A first-time drifter's guide to BMW's Snow and Ice Experience

A strong case of butterflies in my stomach followed me during the flight to Queenstown and the night before and then up to the proving grounds of the BMW Snow and Ice Experience.

Some burning questions constantly ran through my mind during these times. Would I crash? What happens if I total one of the cars? Would I actually be able to do anything in the program? Would I drift at all?

Thankfully, these questions were answered by the end of the incredible Ice and Snow Experience.

No, I wouldn't crash or total a BMW M3, M3 Touring or X3 M40i, and yes, I did complete everything on the program and a drift circle!

BMW says drivers who tackle the Snow and Ice Experience "will learn not only how to conquer icy terrain, but also how to unleash your full potential at the wheel".

After doing it myself, I can vouch for this and would recommend anyone to give this experience a go, no matter if you are a car enthusiast, thrill seeker or travel addict.

The experience I took part in is the $6,500pp luxury package, which included two nights' accommodation and breakfast at the five-star Millbrook Resort, welcome and post-event functions, helicopter and 4WD snow bus transfers to the snowfields, a sweet branded BMW M jacket and return airport transfers from Queenstown.

The day has plenty of activities that will "unleash your full potential at the wheel," but first, Chief Instructor Gavin will give a very informative (and important) safety briefing.

After that, it's into cars like the M3, M3 Touring, X3 M40i, and MINI Countryman and onto the snow for some driving.

The driving activities start with an easy introduction to driving on ice and a slalom course with a tiny bit of drifting before things ramp up and up.

Rotating between the cars gives you a taste of each vehicle but also helps to hone your skills for the next part of the day, and it's also quite satisfying attempting to master each one.

A two-way radio relaying helpful advice and guidance from BMW's highly experienced instructors helped significantly during this initial stage on the snow.

Next on the agenda is some drag and barrel racing, followed by a timed motorkhana (with a cool prize on the line), which helps you test your building snow-driving skills and gets those competitive juices flowing.

After lunch, it's into some proper drifting to help bring up the tasty lunch you have just had…

First, you learn to master the basics of initiating a drift on a smaller radius before graduating to the big oval.

This is where the two-way radios come in handy once again. The instructors provide one-on-one mid-drift coaching with some truly amazing results.

For someone who has never drifted before, after a couple of go-rounds and some great coaching, I could complete some drifting laps.

To crown off the day is a rapid hot lap in an M3 performed mostly sideways by a highly skilled instructor.

When we got out of the car for the final time that day, everyone participating in the experience could not wipe the smiles off their faces.

Once you finish the experience, you'll want to try it again or sign up for another of BMW's driving events.

Whilst I had felt anxious heading into the day, the carefully curated day helped ease these tensions, ensuring it didn't feel rushed or intimidating. That feeling is due to the patience and guidance of BMW's instructors.

With the certificate of completion and videos as evidence, I can tell all my mates I know how to drift and can do it on the snow.

Sean was a guest of BMW Australia

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