Packing for a ski or snowboard holiday can feel daunting, whether it is your first trip or your fifth. The good news is that once you understand the basics, it comes together quickly. And if you forget anything, Queenstown has everything you need.
The single most important concept when it comes to dressing for the mountain is layering. Weather in Queenstown can change quickly. You might start the day cold and end it in full sun, or find that a morning of ski lessons has you warmer than expected by mid-morning. It’s also quite common to have blue bird sunny days where the sun is beating down despite great snow underfoot. Layers give you the flexibility to adjust without having to plan for one extreme or the other.
There is a saying that fits the mountain perfectly: there is no such thing as bad weather, just a bad choice in clothing.
Here is how to think about packing, starting from the ground up.
Base Layers
Your base layers sit closest to your skin and do the work of keeping you warm and managing moisture as you heat up through the day.
Start with a good pair of ski socks, ideally merino wool. Merino regulates temperature well and stays comfortable over a long day on the mountain. Synthetic alternatives work fine for most people and are a more affordable option.
Under your ski pants, a pair of thermal leggings adds warmth without bulk. The same principle applies to your top half: a full-length sleeve base layer in merino or a quality synthetic fabric will keep you comfortable as your body temperature fluctuates through the day.
Mid Layer
Between your base layer and your outer jacket, most people wear a zipped fleece or a full-length mid layer. The benefit of a zip is simple: you can lower it a little if you get warm, and zip it back up when you cool down, all without taking anything off. A mid layer without a zip is on or off, which limits your options.
Outer Layer: Ski Jacket and Pants
Your ski jacket and ski pants complete the layering system. Practicality matters more than style here, especially if you are newer to the sport. A good outer layer needs to be waterproof, windproof, and roomy enough to fit your layers comfortably underneath.
If you are not ready to invest in ski-specific outerwear, or you simply do not want to travel with bulky gear, you can hire your outer clothing from us at Snowbiz. We have a full range of ski jackets and pants for hire, from child size 0 through to adult 5XL, so the whole group can be sorted in one place.
Hat
A warm hat is worth having for walking around Queenstown in the morning before you are in your helmet. The temperature before you head up to the mountain can be sharp, and starting the day cold before you have even reached the lifts is easily avoided.
Gloves
A decent pair of waterproof gloves is essential. On the mountain you will be in regular contact with snow, particularly if you are learning. Cold, wet hands will cut a ski day short quickly.
Look for gloves that are thick enough to stop the wind and waterproof enough to handle a tumble or two. A small toggle or tie at the wrist with a wrist strap is worth having so you can remove your gloves without dropping them off a chairlift.
For those wanting to invest more, double-layer gloves with a thin inner liner and a thicker outer shell give you extra flexibility. A good single-layer waterproof glove is all most people need to get started.
We stock an essential range of gloves in store at Snowbiz if you need to pick up a pair before heading up.
Buff or Neck Gaiter
A buff or thin neck gaiter is a small addition that makes a real difference. It breaks the wind around your neck and, when conditions get cold or gusty, can be pulled up over your face and under your goggles. A thin merino or synthetic buff works well for most people. Thicker woolly versions are available for those who run cold.
Goggles and Helmet
Goggles are essential on the mountain. They keep wind off your eyes and protect against the glare that comes from skiing at altitude with snow reflecting around you. Even on calm days, you will notice the difference.
Helmet hire is available from us at Snowbiz. Many skiers and snowboarders choose to buy their own helmet once they are a few trips in, but if you need one for your trip we have you covered.
A good pair of sunglasses is also worth packing for time off the mountain. Walking around Queenstown, it can be very bright even when you are not skiing.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen and lip balm are easy to forget and easy to regret. New Zealand UV levels are high, even in winter. Add in altitude and the reflection off the snow around you, and you are getting sun exposure from multiple angles throughout the day.
Apply sunscreen before you head up and carry a small tube for reapplication through the day. Lip balm is equally important. The combination of cold air, wind, and sun will dry your lips out quickly, and a few days on the mountain without protection is uncomfortable.
Ski and Snowboard Gear: Why Hiring Makes Sense
For most visitors travelling to Queenstown from Australia or further afield, hiring your ski or snowboard gear locally is the practical choice. Travelling with your own equipment adds significant weight and cost to your flights and can be a real hassle at both ends.
Hiring also means you are always on current, well-maintained equipment suited to the conditions. For those still building their skills, it gives you the chance to try different gear across different trips before committing to buying your own.
For a full breakdown of what is included in hire packages and how the fitting process works, take a look at our Complete Queenstown Ski and Snowboard Hire Guide.
Boots and the Bootdoc 3D Foot Scanner
If there is one piece of kit that will define your day on the mountain, it is your boots. Uncomfortable boots lead to cold feet, pressure points, and days cut short. The reputation boots have for being painful is largely a fitting problem rather than an equipment problem.
At Snowbiz, we use a Bootdoc 3D foot scanner that maps the geometry of your foot and matches you with the right boot for your shape and size. Combined with a team that knows how to read a fit and make the right adjustments, this is one of the most significant practical reasons to hire from a specialist.
Boots are often the first piece of gear people choose to buy after a few rental seasons. Getting the fit right from your first day makes a real difference to how much you enjoy skiing or snowboarding.
Off the Mountain: What to Bring for Queenstown
You will need more than just ski gear for your trip. A warm jacket for evenings in Queenstown is worth packing. Queenstown is a lively town and most people spend time out and about after a day on the slopes.
Heavy winter boots are not always necessary in town, but snowfalls do happen in Queenstown itself. A solid pair of waterproof shoes or boots will cover most situations comfortably.
Backpack, Water, and Snacks
A small day pack is worth considering if you want to carry water and snacks on the mountain. Staying hydrated is important, particularly at altitude. Both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables have good on-mountain cafes if you prefer to travel light.
One thing worth reading before your trip is the Responsibility Code, the set of guidelines that keep everyone safe on the mountain.
Queenstown's après-ski scene is excellent, but if your hydration of choice involves a drink or two, make sure you are looking after yourself and those around you on the slopes.
Most of all, bring your enthusiasm. The mountains here are exceptional, and a little preparation goes a long way toward making sure you make the most of every day you have on them.
Queenstown Has Everything You Need
If you arrive and realise you have forgotten something, do not stress. Queenstown is well set up for skiers and snowboarders. Pharmacies and supermarkets carry most essentials, and stores like Snowbiz stock a full range of accessories, clothing, and equipment you can pick up before you head to the mountain.
We are based at the Station Building on Duke Street, a short walk from the ski bus stops for both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.
Ready to Go?
Book your ski or snowboard hire before your trip and collect from the afternoon before your day on the mountain. Everything will be fitted and ready.
For more on timing your Queenstown ski trip, take a look at our guide to the best time to ski in Queenstown.
