Cardrona and Treble Cone are two of the most popular ski fields in New Zealand, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world each winter. Located between Queenstown and Wanaka, both mountains offer completely different experiences, from Cardrona’s wide beginner-friendly slopes and terrain parks to Treble Cone’s steep runs, off-piste terrain, and incredible alpine views. Whether you’re planning your first ski holiday, looking for the best ski field for families, or chasing advanced terrain and powder days, this guide covers everything you need to know about Cardrona and Treble Cone.
Cardrona is the 3rd closest ski field from Queenstown with a drive time of just 1 hour by car or bus and a mere 35 minutes from Wanaka. The road is sealed from town to the mountain turn off, then it's an unsealed mountain road from the Pine Trees Carpark to the base station with numerous car parks on the way to the top.
Located between Wanaka and Queenstown in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, Cardrona is a high ski resort renowned among skiers and snowboarders for dry snow and wide slopes. Setting the highest standards and leading the way forward among New Zealand ski resorts.
With 615 hectares of skiable terrain, boasting wide open slopes, world class terrain parks and steep chutes Cardrona has something for every level of rider. Cardrona is the only ski field in New Zealand to offer the Chondola. A combination of gondolas and chair lifts with a ratio of 1 gondola to 4 chairs.
After all that skiing and snowboarding you can enjoy a well earned break at one of the 9 cafes and restaurants Cardrona has to offer. Or just head up the mountain and soak in the atmosphere whilst enjoying some of the delicious food and drinks they offer.
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You can drive to Cardrona but the roads around Queenstown & Wanaka are often icy and quite dangerous so forget about hiring a car and catch the bus instead. It will end up being cheaper anyway.
If you are driving yourself, chains are often required and must be carried at all times, these are available to hire or buy from several petrol stations and ski shops in central Queenstown and Wanaka.
Cardrona First Timer Ski & Snowboard Packages: If you have never skied or snowboarded before, you'll need a First Timer package that includes beginner lessons, beginner lift pass, skis/boards & boots and clothing.
Cardrona Refresher Ski & Snowboard Packages: If you have skied or snowboarded before but want to touch up your skills with a lesson or two then try a refresher package that includes lessons, lift pass, plus skis/board & boots.
Cardrona Advanced Ski & Snowboard Packages: If you are an experienced skier or snowboarded and don't require lessons then you can still save some money by pre booking your mountain lift pass and ski/board hire.
Treble Cone has the most amount of skiable terrain in the South Island and is particularily good for advanced skiers and boarders. The 4th closest Ski field from Queenstown. Only 1 hour 45 minutes drive by car (you need to carry chains) or take the bus. The road is sealed from town to the mountain turn off, then its an unsealed mountain road (7km).
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Treble Cone Advanced Ski & Snowboard Packages: If you are an experienced skier or snowboarded have a look a the mountain lift pass and ski/board hire.
Treble Cone is a fun mountain for enthusiasts. Large, long and challenging with more skiable terrain than any other ski field in the south island. It is perfect for advanced skiers and boarders or for those looking to challenge themselves on the diverse terrain.
If you are not an experienced skier or boarder or don't fancy the long drive to Treble Cone then we recommend you book a ski package at Cardrona which has more open spaces for beginner and intermediate skiers