I Spent a week visiting the remarkables resort learning to snowboard whilst in Queenstown. I have skied in Austria and also the Cardrona resort in New Zealand, and I was very impressed by the standard of this resort, as it catered for all abilities and also offers a variety of combination packages for those who aren't visiting on a season pass. The only downsides I remember are that it was pretty scary actually getting up to the resort- we used the resort shuttle buses which pick you up from a number of stops in Queenstown, and although it was quite good value and got us there quick enough, it was quite a hairy experience crawling up the winding icy narrow roads on the edge of the mountains, especially when passing another vehicle! Had a bit of a close call one day when the bus skidded on the ice and the drivers quick thinking and steering saved us from a sticky end! But having said that, I wouldnt want to drive up there in my own vehicle, as my driving skills and lack of snowchains would make it very interesting!! SO really the bus IS the best option.
When you get off the bus in the carpark, one other problem awaits you- unless you hav eyour own snowboard boots or skiboots, your going to get very wet cold feet in the first few minutes, as the beginner slope actually precedes the actual resort building, so you have to cross some snow and get on a slippy travelator along with the learner skiiers who often career into you, before you get into the warm dry compound of the resort. Once there however, the service was excellent, all the staff were very friendly and helpful, and interested in how your getting along, and the rentals and fittings are very professionally done.
The lift passes available let you choose how much access you need according to your ability, so I could get the beginner pass which allows you on the learner slopes and also the green slopes. The view that you look down on is just incredible, and I have been told that the view from the very top slope (which i was too chicken and rubbish to venture up to) is absolutely phenomenal. In fact I believe its so good that you can actually pay for the chairlift up and back so even if you cant ski well you can go check out the view.
The restaurant area was buzzing and slightly too crowded (we sat outside when it was snowing) but the food on offer is not too pricey (i still took my own sandwiches though) and you have the added entertainment of the prehistoric like birds called keas that try and steal your food!
By the end of the week I was sore but very proud of my achievements and I will always have fond memories of the remarkable 'remarkables'.