2008, by Catherine_Parker

Queenstown New Zealand: #5 ski town to spend a season abroad

Now I have to be honest (I could never lie to you) the snow conditions here are a bit patchy. There are always a few bluebird days but the mountains are too low to get much powder and you can't guarantee good riding everyday. However, Queenstown is perfect as a package and I couldn't possibly leave it out of my Top 5. Firstly it is one of the most ridiculously beautiful places in a country full of ridiculously beautiful places.

Life is based in and around the town centre not just on a remote resort like a lot of ski areas and the bustling town means there is no shortage of jobs. From Queenstown, Coronet Peak and the Remarkables are within a forty-five minutes drive and if you venture a bit further Codrona and Mt Hutt are easy enough to visit in a day.

For those who take the après ski side of a season deadly seriously then you can't throw a stone without hitting a pub and there is somewhere to cater for everyone (but word of advice, avoid the backpacker bars unless you like warm beer and over zealous gap year kids). There are a huge amount of seasonal workers around town to meet and Kiwis are, as far as I can tell, the most laid back people in the world.

With friendly people, beautiful scenery and accommodation and jobs in town Queenstown is an amazing place to spend a season. The skiing is not the best and the wages aren't going to be great but I defy anyone to come to Queenstown and not fall in love with it.

Pros	Cons
Awesome town	Patchy snow conditions
Two easily accessible mountains	Poor wages
Fun pub scene	Expensive living costs
Lots of season workers and friendly locals
Spectacular scenery

Queenstown skiing

Resources:
http://www.powderhound.co.nz/queenstown/queenstownskiboardhire.html
http://www.natives.co.uk/news/2003/11/17quen.htm
http://www.nzski.com/

Queenstown View

* Have you spent a season in Queenstown?
* Would you like to?
* Do you think it belongs on this list (and in the #5 spot)???

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below...

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