Treble Cone

Spectacularly located high above Lake Wanaka and surrounded by the Southern Alps, Treble Cone is an advanced skiers paradise. Covering 550 hectares, Treble Cone has the largest ski area in the South Island. Treble Cone also has the highest recorded average snowfall out of all the New Zealand ski fields. The steep slopes and perfectly groomed trails are a delightful mix of moguls, powder runs, gully runs and half pipes. Intermediates and beginners are also well catered for with New Zealand’s first detachable six seater chair and learner “magic carpet.” The use of snow making equipment extends the season which runs from Mid June to early October. A large part of Treble Cone’s appeal is the open uncrowded slopes’ particularly for snowboarders who have plenty of space to stretch their legs. Lessons, gear rental and food are all available on the ski field which is easily reached via the seven kilometre toll free access road. The 7km access road up to Treble Cone is unfenced and unsealed and you need to carry chains. Morning buses leave from Wanaka and Queenstown daily and a shuttle bus takes skiers to the start of the access road on Mount Aspiring Road up to the tows for those who don’t want to self drive.

Facilities on the mountain include a ski and snowboard school, medical centre and child care centre. Accommodation can be found in nearby Wanaka, a 35 minute drive away with its huge array of dining and entertainment options. The town comes alive in ski season and is a bustling hive of activity. For the more adventurous private tours are also available through Aspiring Guides. First time skiers can take advantage of the First Timer Package which includes a lift pass, rental and two hours instruction. The Lake Wanaka Ski Pass combines an interchangeable 5 day lift pass at both Treble Cone and Cardrona enabling skiers and snowboarders to enjoy both skifields and the resorts they operate from. There are plans to build a gondola from the lowlands at cattle flat up to Treble Cone. This proposed venture will be able to take 2,000 passengers per hour. The 3.3km trip would take approx 10 minutes and would improve the overall experience in terms of less travel time and greater comfort. In 2010, The mountain access road will begin a five year road improvement project starting with the introduction of barriers in key points along it’s journey. Treble Cone has also installed a new web cam system for visitors to check conditions on line from around the world. This new system also enables you to check the weather at the saddle and the top through viewing screens at the base of the ski field. Treble Cone is also easily accessible for those who have accommodation at Queenstown which is a 9o minute scenic drive away across the Crown Range.