FAQ's

Over the years experience has taught us that some questions don't change much and neither do the answers! Here are some commonly asked questions, scroll down the page for the "answers" (Carolyn's opinion based on nearly two decades in the ski industry in NZ and internationally)....

I'm a beginner - which ski area should I go to learn?

What do I wear?

How far is it from Queentown to Treble Cone, Cardrona and the Snow Park?

Which ski area's are particularly family friendly?

I'm a non-skier, what can I do on the mountain while the rest of the family is skiing/riding?

What do I need to pre-book before I get to Queenstown?

What do I do if my ski boots hurt?

I suffer from bad circulation and feel the cold - what should I do?

What if I'm renting equipment but I want to try both snowboarding and skiing?

What's the difference between Executive and Mid Range equipment?

I've got sunglasses, do I need goggles?

How do I care for my leather gloves?

My ski jacket needs cleaning - what is the best method?

I'm a beginner - what Ski Area should I go to to learn?

Do 4WD vehicles require chains?

All of the ski areas have facilities for beginners, but probably the most beginner friendly area's are Cardrona and the Remarkables. Both ski fields have good sized beginner dedicated area's and beginner lifts. Once you have mastered controlled stopping and turning, the progression to bigger slopes is nice and gentle and fairly non-threatening. This is important because it allows your technique to develop without being in a situation where survival becomes the dominent factor! The beginner area's at the Remarkables face the sun throughout the day so despite the extra altitude, they can be warmer than those with area's not in the sun.

What do I wear?

Dress warmly in layers. Its easy to take off a layer if you are hot, but remember that conditions can change quickly in the mountains, and you may also need extra layers to keep warm particularly if the wind is blowing. Ski areas generally have day storage facilities so you can leave a bag with extra layers safely with no hassle.

The first layer should be a thermal layer and this is crucial to the performance of your ski/snowboard outerwear as it will keep you warm and dry by drawing perspiration away from the ski allowing it to escape through the breathable fabric of your outerwear. A cotton tee shirt for instance does not work this way, so you may find you get quite chilled by the moisture held in the fabric next to your skin. You should have both a thermal vest (or undergarment) and also thermal long johns.

The following layers should be a mid layer of fleece or wool (or wool and Possom blend) top. You may wish to take an extra mid warmth layer top for really cold days. Finish off the layers with an insulated jacket, pants, gloves, socks, a hat and goggles. It is really important to have a warm hat - most heat loss is via the head. If you suffer from the cold you can also use glove warmers and toe warmers (also known by some as 'Atomic teabags').

In warmer conditions (e.g. spring skiing at the end of the season) a light base layer top, a shell jacket, pants, socks and gloves should be sufficient. It is still adviseable to always carry a hat or at least ear warmer band.

How far is it from Queentown to Treble Cone, Cardrona and the Snow Park?

Cardrona & The Snow Park are about 1hr 15min by car from Queenstown via the Crown Range. Treble Cone is a little further, 1.5hrs.

Always carry chains as conditions change quickly in the mountains and you may need them to get down the ski area roads even if you did not need them to go up! Never ignore signs or ski area staff who tell you that you should fit chains even if you have 4WD, particularly if you are not used to driving in snowy and/or icy conditions.

Which Ski Area's are particularly 'family friendly'?

The Remarkables and Cardrona get the 'family friendly' big tick! Both ski area's are well suited to families. The Remarks has a great tubing run which is a lot of fun for the whole family, and Cardrona has probably the most comprehensive kids ski school and child minding for kids from as young as 3 months old.

I'm a non-skier, what can I do on the mountain while the rest of the family is skiing/riding?

Most ski area's have great slope viewing areas where you can hang out with a coffee and a good book. The Remarkables often has live music, DJ's and entertainment throughout the season and they also have a great tubing park. The Snowpark also has a particularly good viewing platform and the sound system is awesome and really cranked up most of the time! Warm waterproof footwear (not ski boots) is a good idea for your comfort.

What do I need to pre-book before I get to Queenstown?

It can be a good idea to pre-book your equipment if you need to rent, particularly in the busy school holidays times. You don't need to pre-book lift passes or ski school, other than private lessons and child care/lessons for the littlies. You can also organise mountain transportation when you get to town. There really is very little that you need to book in advance and no price advantage in doing so.

What can I do if my ski boots hurt?

Don't ruin your ski time by trying to put up with it, come and see us in either our Queenstown or Newmarket stores, we have some of the most experienced boot fitters and best equipment in the country! There are a miriad of minute adjustments that we can make to the inner or even the shell of the boot itself to increase your comfort. We also believe that custom made footbeds are an absolute must!

What's the difference between 'Executive' and 'Mid Range' rental equipment at Browns Ski Shop?

About 98% of our Executive fleet is new every season. The type of ski's in this category are all high performance ski's such as Fischer RX8 and Head Supershape Magnum. Mid Range skis are renewed every two to three seasons, although many are also new each year. Skis in this category are suitable for people requiring less ski performance i.e. beginners and lower intermediates.

What if I want to snowboard and ski during my holiday?

If you rent equipment from Browns Ski Shop you can change from skis or to a board (and back again) whenever you like during the rental period at no extra charge.

Do I need goggles if I already have sunglasses?

Goggles are a fairly vital piece of equipment that should be carried in the mountains. The weather can change very quickly and sunglasses just don't cut it as far as protecting your eyes and face from harsh conditions. Goggles cover more of your face and seal around your eyes to keep out wind and snow. Amber or rose coloured lenses are designed for low light conditions therefore making it easier to see when conditions are not great. Some goggles come with interchangeable lenses for different lighting conditions.

How do I care for my leather gloves?

Basically leather gloves should be treated the same as a pair of leather shoes. They need to be protected before use by conditioning with a product such as Hestra Leather Balm. When they get wet they should be dried slowly in a warm place, never directly on a hot radiator or heater. Re-proof and condition often.

My ski jacket needs cleaning - what is the best method?

Always read (and follow) the laundering instructions before cleaning. Generally the most effective way to clean your outerwear is in a washing machine on cold wash with non biological washing powder or a product such as Nikwax TX.direct which also re-proofs the garment. After a quick spin (unless advised against this by the washing instructions), line dry or dry on a hanger in a warm room. Handy tip - down filled jackets can generally be dried in the drier - put a tennis ball in the drier with the jacket as this aids the process by "fluffing" up the feathers.

I suffer from bad circulation and feel the cold - what should I do?

Multiple thin or medium weight layers of clothing are warmer than one big thick garment as warm air is trapped and acts as an effective insulator. Look for products that include Possum fur as Opossums and Polar Bears are the only two animals in the world who's fur is hollow and has a layer of air inside preventing it from freezing! A cuddly fleece neckwarmer also keeps you nice and warm. Mittens are warmer than gloves as your fingers are together and can heat each other. You can purchase single use glove and toe warmers (I call them "Atomic teabags") which are activated when the particles inside are shaken, and then give off heat. You can also buy rechargeable boot heaters which you might just decide, if you suffer from cold feet, was the best purchase you ever made!

Don't forget - a hat is an essential piece of survival equipment for the mountain environment for everyone.

Do 4WD vehicles require chains?

Yes, absolutely. You must carry chains irrespective of your vehicle specs. You would hope not to have to use them, however when conditions are such that you HAVE to go slowly and HAVE to break, then 4WD's will slide just like front wheel or regular drive vehicles. Really not trying to downplay too much how great it is to have 4WD in snowy and icy conditions (because it is great), just trying to let you know if you are not familiar with snow & ice driving, that 4WD is NOT a guarantee that you won't need chains. Always, always put on your chains when directed to do so by signs, or by ski area staff. The vast majority of hassles on ski field roads are caused less by the conditions than by idiotic people who think (mostly erroneously), that they know better than experienced ski area personnel. (Sorry, but that's my whinge on behalf of everyones safety and comfort!).