Photo: Jeff Hitchcock · CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Treble Cone
Steep, uncrowded terrain and the South Island's biggest vertical, about 30 minutes from Wānaka.
Treble Cone covers 550 hectares across four large basins, with 700 metres of vertical. It is known for wide open powder faces, long groomed runs and steep chutes, and it draws confident skiers and snowboarders. There is a learner's area and private lessons for those starting out. The access road climbs 7 km from the valley floor.
Highlights
- 550 hectares across four large basins
- 700 metres of vertical, the South Island's biggest
- Some of the longest groomed trails in New Zealand
- Wide open powder faces, gullies and steep chutes
Good to know
- Location
- Treble Cone Ski Area, Wānaka
- Start point
- Treble Cone Ski Area, Wanaka, Otago 9382
- Drive time
- About 30 minutes' drive from Wānaka as stated by the resort and by Lake Wānaka Tourism
- Grade
- Suits experienced off-piste skiers, with a learner's area and private lessons available
- Season
- Tentative 2026 winter season dates 27 June to 27 September; open 8.30am to 4pm daily, weather dependent
- Cost
- See operator for current pricing
Season dates are described by the resort as tentative and conditions dependent. The mountain access road is steep and unsealed in places.
Visiting from Sundale
Treble Cone is about 30 minutes' drive from Wānaka, then a 7 kilometre climb up the mountain access road, which is steep and unsealed in places. Give yourself time and check conditions before you leave the park. Lifts run 8.30am to 4pm daily, weather permitting, so an early start is worth it.
It rewards confident skiers and snowboarders, with 550 hectares across four basins, 700 metres of vertical and long groomed trails, plus steep chutes for those who want them. There is a learner's area and private lessons if you are starting out. See the operator for current pricing.
The 2026 season dates are tentative, 27 June to 27 September, and conditions dependent. Back at the park, the guest laundry sorts out damp layers overnight and the communal kitchen is the easiest way to eat after a long day on the hill.
Stay nearby
Opening soon
Nordic Village
Sleep at Nordic Village, a Scandinavian-inspired escape in the Southern Alps.
Hotel-style rooms Mora Motels
Ensuite comfort, ready the moment you arrive.
Questions
How far is it from Wānaka?
About 30 minutes' drive, as stated by both the resort and Lake Wānaka Tourism, followed by the 7 kilometre mountain access road.
When is it open?
The tentative 2026 season dates are 27 June to 27 September, conditions dependent, with lifts running 8.30am to 4pm daily, weather permitting.
Is it suitable for beginners?
The terrain suits experienced off-piste skiers, but there is a learner's area and private lessons are available.
Sources
- Tentative 2026 season 27 June to 27 September; open 8.30am to 4pm daily weather dependent — source
- Just 30 minutes from Wānaka; 7 km mountain access road; the South Island's biggest vert; highest lifted point 1960m — source
- 30 minutes' drive from Wānaka; 550 hectares; 700m vertical; 4 large basins; some of the longest groomed trails in New Zealand; learner's area and private lessons — source
Nearby
More things to do.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
The region's biggest and most family-friendly ski area, about 35 km from Wānaka up the Cardrona Valley.
Suits beginners through to advanced, with a dedicated beginners' area and challenging terrain in Arcadia
Snow Farm NZ
New Zealand's only dedicated cross-country ski area, high on the Pisa Range above the Cardrona Valley.
Trails for all levels; described by the operator as a sport for everybody
Blue Pools Track
An easy forest walk over two swing bridges to river pools that run an extraordinary blue.
30 minutes one wayEasy walking track
Your Wānaka basecamp
Make Sundale your base.
Cabins, studios, motels and soft-grass camping, five minutes from the water and close to everything above.