Five priceless experiences at BMW's Alpine xDrive that you shouldn't miss

Set in the Snow Farm in Queenstown, New Zealand, where numerous car companies and tyre manufacturers come to perform tests on their products, the BMW Alpine xDrive Experience is an annual event that's open to everyone for a fee, whether you own a BMW or not.

It's also an event we were supposed to take part in with BMW, which would have essentially allowed us to learn what driving on snow and ice is like with the Bavarian carmaker's finest xDrive and M cars. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to a bout of rain the night before, which made the ground way too soft to drive on safely.

Just to give you an idea of what goes on in this wintry haven with BMW, here are five spectacular acts we missed, which everyone should try experiencing.

1. Making a grand entrance

With BMW, you don't take a tour bus or drive up to the Snow Farm. That's just too normal for people who are about to have the time of their lives.

True to the Bavarian marque's promise of panache, participants are transported up the snowy Kiwi peaks in chartered Eurocopter AS350 helicopters from their villas in Millbrook Resort, granting a truly breathtaking ride up, as well as a guaranteed grand entrance.

The ride takes about 20 minutes, or about an hour if you drive. Even if you aren't attending the event, helicopter rides around Queenstown are still highly recommended.


2. A sideways dance of fire on ice

Unless you're a race track regular or a professional drifter, chances are you wouldn't have had much chance to drift, as doing so on public roads is as frowned upon as getting drunk in church.

At the BMW Alpine xDrive Experience, participants will be put behind the wheel of cars like the BMW M3 and the BMW M4, where they get a crack at manhandling someone else's powerful and expensive German object of desire.

The cars are fitted with special studded snow tyres and you'll be taught the basics of turning in, inducing drifts and power sliding. It is the fastest way to make a grown man giggle with joy.


3. Slalom timed trials

Going through a slalom course in an all-wheel drive isn't new to us, and one might even be so bold as to say that it's relatively easy. However, when the terrain below your feet is slipperier than a jellied eel, it's definitely going to require quicker reflexes and a lot more car control.

While you may get comfortable doing slow at a relatively low speed, BMW's not going to let you get away that easy. A time trial is held during the slalom station, to see just how well you can zigzag a BMW X4, BMW X5 or BMW M760Li xDrive quickly through the cones.

Slow and steady may bag you the win, but in this case, we suspect losing is a lot more fun.


4. Here it goes, scream your lungs out

The adrenalin attack ends with a crazy (and rather scary) fast blast around a snowy race track in a screaming BMW M3 or BMW M4 at the hands of a driving instructor.

Don't worry, the instructors on site are racing heroes, particularly 48-year old team leader Lars Mysliwietz, who is a famed German rally champion.

This should be an experience that is humbling, horrifying and huge fun all at once. We're told that the cars do reach 100km/h in some stretches and a white expanse is all that you may see at some point in time. A spare set of undies and a sickness bag may be required if you have a weak stomach for fun.


5. Dumb down the pace and appreciate the grace

What's a complete BMW Alpine xDrive Experience at the majestic Snow Farm if you don't enjoy a panoramic drive around the icy wonderland that is one of the world's best winter destinations? 

Get your GoPros and cameras ready as the location provides stunning views of the Southern Alps, particularly Tititea or Mount Aspiring, while you take a relaxing convoy drive around and back down the mountain.

At the end of the day, great grub and refreshing beer is provided at the BMW Alpine xDrive Awards Dinner in the Clubhouse Restaurant of Millbrook Resort, where you can laugh over the day's bloopers with your new mates.