Lake Alta Track
A 2.4 km return climb from The Remarkables Ski Area to a glacial lake below Double Cone, and a trip through deep snow, generally from May to November.
Published 15 September 2026 · Last checked 18 September 2026 · By Queenstown Pocket
Key facts
Off season. No DOC alert was listed for the Lake Alta Track on 18 September 2026. DOC says the route is generally under deep snow from May to November, runs through a working ski field and carries avalanche risk. A trip now needs snowshoes, poles, confidence navigating in snow and a call to NZSki about the route first. Checked 18 September 2026 on DOC, Lake Alta Track (alerts on the page) (opens in a new tab).
- Time
- 1 hour 30 minutes return
- Distance
- 2.4 km return
- Track type
- Return the same way
- High point
- 1,800 m at Lake Alta
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track
- Surface
- Ski field road to the top of the Alta chairlift, then a route marked by cairns and flagstones through alpine wetland; generally under deep snow with no formed track from May to November
- Winter
- Not a winter walk
- Starts at
- The Remarkables Ski Area, on the road behind the ski field buildings
- Bus
- No Orbus stop within 1.2 km of the start
- Dogs
- Dogs on a lead
- Buggies and wheelchairs
- Not suitable for buggies. Not wheelchair accessible
- Cost
- Road toll on the ski area road, which DOC's brochure says applies outside the ski season
In short: The Lake Alta Track is a 2.4 km, 1 hour 30 minute return climb from The Remarkables Ski Area to the glacial Lake Alta at 1,800 m. DOC rates it an advanced tramping track. In summer it follows a ski field road and then cairns; from about May to November it is generally under deep snow.
What the track is like
Lake Alta fills a glacial cirque below the Double Cone peaks, ringed by steep schist slopes, with information boards on the last part of the walk explaining the alpine environment. DOC notes the wider conservation area for its tarns, schist bluffs and views over Lake Wakatipu.
The track starts on the road behind the ski field buildings at The Remarkables Ski Area, about 1,600 m (about 5,250 ft) above sea level, and climbs steadily on a ski field road to the top of the Alta chairlift. DOC gives 2.4 km and 1 hour 30 minutes return, walked back the same way.
From the top of the chairlift, cairns and flagstones mark the way across alpine wetland and up into the glacial cirque that holds Lake Alta at 1,800 m (about 5,900 ft). Rare and threatened alpine plants grow here, so DOC asks walkers to stay on the marked route. The lake is the turnaround.
From about May to November the trip changes completely. DOC says deep snow hides the track, there is no formed route to follow, and the way to the lake runs through an operational ski field. DOC strongly recommends snowshoes and poles, says you need to be confident navigating in snow, and asks anyone planning a winter trip to contact NZSki (0800 697 547) about which route to take.
DOC's brochure map shows the Wye Creek Route heading south from the Lake Alta area. DOC calls it an unmarked alpine route, much harder than the Lower Wye Creek Track; it is not part of this walk.
How to get to the start
Cross the Kawarau River on SH6 south of Frankton, turn off at the signposted junction to the Remarkables ski area and drive up to the ski field. DOC says the road is mainly sealed with the last 3 km in gravel, has steep drops beside it, often carries snow and needs a road toll, which DOC's brochure says applies outside the ski season. DOC publishes neither the toll amount nor a drive time, so check both, and the road conditions, before you go.
No Orbus stop is within 1.2 km of the ski area: the nearest is about 4.9 km away in a straight line.
- Start: The Remarkables Ski Area, on the road behind the ski field buildings (directions (opens in a new tab)).
- Parking: DOC's brochure map marks parking at The Remarkables Ski Area
- From Queenstown: South of the Kawarau River, turn off SH6 at the signposted junction to the Remarkables ski area and drive the toll road up to the ski field; mainly sealed, last 3 km gravel (DOC)
- By bus: No Orbus stop is within 1.2 km of The Remarkables Ski Area: the nearest is about 4.9 km away in a straight line, so plan on a car. Routes and fares are in the bus guide.
Is it open, and what is it like in winter?
Off season on 18 September 2026. No DOC alert was listed for the Lake Alta Track on 18 September 2026. DOC says the route is generally under deep snow from May to November, runs through a working ski field and carries avalanche risk. A trip now needs snowshoes, poles, confidence navigating in snow and a call to NZSki about the route first. Check DOC, Lake Alta Track (alerts on the page) (opens in a new tab) on the day; conditions change quickly.
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (September to November) | DOC says deep snow generally covers the route until November, so September to November is still a snow trip: snowshoes, poles, DOC's winter kit list, a route check with NZSki and the avalanche risk DOC warns of. |
| Summer (December to February) | December to April is the window DOC plans the walk around: its standard day hike gear list applies, the first part follows the ski field road and cairns and flagstones lead on to the lake. It is still cold at 1,800 m, snow can fall in any month, and the road toll applies outside the ski season. |
| Autumn (March to May) | March and April still fall inside DOC's day hike gear window. From May DOC's winter kit list applies, deep snow generally returns to the route, and DOC says there is often snow on the ski area road. |
| Winter (June to August) | Rated avoid for June to August here: DOC says the route is buried in deep snow with no formed track, passes through an operational ski field and has avalanche risk. DOC suggests Lake Hayes Walkway, Bannockburn Sluicings or Mt Crichton Loop Track as snow-free alternatives. |
What to know before you go
- Avalanche: DOC says there is avalanche risk in the Lake Alta area and avalanche danger in winter across much of the Remarkables Conservation Area. Check the NZ Avalanche Advisory and go only with the skills and equipment the conditions call for.
- Snow: DOC says the track is generally hidden under deep snow from May to November, with no formed route. You need snowshoes, poles and confident navigation in snow, and DOC asks you to contact NZSki (0800 697 547) about which route to take through the working ski field.
- Cold and wind in any month: DOC says high winds and cold temperatures can arrive at any time of year. For May to November DOC adds alpine or ski clothing, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm hat, waterproof gloves, sun or snow glasses and a headtorch to the day hike list.
- Grade: DOC's advanced tramping track category is for people with moderate to high fitness and backcountry experience, and calls for tramping boots and navigation, river crossing and survival skills.
- There are no rubbish bins: carry everything out, including dog waste, and keep off the fragile alpine plants.
For emergencies call 111. The Queenstown safety guide covers the rest before a long or winter walk.
Questions people ask
How long does the Lake Alta Track take?
DOC gives 1 hour 30 minutes and 2.4 km return from The Remarkables Ski Area, back the same way.
How hard is the Lake Alta Track, and how high does it go?
DOC rates it an advanced tramping track, which is for people with moderate to high fitness and backcountry experience, and calls for tramping boots and navigation and survival skills. It starts at about 1,600 m and ends at Lake Alta, 1,800 m.
Can you walk to Lake Alta in September or winter?
DOC says the route is generally under deep snow from May to November, with no formed track and avalanche risk. DOC strongly recommends snowshoes and poles and asks you to contact NZSki (0800 697 547) about the route first.
Is the Lake Alta Track open right now?
No DOC alert was listed on 18 September 2026, but DOC's winter conditions apply: deep snow, no formed track and avalanche risk, generally until November.
Is there a road toll to reach Lake Alta?
Yes. DOC says you pay a road toll on the road up to the Remarkables ski field, and its brochure says the toll applies outside the ski season. DOC does not publish the amount.
Where does the Lake Alta Track start?
On the road behind the ski field buildings at The Remarkables Ski Area, reached from SH6 south of the Kawarau River. The last 3 km of the ski area road are gravel.
Are dogs allowed on the Lake Alta Track?
DOC allows dogs on a leash only, and asks you to carry out dog waste.
Can I get to Lake Alta by bus?
Not by Orbus. No stop is within 1.2 km of the ski area; the nearest is about 4.9 km away in a straight line.
Nearby walks
- Lower Wye Creek
6.66 km return · 4 hours return · Advanced tramping track
- Mt Crichton loop
6.4 km loop · 2 to 3 hours for the loop; 1 hour to Sam Summers Hut · Easy to intermediate
- Lake Hayes loop
8 km loop · 2 to 3 hours walking, about 1 hour by bike · Grade 3, intermediate
- Jack's Point Trail
6.3 km one way (DOC's brochure gives 7.1 km) · 2 to 3 hours walking one way; 2 to 3 hours return by bike · Grade 4, advanced
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Sources: DOC, Lake Alta Track (opens in a new tab), DOC alerts feed, Lake Alta Track (opens in a new tab), DOC, Remarkables Conservation Area (opens in a new tab), DOC, Queenstown day walks and bike trails brochure (March 2025) (opens in a new tab), DOC, Track categories (opens in a new tab), DOC tracks layer (DOC open data) (opens in a new tab), OpenStreetMap (Nominatim), The Remarkables Ski Area (opens in a new tab) and Otago Regional Council, Orbus Queenstown GTFS (opens in a new tab), retrieved 18 September 2026. Distances, times and grades are the managing body's published figures; fit walkers are often quicker. Department of Conservation information is used under CC BY 4.0. Start coordinates: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). This independent guide is published by Tally Sphere Limited, a New Zealand company. Spotted a change? Report a problem with this page and the page address comes with your email.
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