The countdown to winter in Queenstown is on, and we are eagerly awaiting the thrill of fresh snow, extraordinary adventures, and the legendary themed parties that only QUT Snowriders, the premier Brisbane University ski club, can orchestrate!
Since our inception in 2015, we have been organising phenomenal student trips, and 2026 is poised to be our most spectacular year yet!
Come July, we will return to stunning Queenstown for twelve days filled to the brim with skiing, socialising, and a touch of mischief. Accompanied by 90 of QUT’s most spirited members, this promises to be an unforgettable journey—carving through the snow on FOUR diverse mountains during the day and immersing ourselves in Queenstown’s renowned nightlife as the evening unfolds.
This is a winter wonderland adventure you certainly won’t want to miss out on!
We’re up bright and early to jump on a quick flight to Queenstown, New Zealand on VA115. Our group tickets allow you a generous 2 bags of check-in allowance. This should be plenty to bring everything you will need for the 12 days of shredding and partying that await you!
On arrival in New Zealand, we have a private transfer to take us to our accommodation at Nomads Queenstown, located smack bang in the centre of town – no walking required!
This morning we jump on a private transfer and head straight to Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand’s most popular ski area and a favourite for ski trips. Known as the country’s ultimate winter playground, Cardrona boasts a massive 615 hectares of skiable terrain and proudly wears the crown as New Zealand’s biggest ski resort.
The mountain is famous for its wide, uncrowded runs, which makes it ideal for beginners finding their feet and building confidence. At the same time, there’s plenty here for stronger skiers and snowboarders who want to fang it down the hill or explore more challenging terrain. Add in a fun on mountain atmosphere, epic views, and loads of space for groups to spread out, and it’s an unforgettable day on the snow.
Blue Vs Maroon. Chose your side and watch the game unfold while you enjoy dinner.
Get to know your fellow trippers with an epic Scavenger Hunt around Queenstown and a surprise event at the end of the day.
Prizes will be given for the winners!
Today we recommend you take the time to kick back, relax, and explore Queenstown to your heart’s content – but if adventure is calling to you don’t hesitate to partake in any of the town’s incredible activities during the day!
You’ll need all the energy you can get as we head to Coronet Peak from 12:30 to 9 p.m. for some incredible Twilight Skiing!
Check out incredible sunsets before you send it down wide-open floodlit trails—a bucket list activity for any frostbitten traveller.
Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, today is the day to kick back and relax … or not!
Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, with no shortage of adrenaline-pumping, once-in-a-lifetime experiences to satisfy your inner adventurer. We give you the freedom to partake in any activity you like – bungee jumping, jet boating, riding the famous luge, skydiving, ziplining, rafting … the list goes on and it’s your choice!
Today we’re off to The Remarkables, Queenstown’s go‑to mountain for a fun ski or snowboard day with the crew. After a convenient private coach transfer from town, you’ll arrive refreshed and ready to hit the slopes. The resort covers 385 hectares of terrain, with something for everyone – wide beginner runs, playful intermediate trails, and steeper lines for those chasing a thrill. Eight lifts keep the mountain moving, from high-speed chairs to beginner-friendly conveyors.
After a day of shredding, kick back on the sun-soaked deck, grab a drink or bite, and soak up the classic après ski buzz with epic lake views.
Today, we’re heading back to Cardrona Alpine Resort for another full day of snow adventures. After a smooth private coach transfer, we’ll arrive ready to explore more of what makes this mountain so popular. Cardrona’s varied terrain means there’s something for everyone – from gentle beginner runs to wide, flowing intermediates and challenging steeps for thrill-seekers. The resort is packed with terrain parks, halfpipes, and fun features, so there’s plenty to keep freestyle fans entertained. The modern lift network keeps you moving efficiently across the slopes, while the cosy on-mountain cafés and bars provide the perfect spot to refuel, catch up with friends, and soak up the views.
Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, today is the day to kick back and relax … or not!
Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, with no shortage of adrenaline-pumping, once-in-a-lifetime experiences to satisfy your inner adventurer. We give you the freedom to partake in any activity you like – bungee jumping, jet boating, riding the famous luge, skydiving, ziplining, rafting … the list goes on and it’s your choice!
Today, we’re heading up to Treble Cone, one of the South Island’s most iconic ski destinations. After a comfortable private coach transfer from town, we arrive ready to explore the mountain’s 550 hectares of skiable terrain. Known for its big alpine scenery and challenging runs, Treble Cone is perfect for confident skiers and snowboarders, with long cruisers, steep gullies, and natural features that reward bold lines. Intermediates can still find plenty of flowing runs to build confidence and enjoy the views.
The resort is served by six lifts, including high-speed chairs that get you to the top efficiently, maximising your time on snow. When it’s time for a break, the base lodge offers hearty food, hot drinks, and a relaxed space to recharge while soaking in the epic views over Lake Wanaka.
Today we’re heading back to The Remarkables, a mountain famous for its wide-open spaces and dramatic alpine scenery. After a relaxed private coach transfer, we’ll arrive ready to explore runs that wind through natural gullies and across sun-drenched ridges. With 385 hectares of skiable terrain and eight lifts, there’s plenty of variety, from fast intermediate cruisers to hidden corners that let adventurous skiers and boarders carve their own lines.
The Remarkables also has a strong focus on freestyle and learning terrain, with a dedicated park for jumps, rails, and boxes, plus gentle areas where newcomers can gain confidence away from busier runs. At the end of the day, the mountain’s base lodge provides a cosy spot to relax, enjoy some hearty food, or sip a warming drink while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. It’s a mountain that balances adventure, fun, and scenic magic – perfect for our last day on the slopes!
Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, today is the day to kick back and relax … or not!
Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, with no shortage of adrenaline-pumping, once-in-a-lifetime experiences to satisfy your inner adventurer. We give you the freedom to partake in any activity you like – bungee jumping, jet boating, riding the famous luge, skydiving, ziplining, rafting … the list goes on and it’s your choice!
Tragedy strikes! It’s unfortunately that time of the trip when we’ll need to pack up, shed a few tears, and head home.
Before we leave, this morning is free time to take part in any activities you missed, or grab one last hungover brekky by the lake. Be sure to be back for a 1:30pm pickup to the airport.
We fly out at 4:30pm on VA118 and will land in Brisbane at 6:25pm
Once the limited EARLY BIRD Tickets have sold out, do not fear! General Release tickets will be available soon, but get in quick, as these tickets have historically sold out in minutes!
To secure your place on the trip, you will need to complete the registration form and purchase a ticket by clicking on the “Book Now” button (where the “Coming Soon” box is at the moment) at the top of the page.
A deposit of $849 is required and will be paid through the website at the point of purchase.
The remaining ticket fee can be paid through a payment plan of 4 x $675 instalments leading up to departure day, or otherwise a lump sum payment. We encourage trippers to make these additional payments via direct deposit to the QUT Snowrider’s bank account to bypass the credit card fees of the website.
Merch Pack
Nomads Queenstown is backpacking with style right in the heart of town. Just a few steps from Lake Wakatipu and with epic views of the snow-capped mountains, it’s the perfect base to explore Queenstown.
Every bed comes with a locker that fits your laptop, hanging space, and a personal reading light – so you can chill, charge up, and stay organised.
The hostel is packed with social spaces to keep the group entertained: a modern kitchen, a huge lounge with a fireplace, a movie room, a sauna, plus free WiFi and ski storage. Nomads is a dry hostel, but the onsite bar is perfect for grabbing a cheap drink and meeting fellow travellers.
It’s comfy, central, and full of vibes – the ideal spot for adventure, laughs, and a good night’s sleep all in one place.
These Terms & Conditions govern your purchase of tickets and attendance at the 2026 QUT Snowriders NZ trip (the “Trip”). It is your responsibility to review these Terms & Conditions before the purchase of Your ticket. By purchasing a ticket for this Trip, You confirm that You understand, accept, and agree to all Terms & Conditions listed here.
This document outlines the expectations of participants, forms of dispute resolution, and consequences of disregarding the information in this document.
Scope:
This document is applicable to every trip attendee, including executives. All attendees must:
– Be a current member of QUT Snowriders before the initial deposit payment is made.
– Be aged between 18 to 30 years of age by the start date of the Trip (07/07/2026). Please contact QUT Snowriders before purchasing a ticket if you fall outside of this age range.
– Have attended at least 1 society event before the Trip commences. This will be enforced at the discretion of the T4 executives. The purpose of this term is to encourage trip participants to become familiar with the executive team and other trip participants.
Refund
Buyers should be aware that the initial deposit of $849 for this trip is non-refundable. Any payment made beyond the initial deposit amount is refundable based on finding a suitable replacement Trip participant. The buyer should contact the club through email or Facebook to start this refund process, where the club will find a replacement trip-goer. Once the replacement has paid the full fare, you will receive a refund equal to the amount paid by you, minus an administrative fee incurred for changing names on trip itineraries. If a replacement trip participant is not found, none of the fare paid is refundable. Less than four weeks’ notice of wanting a refund will result in no refund.
COVID Policy
In the event of a trip cancellation due to COVID-19 restrictions, all receipt holders will be given a full refund including the otherwise non-refundable deposit. COVID-19 restrictions include the trip’s own travel restrictions, Brisbane lockdown, New Zealand lockdown and the condition of quarantine that affects further travel plans. This does not include personal quarantine due to prior travel/restrictions, travel restrictions outside of Brisbane/New Zealand, self-isolation due to Covid-illness or Covid testing; such personal circumstances that do not affect the viability of the trip are not covered by our Covid refund guarantee.
Liability
You acknowledge that You are fit to and it is Your choice to participate in the Trip. You understand and assume any and all risks associated with Trip activities (including Snow sports) which may lead to loss, injury, disability or even death.
These risks include but are not limited to slips, trips, falls, fractured bones, fractured skull, head or brain injuries, spinal injuries, permanent paralysis including paraplegia, quadriplegia, open wounds, changes in weather conditions, allergic reactions, sickness, extreme weather events, travel by vehicle (road conditions, failures), psychosocial interactions, equipment and facilities, variations of terrain, marked and unmarked obstacles, physical exertion, wildlife, and any other event outside QUT Snowriders’ control.
By signing that You agree to these Terms & Conditions, You agree to release, defend, and indemnify QUT Snowriders from any and all liability incurred of any kind whatsoever in any way arising out of Your participation in the Trip.
Insurance
Travel insurance included in the ticket price is issued once the Trip fare has been paid in full. It is Your responsibility to review the coverage provided and assess if it is the appropriate level of coverage suitable to Your personal circumstances. If You do not elect to arrange additional insurance for Your circumstances, You do so at Your own risk.
Trip Expectations
This Trip is offered by QUT Snowriders, a student-run social club at QUT; however, QUT Snowriders has engaged third-party service providers to deliver the Trip. You understand that QUT Snowriders does not own, operate or control any of these service providers, accepts no liability for the provision of such services, and makes no warranty as to their quality and standard.
You acknowledge that the Trip is subject to a range of circumstances and conditions that may not meet Your expectations and that QUT Snowriders has no reasonable control over. Accordingly, QUT Snowriders is under no obligation to refund any part of the costs paid by You if You are not satisfied with any aspect of the Trip irrespective of the reason, or offer compensation.
Payment
Payments made after the initial deposit are to be made through the QUT Snowriders website or direct debit to the QUT Snowriders bank account. By signing this document you agree to receive email reminders for these upcoming payments. You agree to pay the next instalments of the Trip on time in accordance with the payment plan (see booking page). Failure to pay on the communicated date will result in the cancellation of Your ticket to participate in the Trip and forfeiture of any money already paid.
Contact the QUT Snowriders Executive by email or Facebook if there is an issue with Your ability to pay the instalments, a solution may be devised before the instalment date.
Photography Release
By agreeing to this Terms & Conditions document, Trip participants grant QUT Snowriders and its representatives the irrevocable right to use photos or videos taken during the Trip for promotional purposes, including website content, social media, print, and other formats. This includes content uploaded to OneDrive, where participants acknowledge that QUT Snowriders may use these files for promotional purposes without compensation or notice. Participants retain ownership but grant QUT Snowriders a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, and distribute the media for promotional purposes.
QUT Snowriders Code of Conduct 2026 Brief:
This section of the document outlines the code of conduct for the 2026 QUT Snowriders. It outlines the expectations of the Trip participants. Snowriders is a club that has always strongly aligned itself with social activities as well as potentially dangerous sports. This document aims to outline some of the actions that will not be accepted by trip attendees and the consequences for breaching these rules.
At all times during the Trip (Including travel to and from Europe) You will comply with this code of Behaviour.
Actions:
You will exercise good judgement and act in a safe and responsible manner while attending the Trip and participating in Trip activities:
Law:
All trip participants are required at all times to abide by any law applicable, including both Australian and New Zealand applicable law. No tolerance will be given to those who break the law. Those found to be in breach of any law will be immediately reported to the authorities and will be immediately removed from the trip.
Drugs/illegal Materials:
The trip has an absolutely ZERO tolerance policy for drugs or illegal materials. Any trip attendee found in the possession of illegal materials will be reported to the relevant authorities and will be immediately removed from the trip. Any suspected activity in this form will be dealt with severely.
Anti-Social Behaviours:
Any anti-social behaviours including but not limited to, hazing, sexual assault, unwanted sexual advances or statements, aggression and bullying is not tolerated. Action deemed by the executives to be against the spirit of the club will be dealt with severely and if required law enforcement will be contacted.
Risk-Taking Behaviours
Risk-taking behaviours include but are not limited to, peer-pressuring behaviour, inappropriate/excessive drinking, failure to stay clear of danger hotspots or activities, and breaking rules. Risk-taking behaviours are not tolerated. Risk-taking behaviour that puts the individual in unnecessary danger as determined by the executive team will be dealt with by the executives on the trip. Failure to abide by this code after warning will result in law enforcement being contacted and your immediate removal from the trip.
Damage:
Any damages that a trip participant causes, through their actions are not the responsibility of the club or executives. Attendees will be required to cover the cost of any damages, and/or any other measures required to repair damages.
Suppliers:
The club and executives accept no responsibility for the actions of the suppliers of the services within the trip. All participants are required to abide by all rules of the suppliers (including, but not limited to, accommodation and travel), and the club takes no responsibility for any persons’ actions in regard to these organisations.
Consequences:
The consequences resulting from actions that are not aligned with the articles of this code of conduct are severe. QUT Snowriders Executive reserves the right to remove You from the Trip at any time, should you breach the Code of Conduct, or where such action is determined by the QUT Snowriders Executive to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of others.
The acting executives on the trip will decide the consequences, which will be made at the earliest possible time after the incident has occurred. The consequences include, but are not limited to;
– Immediate removal from the trip
– Exclusion from group activities
– Other disciplinary actions, as determined by the executives
If any disciplinary action is taken, NO REFUNDS will be given in any circumstance.
QUT Snowriders may, in its sole discretion, take further action to suspend You from attending future events, and/or terminate Your QUT Snowriders membership.
Snow sports:
By your inclusion in this trip (and the agreement of this code of conduct) you also accept any and all responsibility for yourself, your equipment and your actions. The club, its executives, and any other party accept no responsibility for any damages (personal or otherwise) that may occur on this trip. The purchase of this ticket also means that you are aware that snow sports can be dangerous if proper care & caution is not practised, and the club accepts no responsibility for any incidents or injuries.
By signing this document, you accept that the club, and its executives, accepts no responsibility for you or your property for the duration of the trip. No tolerance will be given for anti-social behaviour. This document does not outline ALL punishable actions on the trip, and that all questionable (deemed by executives) acts on the trip will be at the discretion of the executives. The executives will not be held liable for any actions or negligence on the trip.
Safety:
Helmets are mandatory for all trip participants, NO EXCEPTIONS.
It is expected of Trip participants to make safe choices. Medical conditions/allergies:
Participants with medical conditions or allergies are expected to self-manage Your condition and make safe choices in consideration of Your condition.
First Timers:
If a participant is learning a snow sport for the first time they must take lessons for a minimum of 1 full day, this applies to both snowboarding and skiing. Participants are highly recommended to do more lessons to help them progress quickly. Helmets are mandatory and wrist guards are compulsory for first-time snowboarders.
Beginners, Intermediate and Above:
All participants must wear a helmet at all times and regardless of skiing ability, wrist guards are recommended. Beginners and all levels are highly recommended to take lessons to progress their skills to the next level safely. The club and executives accept no responsibility for the consequences of participants who refused the recommended measures.
Liability waiver
ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY – THIS AGREEMENT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
This is a legal document and if you are unsure of its purpose or consequences or do not understand it you should seek independent legal advice or assistance before signing it. I, the undersigned, as a participant in the Trip, acknowledge and agree that:
Definitions
Acknowledgement of Risks:
Permission to Use Likeness/Name
Unforeseen costs
Participants Health, Fitness and Physical Abilities
Waiver of Claim
Indemnity
Release
Entire Agreement and Severability