 2026 ski season on 29 May - the first major resort in the Southern Hemisphere to come online this year.
The Queenstown ski area is running its early-season format under the "Early Winter: Winter Made Early" programme, with operations powered by the resort's Snow Factory snowmaking technology. The system produces snow in marginal temperatures, allowing the resort to build a skiable base before natural snowfall establishes itself across the Southern Alps.
The early opening runs from 29 May to 12 June in a limited daily format - 10am to 3pm - focused on beginner-friendly terrain on the lower slopes. A dedicated snow zone is supported by Magic Carpet conveyor lifts and a sledding lane. From 13 June, Coronet Peak is scheduled to transition into full mountain operations with normal lift hours of 9am to 4pm.
What's on Offer in Early Season
The early-season setup is built around first-timers, families, and skiers and snowboarders shaking off the rust from last season. Available from the opening date:
