Guide To Wanaka Skiing
The need to know info on skiing in Wanaka
Although smaller than Queenstown, Wanaka actually has the largest area of skiable terrain, plus a very friendly apres-ski vibe. It's popular with families and couples, who know that the younger, more boisterous groups will be happy to stay down in Queenstown, with its pubs and clubs, leaving sedate Wanaka to cater for the more discerning adventure seekers. There are two premier ski fields - Cardrona and Treble Cone.
Treble Cone:
With 550 hectares of inbound terrain, Treble Cone is the largest skiing area in the South Island. The resort is renowned for its long and uncrowded slopes and glorious views from every turn. Treble Cone suits a more advanced skier, with some great off-piste terrain, and at 700 metres, the longest vertical rise in the Southern Lakes.
- Skill Level - 10% Beginner / 45% Intermediate / 45% Advanced.
- Skiing Area - 550 Hectares.
- Lifts - 2 x Chair, 1 x Magic Carpet, 1 x Nice 'n' Easy Platter.
- Elevation - 1260m.
- Apres Ski - Fully licensed cafe and bar with sun deck (open 8.30am - 4.00pm).
- Lift Opening Hours - 9.00am - 4.00pm.
- Lift Passes Pricing.
- Treble Cone website.
It's a 35 minute drive alongside Lake Wanaka to the resort. Free mountain parking is available at the Base Lodge and at the foot of the access road. There are daily shuttle buses departing from Wanaka and the bottom of Treble Cone's access road if you prefer to avoid driving with snow chains.
Cardrona:
Cardrona is situated off the Cardona Valley Road between Wanaka and Queenstown and is a firm favourite with beginners, thanks to the two nursery slopes, comprehensive lesson packages, and impressive kids facilities.
- Skill Level - 20% Beginner / 45% Intermediate / 25% Advanced.
- Skiing Area - 345 Hectares.
- Lifts - 4 x Chair, 1 x Platter Lift, 2 x Surface Conveyor Lifts.
- Elevation - 1670m.
- Apres Ski - 5 cafes, pizzeria, noodle bar, licensed bar.
- Lift Opening Hours - 9.00am - 4.00pm.
- Lift passes pricing.
- Cardrona website.
Cardona is a 35 minute drive from Wanaka and 60 minutes from Queenstown. Daily shuttle buses run from Wanaka, Queenstown and Cromwell.
Snowpark:
Snow Park is currently closed to the public! It's a proper adventure playground, with a 22-foot half-pipe, quarter-pipe, jumps, boxes, rails, plus a fully licensed bar and restaurant, and brilliant night-riding. It's small enough to still be classed as 'boutique', but so well kitted-out, it won't stay that much of a local secret for long.
Queenstown Ski Resorts:
Over in Queenstown, there are the two ski resorts of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. You can read more in our Queenstown Skiing Guide.
Ski Transport:
A number of operators provide ski shuttle services to the resorts. View our Ski Transport guide for a choice of operators.
Ski and Snowboard Rentals:
Ski Rental and Snowboard Rental Shops:
A number of ski rental shops can be found in Wanaka. Shops will both sell and rent out skis, snowboards, boots, poles and accessories plus run a repair and tuning workshop. A few of these companies will also provide a shuttle and ski pass service. View our Ski and Snowboard Rentals guide for a choice of operators.
More Information:
