What’s on: Opening Weekend at Cardrona!

Last updated 25 June

Winter 2026 is finally here, and we’re kicking it off TOMORROW.

We’ll be honest with you – this one took a little longer than we’d planned. You waited patiently, kept checking the webcams (we saw you) and didn’t give up on us.

The patience is about to pay off. Cardrona opens tomorrow, Friday June 26, with a limited offering. It’s not everything yet, but it’s real snow, real turns and the start of what is shaping up to be a great winter.

Whether you're here for your first run of the season, your 5000th, or just a well-earned glass of bubbles at Vista, welcome back to the maunga.

The week in weather

• Friday 26 June: Clear skies, light winds at 5km/h, high −1°C

• Saturday 27 June: Clear skies, light winds at 5km/h, high −1°C

• Sunday 28 June: Clear skies, light winds at 5km/h, high 0°C

According to Snow-Forecast, things are starting to feel like proper winter up at Cardrona. A dusting of snow is on the way today and into Friday, with cold temps bottoming out around −7°C overnight, great news for keeping the fresh snow in good nick, and keeping the snowmaking guns firing. Winds are easing off through the week, and by Saturday it's looking calm and mostly dry with sunshine.

Pack your layers, bring a backup lens, and keep an eye on the snow report before you head up.

What’s open?

This weekend’s all about easing into it:

• Learner Conveyors & Beginners’ Area: first timers, this one’s for you. Or anyone who just wants their snow fix back.

• Early-season terrain park features: It wouldn’t be a Cardrona opening day without a few jibs courtesy of The North Face Cardrona Parks Crew.

• Cardrona Corner retail store: New 2026 Cardrona merch and the best of your favourite brands – pop in and grab some fresh swag to celebrate the start of winter.

• Kids Fun: We've got a kids tent in the Courtyard with games, colouring competitions, and visits from Pengi and Kiri - because opening weekend is for the whole whānau.

Where to refuel?

Fuel your mountain escape at these open outlets:

• Base Café – pies, fries, and fast mountain fuel

• Base Bar – barista brews and your first après of the season

• Noodle Bar – Asian-inspired deliciousness, matcha lattes, locally made sake and tap beer.

• Vista Bar – make the most of the views with some bubbles to match

Have you downloaded the Cardrona & Treble Cone App?

Your day on the mountain, sorted.

Store your digital lift pass on your phone and walk straight through the gates - no fumbling in your jacket pocket. Live snow reports, lift status, webcams, and interactive maps mean you'll always know what's firing. Plus seasonal challenges, a leaderboard, and full bragging rights included.

Haven't downloaded it yet? Worth doing tonight, you'll thank yourself tomorrow.