Quick Links
With three ski areas in our back pocket, Wānaka is spoilt for choice when winter rolls in.
If you’re sitting at your desk searching for snow reports and have all the gear out in May, then early season is for you. Both Cardrona, or ‘Cardies’ to the locals, and Treble Cone (TC) have invested heavily in snowmaking, so there’s nearly always something to slide on at one or the other by late June, even when Mother Nature doesn’t deliver.
Opening Day Celebrations are always FUN, with the die-hard winter warriors lining up for hours in the dark to get the first chairlift of the ski season. Costumes are dusted off from closing day the year before, grins are everywhere, and there’s not a single care in the world on the whole slope. If you’re around at the end of June, don’t miss it!
Events:
Creative and Culture Hui: A new four-day creative and cultural hui featuring thought-provoking discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking sessions focused on strengthening the creative sector and encouraging real, practical action.
NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival: A celebration of mountain adventure sports and lifestyle, this has been a firm favourite on the Wānaka calendar for over two decades.
Average Temperatures:
Key dates:
There’s nothing better than a family ski holiday, whether it’s seeing the kids take their first turns, doing some family hot laps or just spending some quality time together on the mountain.
Cardrona is well set up for families. The famous Cardrona Chondola is a chairlift and gondola all wrapped into one, meaning the little ones can stay snug and warm the whole way up the hill. From there, you’ve got a wide range of slopes to explore, the Vista Cafe to refuel with hot choccy, and a gram-worthy “secret” swing overlooking the Soho Basin.
Over at Treble Cone you will find a designated beginner’s slope located conveniently close to the cafe and a dedicated warm room for the smalls, the rest of the mountain is yours for the riding. Much of the terrain at Treble Cone is intermediate to advanced, making it the perfect place for little rippers to level up.
If you’re looking to play in the snow, go tubing, cross-country skiing or something a bit different – check out Snow Farm. With 50km of both classic and ski skating, snowshoeing and a snow fun zone, NZ’s only Nordic ski area is the place to go for an unforgettable snow experience. Not to mention the restaurant, cafe, rental and repair workshop, snow shop and alpine lodge. Ever fancied cross-country skiing into your own alpine hut? Check. Ring in some mates, or bring the kids and stay overnight to wake up to freshies. Most huts have their own fire, so you can stay toasty all winter long.
Ski New Zealand does a 5 day Wānaka and Cardrona family ski package holiday and car hire, which includes lift passes, lessons and activities off the mountain.
Events:
Matariki: The Wānaka Matariki celebrations are a great whānau / family-friendly event with kapa haka performances, free activities for tamariki / children, story-telling, a delicious hangi, bubble show, firepits, fire dances and light displays.
Average temperatures:
Locals tip: Pop the kids into a ski programme – they’ll meet new friends and develop their ski/snowboard skills in a fun and safe environment. Plus, child-free runs.
August is traditionally the month with deep snow bases and regular snowfalls, dishing up excellent powder conditions.
Being the largest ski area in the South Island, Treble Cone is famous for its long runs, its legendary off-piste terrain and its unrivalled views over Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps. According to NZ Ski Packages, Treble Cone receives the largest snowfall of any ski area in the region. More powder days.
Average temperatures:
Locals tip: If you’re looking to tick off a bucket list, book a heli-ski trip. The Wānaka region is renowned for having the largest heli-ski terrain in the Southern Hemisphere. Talk to Harris Mountain or Southern Lakes Heli and they’ll sort you out. For guided on-mountain experiences, Summit Explorers are worth knowing about too.
Oh, spring skiing. The days are longer, the temps are warmer, the snow is softer, and the bails are more forgiving. Spring is one of the best seasons to learn, fall, and finally master your snow craft, so get amongst it.
At this point, everyone is soaking up that winter high and squeezing every last drop out of the ski season. For those sticking around longer than a day pass but shorter than a season, you can pick up Spring Passes for both Cardrona and Treble Cone to get the most from the end of season.
September also brings the Snow League World Challenge to Cardrona, Shaun White’s professional halfpipe circuit making its Southern Hemisphere debut, with the world’s top snowboarders and freeskiers competing in a team format across three days. The Jossi Wells Invitational typically runs in September too, bringing together the world’s best skiers and snowboarders for an invite-only jam across Cardrona and Treble Cone. We heard the afterparty is the do of the season, if you’re lucky enough to score an invite. Over at Snow Farm, the Merino Muster wraps up cross-country ski season on 22 August, worth knowing if you’re planning a late-winter trip.
Average Temperatures:
Events:
Locals tip: Sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen, and multiple times a day. The sun’s out, and the reflection on the snow means folks can easily burn. Trust us on this one.
Oh, spring skiing. The days are longer, the temps are warmer, the snow is softer, and the bails are more forgiving. Spring is one of the best seasons to learn, fall, and finally master your snow craft, so get amongst it.
At this point, everyone is soaking up that winter high and squeezing every last drop out of the ski season. For those sticking around longer than a day pass but shorter than a season, you can pick up Spring Passes for both Cardrona and Treble Cone to get the most from the end of season.
September also brings the Snow League World Challenge to Cardrona, Shaun White’s professional halfpipe circuit making its Southern Hemisphere debut, with the world’s top snowboarders and freeskiers competing in a team format across three days. The Jossi Wells Invitational typically runs in September too, bringing together the world’s best skiers and snowboarders for an invite-only jam across Cardrona and Treble Cone. We heard the afterparty is the do of the season, if you’re lucky enough to score an invite. Over at Snow Farm, the Merino Muster wraps up cross-country ski season on 22 August, worth knowing if you’re planning a late-winter trip.
Average Temperatures:
Events:
Love this story? Read similar ones below!
