The Ultimate Guide to Spring Skiing at Cardrona & Treble Cone

Spring on the maunga is full of surprises. From surprise snowfalls to perfect slush laps, spring keeps the best days up its sleeve. The mountain loosens its shoulders, the decks fill up, and the skiing can be seriously good. Come up this spring, and you’ll see why locals call this season skiing’s ‘best-kept secret’.

Conditions: what spring usually feels like

Firm-to-soft conditions. Start on groomers while they’re crisp, then chase the sun as things soften.

Timing helps. A slightly later start can line you up with that silky-soft sweet spot

Crowds? Spring commonly feels roomier, especially midweek. And because Cardrona is now NZ’s biggest ski resort, there’s more space to play across a wider variety of terrain.

Snow time. Spring surprise fact: September ‘24 delivered the highest snowfall at 142cm, and this year, spring doesn’t show signs of slowing down, with heaps more snow in the forecast.

Lessons: the friendliest time to level up

Soft snow, quieter slopes, and longer daylight make spring the perfect classroom. Book a lesson to nail the basics, fine-tune your carving, or finally try the park. Our parks and pipes are world-class, with features for every level and two halfpipes, including the superpipe, so you can progress at your pace with a coach by your side.

Pro tip: Curious about Treble Cone? It’s a dream for intermediates and above, with big natural terrain and those famous leg-burners. If you’re newer to snow, start at Cardrona, then step up when you’re ready.

Spring is the best time for…

Late-morning coffee and a deck seat. You can’t beat the slopeside Lounge seating to soak up the rays.

Long lunches in the sun. It’s prime al fresco deck weather. Best spots are:

• Captain’s Café at Cardrona: pizza on-piste that comes with a view and easy access back to laps

• Altitude at Treble Cone: that Lake Wānaka panorama that makes your mates a bit jealous

Après on the decks: clink glasses at Vista Bar at Cardrona. Think local brews, spritzes, and shared plates, with tunes when they’re on.

Give the park a go

Spring softens the landings and nerves. Start on beginner rollers and ride-ons with a coach or post up as a spectator when the heavy hitters warm up the big air. Either way, you’ll feel part of it.

What to pack for spring

• Layers: merino thermal, light mid, shell. Ditch or add as the day warms.

• Sun protection: SPF 50+ face sunscreen, high-SPF lip balm, and reapply.

• Eyewear: sunnies for the deck, low-light and bright-light goggle lenses for on snow.

• Gloves: a lighter pair is nice when it warms up.

• Neck buff: sun, wind, and style points in one.

• Hydration & snacks: sun and soft laps are thirsty work.

• Warm-temp wax: your skis or board will thank you later.

Epic spring events

Pull up a sun lounger and watch the best throwdown at these world-class events:

• Jossi Wells Invitational (JWI), September 7-14, Jossi Wells, a NZ ski legend, hosts an annual event at Cardrona, inviting some of the world’s best to battle it out in limit-testing ski and snowboard competitions.

• Mini Pipe World Champs, September 20, a fun and free community event for all ages!

• Freestyle Nationals, September 27 – October 3, athletes from around NZ gather at Cardrona in the hopes of claiming national freestyle titles.

Plus, DJs spin Friday to Sunday at both maunga each week. Warmer days, cold drinks, good tunes. That’s spring.

Ready when you are

Cardrona has more room to play than ever, including 150ha of new Soho Basin terrain, making the resort NZ’s biggest. Spring is your cue to roam, lap, lounge, and lean into pure playtime. See you up here.