Remarkables $35m extension proposed for South Island ski fields, and Coronet Peak

Queenstown's ski fields are set for a major renovation ahead of the 2019 ski season.

There are plans for both Coronet Peak and the Remarkables snow fields, which are each to get a new ski lift.

The Coronet Express will be replaced with a gondola-chairlift "Telemix", and over on the Remarkables a new a six-seater express chairlift is set to carry skiers up to brand new trails and a snowpark.

In all, the expansion is adding two and a half kilometres of new trails to the mountains.

Perhaps most exciting, and contentious, of these are part of the proposed Remarkables expansion through the Doolans, a large area of untapped terrain on the other side of the saddle ridge.

Remarkables ski field: The area of the proposed expansion, into the Doolans basin.

Paul Anderson, CEO of NZ Ski is excited at the prospect of accessing the new fields, saying the Doolans are "undoubtedly some of the region's best terrain."

While the plans are yet to be approved, NZSki is confident about being able to do so with minimal environmental impact on the mountain.

"We've always been open about the need to expand the ski area into the Doolans and we will continue to talk with DoC about how we can make this terrain available to our guests in the future."

Since NZSki's intentions were announced there has been some opposition to developing the Doolans as a ski field. This plan for expansion overlaps with the area of the proposed "Remarkables National Park."

The President of the Federated Mountain Clubs said that "any plans to develop the Doolans Basin would be met with stiff resistance by the outdoor community."

D-line Doppelmayr: The Remarkables' proposed six-seater Sugar Bowl lift. Photo / Supplied, NZSki

Meanwhile, Coronet Peak's most ambitious expansion won't be accessible until well after the 2019 ski season, as it announces plans for new Mountain Bike Trails as part of its Summer Operations.

"As a tourist hub, we have long recognised that Coronet Peak has all-year potential," says Anderson.

"The new [Telemix] lift is the first major part of that puzzle as we work toward opening Coronet in summer."