Beginner Information 2011

Planning and preparation are the keys to having a safe and enjoyable winter holiday in the snow. When you are planning it is important to not only organise your clothes and equipment, but to also consider improving your fitness!

Rentals - Try before you buy

If you're new to the snow it's best to rent your equipment before you buy. That way you can graduate to more advanced equipment as your skiing/boarding improves and everything you need is right here on the mountain. We stock the latest gear, from clothing to equipment and our on-site technicians keep it in top condition. We have one of the largest and most current ranges of rental equipment in the South Island with quality brands such as Head, Burton, and Salomon giving you a choice of fit and feel.

How important is a lesson?

Skiing and snowboarding are a lot of fun, however both sports can be challenging in the initial learning stages. The quickest way to increase your confidence and enjoy yourself better on the slopes is to let the professionals coach you on how to get started and then to improve your technique and your confidence.

Our ski and snowboard instructors are hand picked from all over the world and all have the same goal - to help you achieve your goals! Whether you choose the friendly atmosphere of a group lesson or the personal attention of a private lesson, they all share the same commitment to help you improve your skills and to make the most of your time on the slopes!

Our Snowsports School has a lesson programme to help develop your skills whether you are a first-time skier or boarder or a long-time enthusiast. Drop into the Snowsports School offices on the hill anytime to discuss your needs.

First timers

For the first time skier or snowboarder our One Day Starter Packs for adults and youth aged 16 - 17 years or the Kea Club for youth aged 5 to 15 years for skiers and 8 to 15 years for snowboarders. Packages include lessons, lift passes, rental equipment and lunch (Kea Club only).

Click here for the Ability Guide.

Beginner terrain

Coronet Peak has a huge variety of beginner terrain, serviced by three surface conveyor lifts and the new Meadows high-speed quad chairlift, ensuring you have plenty of space to practice your new skills.

The Remarkables offers two large learning areas serviced by three conveyor lifts as well as novice/intermediate terrain accessed via Alta quad chairlift. The conveyor lift area allows for sport specific areas for both ski and snowboard beginners, accommodating the learning differences between each discipline.

Mt Hutt has a huge variety of beginner terrain, serviced by an enclosed 140m magic carpet and the Express quad chairlift, ensuring you have plenty of space to practice your new skills.

What to bring

For hygiene reasons, not all the necessary equipment is available for rent on the mountain. For a successful and fun holiday in the snow, when you pack your bags don't forget to include:

• Boots or shoes with a bit of a tread - snow and ice can be slippery!
• Warm waterproof pants and jacket (rentals are available on the mountain)
• Eye protection is a must! Even on a cloudy day it is important to cover up to protect yourself from the suns UV rays.
• A hat such as a woollen beanie & a scarf or neck warmer
• Gloves - these must be waterproof in order to keep your extremities warm
• Plenty of layers such as thermal underwear, polar fleeces, t-shirts, skivvies, wool garments. Stay away from cotton if possible.
• Sunscreen and lip balm to protect you from the sun's UV elements.
• Camera - the views are unbelievably fantastic and you'll have to get a shot of you in the heart of the New Zealand's Southern Alps

Information for parents and families

We know it can be a fairly daunting task getting the family to the snow, and it can also be a little confusing choosing the right products if you're new to skiing and snowboarding, or have never visited us before. So we've prepared some information that should help make things easier. This information is available for both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, please check back soon for information regarding Mt Hutt

Contact

Coronet Peak: Phone: +64 3 442 4692 Email: school@coronetpeak.co.nz
The Remarkables: Phone: +64 3 442 4928 Email: school@theremarkables.co.nz
Mt Hutt: Phone: +64 3 307 6329 Email: school@mthutt.co.nz