The dramatic Southern Alps of New Zealand pierce the clouds around Queenstown, leaving those who don't ski looking up in wonder, wishing they did. Well, there's never been a better time to learn.

Ski season 2011 is looking jam-packed in Queenstown, which hugs beautiful Lake Wakatipu and offers locals and tourists alike a host of adrenaline-packed adventures and family-friendly activities, both on and off the slopes. With events aplenty and additions to the nearby ski fields, the term 'something for everyone' has never been so relevant.

The I-SITE Visitor Centre can help with any bookings and enquiries when you get to Queenstown. (Clocktower Building, Shotover Street, 8am-6pm daily, tel (03) 442 4100).

Hit the slopes

The two ski fields closest to Queenstown are Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. There's fun to be had at both, depending on the type of fun you're after.

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is approximately 20 minutes by car from Queenstown and its outdoor stage, bar and restaurant are always bustling. New for 2011, terrain at the world class ski area has been widened and a spacious new trails for novices are set to get beginners flocking. Coronet Peak also offers night skiing, fabulous for a really social affair. Excitingly for visitors in the 2011 snow season, a new novice trail from the top of the Meadows Chairlift will take skiers and boarders away from the bustling masses, into new terrain. Parallel to this, a Kids Fun Zone provides flags, berms and jumps, while a 102m carpet conveyor lift will make for easy travel to the learners area. The trail on the Lower Big Easy has also been widened to create a consistent gradient, and five new snow guns have been installed on the new trails.

The Remarkables

The landscape at The Remarkables has had a bit of a makeover during summer and for the 2011 snow season, skiers can expect wider terrain, new runs, reconfigured slopes and increased snowmaking on the hill.

Workers at 'The Remarks' have blasted roughly 15,000 cubic metres of rock into the Sugar Bowl and Shadow Basin, and skiers in 2011 can expect to find 12 new snow guns installed on selected trails. These will help provide more snow, with consistent coverage.

Also improved for this season are the areas around all chairlifts, meaning extra accessible terrain for all levels. The early intermediate Turquoise Trail has now doubled in width and Casterway is the new home of their beginners' park area, featuring fun jumps for early intermediates and kids.

Events for the diary

The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival: June 24 to July 3

Queenstown's Winter Festival is such a big deal that it's been ranked as one of the world's top 10 must-see festivals, ranking even higher than the Sydney and Melbourne festivals. It started in the 70s as a local's excuse to have a party and has snowballed ever since (boom tish).

Visitors in 2011 can expect a host of free events including local musical acts, comedy, a Mardi Gras, a Masquerade Ball, an Invitational Slopestyle event and tons of aptly named Mountain Mayhem. Don't miss the opening night fireworks on June 24 — the official start of the snow season.

For more info click here.

Queenstown Gay Ski Week: July 23 to 31

Welcome to the largest gay ski event in the Southern Hemisphere. Queenstown queens it up big stylie the last week of July this year, and if previous years' parties and powder are at all indicative, this is the place to be for the LGBTQ community and their mates.

2011 highlights include: a welcome party, retro bowling, snow gaymes, DNA Magazine (heated) pool party, karaoke night, Manhunt Buff Party, The Big Gay Out and the closing WHITE OUT party.

Check out the Gay Ski Week website here

The 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games: August 13 to 28

In 2011, Queenstown will host many of the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games events for the second time. These will continue throughout August and during the Rugby World Cup.

Coronet Peak is set to host women's and adaptive skiing events, amongst others, while Cardrona and Snow Park will focus on halfpipe and snowboard slopestyle competitions. Check the website for official times and locations and remember, if you want to get any skiing in yourself during this time, book in advance. And don't forget your camera! For more info click here.