Mountain Tips From Olympians Jossi Wells and Alice Robinson

Whether you’re skiing in Queenstown or Wānaka, who better to ask for on-mountain advice than World Champion alpine ski racer Alice Robinson of Queenstown or freestyle legend Jossi Wells of Wānaka? Well, don’t go getting nervous, because we’ve asked them for you… and did they ever deliver the goods.

You’ve skied a lot of incredible mountains around the world. In your opinion, what makes the Queenstown and Wānaka region so special?

JW: Our mountains are extremely dramatic. Towering out of the blue lakes through the native forest, up into glaciated high alpine terrain, it’s truly spectacular. Exploring these mountains becomes more enjoyable with every journey out there.

AR: I find the Southern Alps extremely special because I see them as home, although I’ve seen some extremely impressive alps overseas, none of it compares to experiencing them in our backyard.

Out of the five resorts in the Queenstown Lakes region (Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone Ski Area, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak Ski Area and Snowfarm NZ), what’s your go-to mountain and why?

JW: Can’t beat TC on a pow day. Cardrona spring park laps go hard though.

AR: My go-to mountain is, of course, Coronet Peak! It’s where I grew up skiing with my family and where I learned to ski and race, so it holds a very special place in my heart. It’s currently where I do all my training in the winter and has a world-class race training venue. It’s also so easily accessible from the township, it’s 15 minutes from my house and 20 minutes from town which makes it SO easy. And of course, I can’t forget the breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Wakatipu basin to the South and the amazing Alps to the North.

Do you have an all-time favourite run?

JW: Crag-Shooter all day!

AR: My favourite run at Coronet Peak has to be The Hurdle! It’s a steep rolling run on the main chairlift and super fun to lay some turns on!

We know that skiers notoriously hate to give up their stashes, but can you give us your top tip for a powder day?

JW: If I told you, I’d have to kill you.

AR: Early bird gets the worm, if you want those fresh tracks you have to be one of the first ones out there.

Now to the important question: what’s your top tip for après?

JW: Rhyme & Reason Joyrider

AR: My favourite après spot at the moment has been either at home with family and friends or at Akarua Wines and Artisan in Lake Hayes enjoying one of their cheeseboards!

Want to ski like the pros? Check out the Queenstown Lake district’s four ski fields, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak Ski Area, Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone Ski Area!