“There aren’t many places in the world that match Canada for the beauty of its landscape, but New Zealand surely does.” Native New Zealander, Marke Dickenson, is Panorama Mountain Resort’s Director of Marketing, Sales and Guest Services.
Part One: Pre-Trip Prep
In 6 weeks, I’ll be meeting 4 fellow Canadians in Queenstown, New Zealand for a week of skiing in the famed South Island snowfields. With the departure date just around the corner, and resorts opening this weekend, I decided it was time to reach out to the experts to get the scoop on skiing in New Zealand. So, I called my colleague and dear friend, Guy Paulsen, and happened to catch him fresh off a trip from the southern hemisphere. Guy is the Director of Sales at Panorama Resort in BC. He’s also the first Canadian to attain top-level certification in all three winter ski disciplines: Telemark, Cross Country and Alpine, and was a coach of the 2019 Canadian Interski team.
Here is what Guy had to say:
- Queenstown is New Zealand’s Banff: historic, storied and stunning. Wanaka is New Zealand’s Canmore: super chill vibe, a starting point for endless adventures
- Kickback at Eichardt’s Bar on the shores of Lake Wakatipu
- Try the pizza at the Cow, a Queenstown institution
- (For the Canadian fresh off the tennis court/golf course) Get warmed up at Coronet Peak, overlooking Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu with lots of rolling blue terrain
- Enjoy the beautiful new day lodge (and bowl skiing) at The Remarkables
- Take in the impressive views on the drive to Wanaka through the Crown Range on the highest main road in New Zealand (1121m ASL)
- At Treble Cone, experience big bowls and long groomers (fav location for FIT World Cup summer training camps)
- Revel in big mountain skiing at Cadrona, about to become even bigger with the Soho expansion, doubling the resort’s skiable terrain
Guy reminded me Panorama and Cadrona are ‘International Resort Partners’, and that Marke Dickenson, Panorama’s Director of Marketing, Sales and Guest Services, is a native of Queenstown. So, I reached out to Marke to better understand the connection between Panorama and Cardona.
Here is what Marke had to say:
Marke explained that the two mountains have a partnership that extends beyond the practicalities of running a successful ski resort and offering a reciprocal deal for season pass holders. In addition to providing travel and work opportunities for employees, and knowledge sharing, Marke wrote that “Both resorts are fiercely independent and currently investing millions in enhanced facilities and experiences – this, with real respect for the Maunga (the Maori word for mountain), those who came before, and for those who ski and ride.“ That piqued my interest: I have the impression that New Zealanders have a deep respect for the natural world that is a real example for all of us, and great that this leadership is reflected at Panorama.
Marke also pointed out that while you’ll find deep snow cover on the mountains in August, the valleys will be green and temperatures mild (think more like Fall in Canada). Marke’s suggestions for free days in Wanaka and Queenstown:
- Cruise on a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu to a working sheep ranch
- Spend the day traveling through Fiordland National Park to the majesty of Milford Sound
- Visit wineries and enjoy the best Pinot Noir
- Sample the thriving food scene in Wanaka, with coffee that will cause you to redefine your idea of great.
Did I mention there’s still room on this trip? It’s not too late to join. We’d love to have you.
Email me or 1.888.475.4226
(Big thanks to Guy and Marke for help with Part 1 of the New Zealand Chronicles. I owe you both a beer)
