The Remarkables are a mountain range and skifield in Otago, South Island of New Zealand. Located on the southeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, the range lives up to its name by rising sharply to create an impressive backdrop for the waters. The range is clearly visible from the nearby town of Queenstown.
High point in the range is Single Cone (2319 metres) with Ben Nevis (2230 metres, named after the Scottish mountain of the same name) a little further south in the Hector mountains.
The mountains were allegedly named The Remarkables because they are one of only two mountain ranges in the world which run directly north to south. An alternate explanation for the name given by locals is that early Queenstown settlers, upon seeing the mountain range during sunset one evening, named them the Remarkables to describe the sight.
During the winter months The Remarkables skifield has skiing and other winter activities. The ski area has 3 mountain bowls covering 540 acres (2.2 km²). The patrolled area covers 220 ha with 6 lifts (3 quad chairs, 3 magic carpets, and a tow rope). Terrain is rated as 30% beginners, 40% intermediate and 30% advanced. The whole skifield area is 540 acres (2.2 km²) with 5 lifts. Average annual snowfall is 3.67 metres. In 2007 automated snowmaking was installed and a new snow groomer has also been acquired.[1] There's also a snow tubing park and in 2008 a terrain park was developed. The Remarkables are part of NZSki, which incorporate Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt.
| The Remarkables Skifields | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 1943 meters |
| Vertical | 357 meters |
| Skiable Area | 220 hectares |
| Lifts | 3 quad chairs, 3 surface conveyor lifts, 1 handle tow Highest lifted point: 1943 meters Lowest lift: 1622 meters |
| Lift Operation | 9.00am - 4.00pm |
| Terrain | 30% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 30% Advanced |
| Standard Season | 18th June - 16th October |
| Average Snowfall | 3.67 meters per year (excluding snowmaking) |
| Snowmaking | Halfpipe, terrain park, beginners' area, Alta Green, Casterway, Gotham City & Turquoise novice trails and Ozone Tubing Park |
| Nearest Town | Queestown (28km/45 minutes) |
| Shuttle Services | Multiple daily return services from Queenstown |
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