Improved transport to Queenstown ski areas

A new and improved full transport system will launch in Queenstown this winter to encourage skiers and boarders to “ride and relax”.

Three brand new custom-designed 4WD buses are joining the Snowline service this year making it easy and hassle-free to get to either Coronet Peak or The Remarkables ski areas.

The investment takes the 4WD bus count to nine and increases the entire fleet to over 20. It will improve reliability of the service in all road conditions and is part of an on-going investment programme. The Snowline service has been set up to be environmentally friendly and affordable.

Also new for 2011 is a convenient door-to-door Snowline Hotel Pick-up service specifically designed for families or those who are new to the mountains. It gives guests a guaranteed seat on a pre-booked coach that picks them up right on their doorstep, meaning they can load their gear on board and not have to worry about hiring a car or putting on chains.

NZSki Transport Manager Etienne Raubenheimer (known to his friends as ET) said providing a convenient and affordable transport service was key to minimising mountain road traffic and maximising enjoyment of the trip to the ski areas.

“These custom-designed buses are very unique to NZSki and there’s only one other place in the world that has buses like this,” he said.

“The emphasis is very much on safety, both in the safe delivery of people to the ski areas and in recognising that many of our visitors are not used to unsealed or alpine roads and winter conditions.

“The Snowline Express is an unbeatable return trip costing just $5 for The Remarks and $12 for Coronet Peak and operating daily throughout the ski season, picking up at designated bus stops en route.

“Departures are scheduled every 20 minutes from outside the Snow Centre on Duke Street and as well as being hassle-free, ‘earlybirds’ can catch the first bus from 8am and be on the slopes for the first lift of the day.

“During peak times the service will be adjusted to meet demand.”

Mr Raubenheimer said the new hotel pick up service would operate twice a day, to and from both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. It needs to be booked by 9pm the night before.

The full Snowline service and its network of routes will be displayed in bus shelters and outside the Snow Centre in Queenstown.

Tickets can be bought from the Snow Centre or at The Remarkables access road booth.