Queenstown

My instructor, Sam, was thoughtful, explained things clearly, and made learning fun. He's a perfect coach! 🫵🏻🫶🏻 Here's a general overview of the process: Day Before: * First, head to the Queenstown city store to pick up your equipment. Take it back to your accommodation and bring it with you to the ski field/shuttle the next day. When you pick up your equipment, the staff will provide two hard cards (passes). * It's recommended to pick up your equipment in the city beforehand, otherwise, you'll have a long wait at the ski field. 📌 If you've added the city-to-ski-field shuttle service: * When booking, select your shuttle pick-up location. I chose the Crowne Plaza. The Klook system will display the departure time when you select your location. For my location, the departure was at 7:40 AM. It's always recommended to arrive 10-20 minutes early. * When boarding, the driver will confirm your reservation name and help load your snowboard/skis into the luggage compartment. You'll carry your ski boots and other personal items onto the bus yourself. * The bus will first stop at a parking lot halfway up the mountain to pick up other visitors who drove themselves. Once the bus is full, it will continue to the ski field, arriving around 9:30 AM. * The driver will explain on the bus that you'll take the same bus back. It's a good idea to take a photo or note down the license plate number, as it will make the return trip much easier. If you lose the hard card you received the day before: * Upon arriving at the ski field, go up the stairs, and the main hall is on your left. To the right of the main hall entrance, there are two self-service machines. * Scan the barcode from the attachment in the official ski resort's email (not Klook's email) to re-issue a soft card pass. If you need to change equipment: * If your ski boots, snowboard, or other equipment don't fit, you'll need to take your pass to the Rentals area and queue to exchange them. * Rentals is located to the right of the ticket counter in the main hall. Just join the queue. Lesson Process: * Lessons start at 10:30 AM. * After getting geared up, follow the crowd straight ahead, pass through the red archway, and look for the orange flag on your left. Inform the staff that you are attending the one-day beginner lesson, and they will help with group assignments. First Lesson: * Mainly focuses on basic techniques: putting on/taking off your snowboard, identifying your dominant foot, braking, S-turns, and how to use the magic carpet. * Afterward, you'll practice on a small gentle slope, then move to a slightly larger slope for actual skiing. Lunch Break: * You can leave your equipment on the small slope next to the lesson area. * Lunch is from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM. * Return to the meeting point promptly at 1:45 PM to continue the lesson. Second Lesson: * If the entire group is doing well overall: * The instructor will usually lead everyone down the small slope 1-2 times to warm up and assess their condition. * Then, you'll take the chairlift to the top of the mountain, and the instructor will guide you down the easiest beginner trail, usually for about 2 runs. Lessons end at 3:45 PM. Return Shuttle (for those who purchased round-trip transfers): * The shuttle bus departs at 4:15 PM. * Many people will queue near the ticket counter to board the bus, but you don't need to join that queue. * Walk towards the entrance stairs, turn right, and walk straight. You'll see many buses parked there. Find the same bus you took in the morning (which is why it was suggested to note the license plate earlier). * After the driver confirms your reservation name, you can board, and then it's a direct return to Queenstown city.

The overall experience was great, and the scenery was beautiful. There were plenty of shuttle buses, and a good variety of restaurants. Unfortunately, one day all the lifts had to be closed due to strong winds, and only the magic carpet was operating.

Three of us participated. Everything was rented, including goggles and gloves. The day before the tour, we went to the shop to pick up our skis and clothing, and we also received our ski passes, so make sure to go when the passport center is open. We walked back to the hotel with all of our gear.

On-time arrival at the Remarkables, and convenient stops depending on where you stay. If you are staying at the St.Moritz MGallery Hotel, the bus stops at the entrance for pick-up and return. You don't have to fix snow chains or worry about parking (and walking up to the base). Unlike the ski-shuttle by the resorts, you don't have to queue for a seat as well. The only downside is that unlike the buses by the resort, the bus leaves around 4 pm, there is no option to leave earlier etc, but you get a full day at the resort.

Overall, I had a great experience as a first time skier. What I liked: Contrary to some of the reviews I had read, I didn't need to collect my ski equipment the day before. Everything could be rented directly at the mountain, which saved a lot of time and effort carrying equipment around. The ski rental process was smooth, straightforward, and beginner-friendly My ski instructor was fantastic. Within just two hours, I was able to learn the basics and ski confidently enough to enjoy the slopes. There were multiple shuttle pick-up locations available, including one conveniently located right outside my holiday park. Areas for improvement: The collection process could be clearer. Ski passes needed to be collected from one location, rental clothing from another, and ski equipment from a third location. As a first-time visitor, this was a little confusing.

The bus pick-up is right at the entrance of the St. Moritz MGallery hotel, the location varies depending on where you stay and you don't have to queue like the shuttle buses by the resorts. The shuttle bus also meant you don't have to worry about setting up snow-chains or worry about parking at the resorts which can be a nightmare. The bus arrives on time and leaves around 4 pm, giving you a full-day at the resort. It has been generally reliable.

lots of different instructors so easy to find one that is suitable for you.

We participated in a tour departing Queenstown at 7:20 AM and arriving back in Queenstown at 8:00 PM. On the way there, we had a short break in Te Anau, and the guide also took us to Mirror Lakes and other photo spots. On the way back, we had another short break in Te Anau. We joined the 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM cruise and received a lunch box containing a sandwich, an apple, and cookies. The tour ran perfectly on schedule, and our guide provided many explanations. It was a very satisfying tour! The only downside was the weather.

Real value for money trip. Cal was great. Pick-up was on time, designated stops were well-thought of, and time allotted per stop was good. Our bus was new and had USB-type charging ports. The trip to Milford Sound was as good as the destination. We got a pie, an apple, chips, and a candy bar for lunch. Overall, really good deal. Do recommend.