Remarkables Alpine Guided Snowshoeing

If you’re dreaming of snowy peaks and wide-open mountain air during your trip to Queenstown, the Remarkables Alpine Guided Snowshoeing tour offers an excellent way to experience New Zealand’s stunning alpine scenery without needing advanced skiing skills. This tour, rated a perfect 5.0 based on four reviews, promises a memorable day of snowshoeing in the mountains, guided by knowledgeable professionals who keep safety and fun at the forefront.

Among the many outdoor activities available in Queenstown, snowshoeing stands out for its accessibility, scenic beauty, and the chance to reconnect with nature in a serene winter landscape. We love that this tour provides all necessary equipment, ensures a small group experience, and offers breathtaking views that are picture-perfect. A minor consideration might be the price — at $415.75 per person, it’s an investment, but one that many believe is well worth it considering the quality and exclusivity of the experience. This tour suits travelers seeking an active, scenic adventure that combines comfort, expert guidance, and the thrill of mountain exploration.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Equipment: Snowshoes, walking poles, and technical gear are provided, making it easy to just show up and enjoy.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to six participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate adventure.
• Breathtaking Views: The tour offers access to iconic spots like Jagged Edge Ridge, perfect for photography and sightseeing.
• Expert Guides: Friendly and knowledgeable guides, like Jenni and Jamie, enhance the experience with helpful insights and safety tips.
• Transport and Convenience: Private vehicle transfers from the meeting point simplify logistics.
• Moderate Fitness Level Needed: Suitable for most travelers with a reasonable level of physical fitness.

Discovering the Remarkables: A Detailed Review

What Is This Snowshoeing Tour About?

This Remarkables guided snowshoeing experience is designed to take you off the beaten track into the heart of Queenstown’s mountain range. The focus is on providing an accessible alpine adventure, with all technical equipment included, so you don’t need to worry about lugging heavy gear or navigating tricky terrain. Instead, you get to focus on the awe-inspiring scenery and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

The tour lasts approximately four hours, which balances enough time to soak in the vistas without feeling rushed. Transport is arranged via a private vehicle from the basecamp meeting point, located at the Queenstown Climbing Centre in Frankton. The tour maintains a small group size — a maximum of six travelers — ensuring close attention from guides and opportunities to ask questions or customize certain aspects of the walk.

The Itinerary and Terrain

Your snowshoeing journey begins at the meeting point, where your guide will distribute all necessary equipment—snowshoes, walking poles, and safety gear. The guides, such as Jenni and Jamie, are praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and wealth of knowledge. They’ll lead you on foot along picturesque routes like the Jagged Edge Ridge, one of the standout spots for panoramic views.

Expect a mix of gentle ascents and level walks, with the terrain chosen for its stunning vistas and manageable difficulty. The low group ratios mean you’ll likely get plenty of time for photos and to appreciate the scenery without feeling overwhelmed. Many reviewers mention the quality of guides, highlighting their ability to make the walk enjoyable while sharing insights about snow conditions, avalanche risks, and mountain features.

What You’ll See and Experience

This tour showcases Queenstown’s iconic landscapes, with views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding peaks. Reviewers mention that on clear days, the scenery is simply unforgettable, with one describing walking in “soft powdered snow with the sun shining” as “something else.” The ability to access areas like Jagged Edge Ridge provides amazing photo opportunities and a sense of being truly off the beaten trail.

The experience isn’t just about the walk. Guides like Jenni make the trip informative, sharing details about mountain safety and local geography. Several reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and helpfulness, noting how they enhance the trip’s value with their knowledge and approachable manner.

The Gear and Comfort

All technical equipment, including snowshoes and walking poles, is included in the price. This means you can pack light, focusing on warm clothing, comfortable footwear, and perhaps a camera or snacks. The gear provided is of good quality, designed specifically for winter mountain walking, making the experience safe and enjoyable.

Reviewers like the convenience of not having to rent gear separately or worry about equipment suitability. The snowshoes are easy to use, and guides are attentive to ensure everyone is comfortable and secure throughout the walk.

Safety and Group Size

With a maximum of six people, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere that is often praised by travelers. This small-group setup allows guides to keep a close eye on everyone, providing tailored safety advice and assistance. As one reviewer pointed out, the guides are well-informed about avalanche risks and snow conditions, adding an extra layer of confidence, especially for those newer to mountain snow activities.

Pricing and Value

At $415.75 per person, the tour is a premium experience, but many find it provides excellent value considering the inclusions, small-group personalization, and access to iconic scenery. Transportation, gear, and guiding are all covered, and the quality of the guides, as well as the breathtaking views, justify the cost for most travelers seeking a special alpine experience.

Flexibility and Booking

Typically booked 22 days in advance, the tour offers flexible scheduling, and its free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before departure adds peace of mind. Weather can influence whether the tour proceeds, with options for rescheduling or refunds if conditions are poor.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This snowshoeing adventure is ideal for travelers who want to explore Queenstown’s mountains without skiing or snowboarding. It suits those with moderate physical fitness, comfortable with walking and light hiking in snowy conditions. It’s also perfect for photographers, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a peaceful mountain experience with expert guidance.

While suitable for most age groups, children must be accompanied by an adult, and participants should be prepared for cold weather and potentially variable mountain conditions. The tour’s small group size ensures a personalized, flexible experience that’s engaging for those eager to learn about the area.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Remarkables snowshoeing tour offers a rare chance to enjoy Queenstown’s winter scenery in a relaxed, guided setting. The all-inclusive gear, small group size, and expert guides create a comfortable, enriching experience that balances adventure with safety. The stunning vistas along Jagged Edge Ridge and the personalized attention make it a standout activity for those wanting to connect with nature and capture incredible photos.

The price point might seem high, but considering the quality, exclusivity, and access to pristine snow-covered landscapes, many find it a worthwhile investment in memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful mountain escape, this tour offers something special.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
All technical equipment such as snowshoes and walking poles are provided, along with a knowledgeable guide and private transport from the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately four hours, offering a good balance of exploration and scenic enjoyment.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, so it’s best for families with children comfortable in snowy environments.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
No, all necessary gear is supplied, so you only need to wear warm, layered clothing suitable for mountain weather.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to six travelers, ensuring an intimate experience with plenty of guidance.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather to proceed. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to book around 3-4 weeks ahead, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, providing flexibility for travel plans.

This Remarkables Alpine Guided Snowshoeing experience delivers a well-rounded, scenic adventure that combines safety, personalized attention, and incredible views. It’s perfect for those eager to experience Queenstown’s winter beauty in a relaxed yet engaging way.