But what it has to offer that most don’t is 25 years of accumulated ski industry advice and experience from co-owner Margie Slattery-Smith, a former ski instructor who went on to spend many years as area manager for a major tourism company catering for visitors from all around the world.
Australian-born Margie has skied and worked in her home country and in Canada, USA, Europe and New Zealand, but she reckons you can’t beat Coronet Peak for variety, fun and consistently good snow conditions – if you know where to go.
“The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone also have a lot to offer and it is fantastic that we have such a variety of ski areas to choose from right on our doorstep,” she said.
“Queenstown is like a little slice of Europe just over three hours flight from Australia. When I first arrived I was blown away. I couldn’t believe I had waited so long to come here.”
Earlier this year Margie and husband Ned opened Bearsden B&B, a country-style home in a tranquil rural setting that’s still only minutes from Queenstown Airport and the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown.
“Each of the guest rooms at Bearsden has a set of binoculars so people can open the curtains in the morning and lie in bed with a completely uninterrupted full view up to Coronet Peak. You can literally see the snow groomers working morning and night, and check out skiers and boarders making first tracks.
“Over an espresso coffee made from freshly ground beans, and a hearty home-cooked breakfast, I’m more than happy to go over snow reports and give our guests the ‘locals lowdown’ on the very best runs on the mountains and where they’ll find the powder pockets even after the main trails are tracked out. They may even tempt me to take them on a few of my favourite runs.
“There’ll be nothing more rewarding than having a couple of tired but happy people coming back after a great day on the slopes and watching them relax with a wine by the outside fireplace, making friends with our popular black lab Bruno, and planning the next day’s adventures.”
Bearsden Bed & Breakfast features two bedrooms, each with their own ensuite, and enjoys all-day sun. After a day on the slopes, guests can enjoy a glass of wine before slipping into the outdoor spa to check out the lights of Coronet Peak twinkling away under a starlit sky.
In the heart of the Southern Alps with views of both The Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski areas, Bearsden is also close to wineries, golf courses (Millbrook, The Hills and Arrowtown) and has leisurely walking and biking trails from the door.
The après-ski scene of Queenstown, with its cosmopolitan bars, restaurants and nightlife, is just a 15-minute scenic drive away, while nearby Arrowtown has everything from casual ‘pub’ dining to award-winning restaurants.
Bearsden owners Margie and Ned bought the property as an original two-bedroom Kiwi ‘bach’ in October 2003 and have transformed it into today’s comfortable, stylish and affordable luxury accommodation in what Margie describes as “an eight-year labour of love sprinkled with a few challenges, making the final outcome all the more rewarding.”
“Having only been open for a few months, the most rewarding thing is getting feedback from guests who have absolutely loved Bearsden and are happily recommending it to family and friends.”
For further information and bookings go to www.bearsdenqueenstown.co.nz
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