Overview
Things are beginning to heat up at New Zealand ski fields. Following the disrupted domestic-only ski season in 2020, thrill-seekers from both sides of the ditch could be hitting the country's pristine slopes from as early as June.
Special events are always a highlight on the winter calendar, and this year you could be attending a full moon skiing session, racing down the mountain with your dog in tow or hitting an Olympic-sized superpipe.
Queenstown favourites Coronet Peak and The Remarkables have announced that a series of retro ski parties will be hitting the mountains this July. The Australian-born First Base: A Vintage Après Ski Soirée invites skiers and boarders to glide right off the piste and into the party where retro ski suits and ugly vintage sweaters are the fit of choice.
The two-day event begins on Saturday, July 3 at Coronet Peak with a special night skiing event as part of the region's scaled-back Welcome to Winter celebrations. The following day the soirée changes scenery and moves to the Ice Bar at The Remarkables for an afternoon session.
Flying in from across the ditch to host the parties in their retro ski suits will be Triple J radio host Tom Tilley and Flight Facilities member Hugo Gruzman. The pair will be joined by Australian alternative pop act, Owl Eyes. You can expect fire pits and smooth 80s throwbacks filled with plenty of nostalgia.
This will be the first time the après ski party has hit New Zealand slopes. Alongside First Base, Coronet Peak will host a Mountain Fun Day on Sunday, July 4 including the famous suitcase race, a snowman building competition, a bouncy castle and other family activities.
The First Base parties and Mountain Fun Day are free to the public, however a lift pass is required for night skiing at Coronet Peak and to access the Ice Bar at The Remarkables.