Destination Queenstown
Ride a Yooner at The Remarkables.
A new craze is sweeping the slopes of Queenstown, and it’s a blessing for those of us who don’t know how to ski or snowboard.
Despite some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, the majority of us cannot ski with confidence.
This means that for many, winter holidays are spent outside the mountains filled with a bit of envy: if only we had more time to learn.
Well, now you don’t have to. Presentation of the Yooner.
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At first, this slightly mysterious French invention makes it seem like you are descending a mountain on an elaborate broomstick. But if you take a closer look, this contraption is just great.
At the turn of the last century, French children in the Manigod Valley were riding a primitive wooden invention on snow-covered roads to school. It was called a “paret” and looked a bit like a crossed sled with a single ski.
Fast forward a hundred years, and a French company brought the design into the 21st century, adding shocks and a brake system and called it a Yooner. Now the fast growing craze has hit New Zealand.
Destination Queenstown
Yooner’s lesson at the Remarkables.
Yooners are available at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona, which means you get instant access to the slopes without having to go through the sometimes difficult process of building confidence on the skis.
You don’t even necessarily need a lesson; it’s like riding a bicycle. Just lift your feet and start rolling down the hill. Steer by leaning to each side and brake by pulling up on your sleeve. You can even let your feet drag in the snow for more balance.
Destination Queenstown
Yoonering is a simpler and cheaper alternative to skiing.
Best of all: after a few laps, you’ll be confident enough to hit the slope without any worries. And because you are flush with the snow, it is much less of a problem if you fall.
Finally, those who do not have the time and the talent to gain confidence in skiing have a solution, thanks to French. Thank you.
Information sheet
The Yooners can be found at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona. The minimum age is seven years old. The cost is $ 50 for daily rental or $ 99 for rental and lessons. Advance reservation essential. See: yooner.co.nz
Stay Safe: New Zealand is currently subject to restrictions related to Covid-19. Follow the instructions on covid19.govt.nz.
