As winter begins to take shape the anticipation for ski season is palpable. The top alpine resorts in New Zealand begin to share news of early dumpings of snow and plans for their winter events. Lessons begin to book out and keen skiers secure their season passes. Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone are counting down the days to ski season in Queenstown and Wanaka, and here are some of the top things to look forward to!
1. Lessons
As the anticipation heightens for the upcoming ski season, lessons begin to seem like a great idea. Enjoy your time on the slopes that much more with a session or two to help you level up. Beginners can have nothing but fun with the First Timer Package at Cardrona. For those wanting to improve their already decent skills, Cardona have daily group lessons too. Start with a few lessons at Cardrona, before advancing to long and picturesque runs at Treble Cone. Between the two top spots, there are options for everyone. Get your kids tickets to the best possible classroom too with kids group or private lessons.
2. Less Queuing for Lifts
Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone have introduced a daily capacity to reduce the number of people on the slopes during peak times. This is a response to feedback over the years, and the aim is to improve each and every person’s mountain experience. Fewer numbers mean more car parks and a shorter wait time for chairlifts. Happy days!
3. Mountain Eats
You may be looking forward to leisurely cruising up the mountain or you may be hanging out to push your limits and tackle tough runs, but everyone can admit to daydreaming about what’s for lunch. Cardrona has no shortage of options for a snack, coffee or a full-fledged lunch feast. Look forward to trying a pizza from Captains Pizzeria or an a la carte lunch at The Mezz. Get your hands on a good old hot pie from the Base Cafe, or try some ramen or pad thai from the Noodle Bar. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a class of Mumm champagne with a view at Vista Bar!
If you’re looking for a spot nearby to socialise post-skiing, check out Après in Wanaka.
4. Programs on Offer
At Cardrona Alpine Resort, there are some fantastic programs on offer to ensure everyone experiences the thrill of exploring the mountain. School skiing programs include options for day passes for parents, and the Ride Tamariki program opens doors for youth whose families couldn’t otherwise afford it. Donations can be made to this awesome program when you purchase your Cardrona and Treble Cone ski pass! For those looking to explore some of New Zealand’s most testing freeride terrain, check out the Treble Cone Freeride Program, designed to help advanced skiers be the best they can be.
5. Days up the Mountain make Winter Exciting
From the day you purchase your season pass, winter becomes the season to live for. All of a sudden, the countdown is on and every dumping of snow is an absolute blessing. Be it a multi-day pass, a day pass, or one of the flexi multi-day passes for Cardrona and Treble Cone, your ticket to the snow is a true treasure. Take the gloom out of winter and embrace the phenomenon that is snow sports!
6. Snow Events
As the mountains are coated in snow, the event calendar lights up. The team at Cardrona host the wildest collaboration of summer and winter with the Cardrona Mountain Bikes on Snow event in June. Simply put, it’s a mountain bike race in a mountain bike park, but on snow! Other notable events are Cardrona Race Ya Mates where some friendly competition allows you to try ski racing, and the line-up of school holiday events to give the young shredders the spotlight. Whether you’re getting involved or just skiing by to check it out, don’t miss the action happening up the mountains.
This article was created in paid partnership with RealNZ.
