Employment at Cardrona & Treble Cone

Applications for Snow Sports School positions open – January 13, 2025

Applications for Snow Sports School positions close – February 14, 2025

Applications for Specialist Mountain Positions open –  February 3, 2025

Applications for Specialist Mountain Positions close – February 24, 2025

Applications for General Mountain positions open – March 3, 2025

Applications for General Mountain positions close – March 24, 2025

Onboard training for General Mountain New employees – Early June

Once applications are open, they will appear on the Our Positions page. Search for the role you want to apply for and apply online. You’ll need to have key documents like your CV ready. For your application we will require the following: 

• We will need you to fill out all the compulsory information on the online form 

• Write us a cover letter in the space provided. (Remember we want to be dazzled. This is your chance to capture our attention) 

• We will need contact details for two relevant employers that we may contact for the purpose of your application 

• We need a job-specific CV to be attached. Make sure it details your work history. If you have any relevant references you can add them also 

We ask that you please only apply for one role that really interests you. But which role should that be? Firstly, do you want to be working outside or inside? 

If you love the outdoors and think you'd be most happy being out amongst the riders, sliders and fresh powder all day long as part of your job, and you have the skills required then consider applying for a Lift Operator position, maybe you love being outdoors and enjoy greeting and helping people? If so, a Mountain Host position might be for you.

Do you have cracking customer service skills with sales experience and love meeting people? Consider a role on the Guest Services team. Got a real passion for all things food? Want to surround yourself with some amazing people and a mountain with breathtaking views? Then a Food + Beverage, Kitchen or Front-of-House position could be for you! 

When thinking about what role you should apply for, consider the skills that you have, think about what makes you happy; where you think you could contribute the most and which role would bring out the best in you. 

We encourage those who have a thirst for life, a passion for the outdoors and those who are eager to learn and keen to be a part of an energetic and fun team to apply.

• When we receive your application, we will send you an email confirmation.

• Within 2 weeks of the recruitment period closing we will be in contact with you regarding the status of your application. At this time those people who have been successful with the initial application will be asked to schedule an interview.

• Employment agreements and other documentation will be sent before the start date of employment for you to look over and seek advice on. 

If you are successfully shortlisted, then we would love to interview you! If you have applied for a role that requires a lot of guest interaction (like Guest Services or Food + Beverage Front of House) then meeting us in person gives you the best chance to show us who you are and why you are the best person for the job!

If you can't attend an interview in person, don’t worry, we will be able to offer you an interview via video call depending on the role.

If you have been invited to an interview, you will be emailed all details of the interview date and time.

If you are offered a position we will require an answer within a week of the offer. You will then be required to provide some more information regarding visa requirements, proof of qualifications and experience, accommodation needs etc. You will also receive regular emails updating you on pre-season training, visas, accommodation, police vetting etc.

Cardrona is open for approximately 19 weeks through the winter season (June – October) and approximately 16 weeks through the summer season (December – March). Most staff start paid training the week before opening day and generally finish at the end of the operational season. Some staff start earlier or finish later than these dates as extra prep or cleaning is necessary. A full-time employee will generally work 4-5 days a week; about 7–8hrs a day. Hours or shifts may be altered due to guest demand during our busy and quiet times.

Our ONboard Induction and Training programme will prepare you for a fantastic season and teach you all you need to know about your job and working for Cardrona.

• You must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand. You will need to supply proof of your eligibility or a valid work visa. Cardrona does not apply for work permits for most General Mountain positions 

• We do assist in applying for visas for more specialised roles i.e. some Ski and Snowboard Instructors, Patrol, Doctors, Groomer Operators and tradespeople 

• To find out if you are eligible to apply for a working holiday visa go to Immigration New Zealand

Yes, we will consider applicants who have a valid work visa that ends partway through the season. This is up to the discretion of the department supervisor to which you are applying. 

No, we will only accept applications that come via the online application process within the time allowed.

In most circumstances, we prefer to hire people who are available to attend our pre-season training. However, there are situations when additional staffing is required once the season has kicked off. For applicants that cannot start employment until after the season has started, please make it very clear on your application that this is the case (and provide the date you can start) and this will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the supervisor of the relevant department.

If you cannot see the position as an option on the application form then no vacancies exist within this department. This may mean we have a high number of returners within that department. 

Yes, we have a part-time instructor course. Training takes place on the weekend. You will need to discuss your schedule with your supervisor. All our supervisors will be very happy to help you achieve your goal of becoming a Cardrona instructor.

It is New Zealand law that states all people working with children must be vetted by the New Zealand Police. If you work in the Snow Sports School, HPC, Kids’ Centre or Rentals departments you will be sent a form to fill out with your agreement.

In New Zealand, most mountain employees do not live at the resort. Instead, they travel daily to get up the mountain. At Cardrona, we provide free transport from Wanaka to get you to work and back on days that you are rostered. The trip up takes about 45 mins each way and allows for stunning views down to the valley below. 

We have buses leaving from different pickup points around Wanaka, Albert Town and Hawea. It's a bit tricky getting everybody home again so we encourage staff to find accommodation in Wanaka as most of Wanaka is easily accessible on foot. Living in Hawea or Albert Town is a bit further out so you may want to consider buying a car if you are planning on living out there. 

Most of Wanaka is accessible by foot. It could take up to 30 or 40 mins to walk to the outreaches of town. 

• Albert Town is a 5min drive. There is staff transport leaving from here. It takes a good 45min to walk home from Wanaka. 

• Luggate is a 15min drive. It takes over an hour to walk home from Wanaka. You will probably need to have access to a vehicle if you live here. 

• Hawea is a 20-minute drive. Some transport leaves from here. If you live here, you will probably need to have access to a vehicle. 

Accommodation can be tight. If you are looking for accommodation here are a few options to try: 

Lake Wanaka Accommodation The Wanaka Sun The Messenger

Some of the local real estate agents run property management sections and are worth a go. The following have some listings online: 

Housemart Harcourts HomeandCo

All working people in New Zealand pay taxes. To do this they need an IRD (tax) number. You will need this number before commencing work to be paid. An IRD number usually takes up to 10 days to be processed. You must be in the country to do this as you need to apply in person at the appropriate location (most likely the Post Office). 

You may need to supply a letter of employment to the IRD as a form of identification. If you have been offered a position with us, please request this letter from us. 

It depends on which department you work for. Generally, outside departments will need thermals, socks, a hat, gloves and boots capable of keeping you warm and dry. You will most certainly need some kind of eye protection (goggles in winter and sunglasses in summer are preferred by most). We will supply you with an outer layer that you will be expected to look after and return at the end of the season. Outside departments have an equipment allowance allocated to them in addition to their hourly wage. Inside departments may need thermals, sturdy footwear and in some cases a hat. 

We supply you with a uniform that you get to keep at the end of the season (tee and hoodie). Other items of uniforms are also available at a heavily subsidised rate including Merino under layer, pants and mid-layer jackets. 

There are lots of options available, but everybody is expected to appear clean and tidy and wear a name badge. 

We do have a range of helmets, goggles, thermals and socks available to staff through the retail shop at very good rates. 

Let's not forget that you'll be needing boots, skis H or a board in winter and may need a bike for your role in summer. All staff who ski, snowboard or mountain bike as part of their job must wear a helmet – highly subsidised helmets are available from the retail shop at the start of the season. 

If you have your gear; great! If you don't have your own, we may be able to help you with a seasonal rental or sometimes we have ex-rental gear at great prices for staff. If you're an outside staff member without their own gear and need it to get around the mountain as part of your job, then you will have the first option of hiring or purchasing ex-rental gear.

First year mountain wages are aligned with New Zealand Department of Labour legislation. If you have a position with more responsibility you may be paid more. We require you to fill out & submit a fortnightly time sheet online for your supervisor to check & approve before it is sent to the Payroll department. We pay you once every 2 weeks, on a Wednesday night. 

You will need to arrange a New Zealand bank account prior to commencing work in order for us to pay you. We cannot pay into foreign accounts or credit cards. Below is a list of banks that have branches in Wanaka that will be only too happy to open an account for you.

BNZ  Kiwibank  Westpac 

We strongly recommend that you come with your own travel insurance specifically covering ski & snowboard / mountain biking related incidents, as ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) does not cover any treatment expenses out of the country. If you injure yourself while carrying out your work duties, we will cover your initial medical treatment up the mountain with Patrol. ACC covers a portion of any treatment bills necessary & will also pay a percentage of your lost wages if you are unable to resume your duties straight away. 

Cardrona has a Return to Work Scheme in place & encourages injured employees to return to work when they are ready. If you, because of your injury. cannot return to your own department we will find you somewhere on the mountain that will allow you to continue earning while healing.

Every department is different & it will depend on your supervisor but yes, we encourage ride breaks as it's a great way to blow away the cobwebs & stay enthusiastic. Departments that are based on the snow have easier access to ride breaks but indoor departments will also get them, as time allows.

• Cardrona lifts: Employees who work more than four days per week (for the season) are entitled to a FREE SEASON PASS. Employees working less than this will be offered a season pass at a heavily discounted rate 

• Cardrona passes: Employees will receive discounted passes for friends & family to enjoy 

• Other NZ resorts: Full time employees will receive up to a 50% discount with other resorts around NZ 

• On-Mountain Cafés: Employees will receive discounts at Cardrona's mountain cafés on both food & coffee 

• Cardrona General Store: Employees will receive up to 25% off a range of retail items. Some items are available at wholesale price to staff 

• Rentals: Subject to customer demand, employees will receive discounts on workshop repairs & work. We have heavily discounted daily rental available to staff 

• Staff social functions: Employees receive invites to departmental & all mountain social functions 

• FREE: Tea, coffee & hot chocolate in the staff room 

• FREE: Group lessons for staff wanting to enhance their skiing & boarding abilities 

• Discounts: In retail shops, cafes, gyms & activities in Wanaka, Queenstown & beyond 

• Subsidised: Staff uniform that you can keep at the end of the season

We have a range of roles available in summer including lift attendants, reservations, café assistants, mountain bike instructors, patrol & more. Our roles will be open from Mid September through until October. The summer season generally runs through from the start of December – End of March. For more information on what summer is all about, visit cardrona.com/summer.

If there is a question you have that we have not covered, please email us.