Treble Cone

Treble Cone is a skier's mountain, pure and simple. Located near Wanaka, it's renowned for its long, challenging runs, spectacular alpine scenery, and reliable snow. Unlike the more resort-like feel of nearby Cardrona, Treble Cone offers a raw, backcountry-like experience with groomed trails that suit advanced and intermediate skiers. The views from the summit over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps are breathtaking, making the chairlift ride an experience in itself.

Highlights & What to See

• World-class skiing and snowboarding: Treble Cone is famous for its steep, challenging terrain, particularly the Motatapu Chutes and Saddle Basin. It also has excellent intermediate runs and a dedicated learners' area.
• Panoramic views: The summit offers 360-degree views of Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, and the Southern Alps. On a clear day, it's one of the most scenic ski fields in New Zealand.
• Snow reliability: Thanks to its high altitude (up to 1,960m) and south-facing slopes, Treble Cone holds snow well, often extending the season into October.
• Less crowded: Compared to other South Island ski fields, Treble Cone tends to be quieter, giving you more space to enjoy the runs.
• Heli-skiing access: The mountain is a popular base for heli-skiing adventures into the backcountry, offering untouched powder runs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least a full day to make the most of Treble Cone's extensive terrain. If you're a strong skier or snowboarder, you could easily spend two days exploring the different basins. The mountain opens at 9am and lifts close around 4pm, so arrive early to secure parking (the road is unsealed and can be icy) and to get first tracks on fresh snow. The season runs from late June to October, with the best conditions typically in August and September.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wanaka: The gateway town to Treble Cone, Wanaka offers great accommodation, dining, and après-ski options. Don't miss a stroll along the lakefront or a visit to Puzzling World.
• Cardrona Alpine Resort: About 30 minutes from Treble Cone, Cardrona is a family-friendly ski field with a more relaxed vibe, terrain parks, and a historic pub. Perfect for a change of pace.
• Mount Aspiring National Park: In summer, this park offers world-class hiking and climbing. The Rob Roy Glacier Track is a stunning day walk.
• Franz Josef Glacier: Though on the West Coast, Franz Josef is about a 3-hour drive from Wanaka via the Haast Pass, making it a possible add-on for a longer road trip.

Please check official sources for current details.