Three skiers on a snow-covered slope, following one another in a line. The skier in the front is dressed in a bright red outfit, while the two behind are in more muted colors. They are all wearing helmets and skiing under a clear blue sky, with a wooden fence lining the left side of the slope.

From first-timer to perfecting skills

Ski & Snowboard Lessons Wānaka & Queenstown

Q: What do you get in a private lesson?

Private Lessons are great for anyone who learns best 1-on-1. Have your instructor's undivided attention and learn to ski or snowboard in the best way for you. You can add extra people into your private lesson from $110 each, so long as they're at a similar ability level to you.

Q: How do I know what level I am?

First-Timers are people who have never been on skis or a snowboard before and will be mastering the basics on the Learner Conveyor Tunnel and Beginners' Area close to our Base. Learn more about our First Timer Packages here. Beginners are those who have the ability to stop on skis or a snowboard, and will be working on side-slipping and turning on the Beginner area while gaining confidence and skills to work towards green runs. Novices are people who want to learn to turn more confidently and will be riding the McDougall's Chondola to access Cardrona’s wide, open green trails while gaining confidence and skills to work towards blue runs. Intermediates are people who can get around the mountain on green and blue runs, who are working on parallel turns on skis or edge control on their snowboard and are looking for an introduction to different snow conditions and terrain choices. Advanced skiers are taking their skiing and riding to the next level by refining their skills all over the mountain, trying something new with confidence, exploring the mountain both on and off-piste and maybe looking for an introduction to Cardrona’s world-famous park facilities.

Q: Can I do a First Timer Lesson with my kids?

You can, but you’d need to book a Private Lesson, or a Premium Private Family Lesson for yourselves. Kids’ and adult First Timer Lessons run separately as they tend to learn differently.

Learn to ski and snowboard at Cardrona & Treble Cone with lessons, packages, and programmes for all ages and abilities. Our world-class Snow Sports School has you covered with targeted lessons and expert instructors ready to help you improve!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still need some help? Get in touch using our

What’s included in the First-Timer Package?

You get everything packaged up - lessons, lift passes and rental equipment, (ski clothing, goggles and helmet can be added on if you don't have any gear at all)! We also offer the First Timer Package in Mandarin - the same as the First Timer Package, only taught entirely by a Mandarin speaking instructor.

I’ve skied or snowboarded once or twice before, should I take a first-timer lesson?

If you’ve tried skiing or snowboarding before, even just once or twice, we recommend a beginner lesson, where you’ll be able to develop more quickly.

What do you get in a private lesson?

Private Lessons are great for anyone who learns best 1-on-1. Have your instructor's undivided attention and learn to ski or snowboard in the best way for you. You can add extra people into your private lesson from $110 each, so long as they're at a similar ability level to you.

How do I know what level I am?

First-Timers are people who have never been on skis or a snowboard before and will be mastering the basics on the Learner Conveyor Tunnel and Beginners' Area close to our Base. Learn more about our First Timer Packages here.

Beginners are those who have the ability to stop on skis or a snowboard, and will be working on side-slipping and turning on the Beginner area while gaining confidence and skills to work towards green runs.

Novices are people who want to learn to turn more confidently and will be riding the McDougall's Chondola to access Cardrona’s wide, open green trails while gaining confidence and skills to work towards blue runs.

Intermediates are people who can get around the mountain on green and blue runs, who are working on parallel turns on skis or edge control on their snowboard and are looking for an introduction to different snow conditions and terrain choices.

Advanced skiers are taking their skiing and riding to the next level by refining their skills all over the mountain, trying something new with confidence, exploring the mountain both on and off-piste and maybe looking for an introduction to Cardrona’s world-famous park facilities.

Can I do a First Timer Lesson with my kids?

You can, but you’d need to book a Private Lesson, or a Premium Private Family Lesson for yourselves. Kids’ and adult First Timer Lessons run separately as they tend to learn differently.

Can I take a private lesson and add on my child?

Because kids and adults learn to ski or snowboard differently, we recommend taking separate lessons – but we can run them at the same time so you all start and end together!

Still need some help? Get in touch using our

The sun rises over a ski resort, with a chair lift called "Whitestar Express" in the foreground.

Buy online and save!

Lift Passes

Secure your Winter ’26 Cardrona and Treble Cone lift pass and experience the largest ski area in New Zealand

Learn More

What to expect on the slopes

Snow Report

Check the Cardrona and Treble Cone snow conditions to see how it’s looking today

Learn More

Unlimited laps, limitless joy. Lock in the best price now.

Ski or ride Cardrona only and save. Blackout days apply.

With two mountains to choose from, one day is never enough!

Access to the beginners' area with conveyors and gentle slopes.

Marvel at stunning mountain vistas of the Southern Alps.

Explore 150ha of new terrain in Soho Basin & more!

You're not going to want to miss a single event.

Guardianship and conservation in our community.

We are responsible for nurturing and regenerating the mountains.

Our blog covers the latest news, tips, tricks and events!

Skiing & snowboarding at Cardrona & Treble Cone.

From first-timer to perfecting skills

Ski & Snowboard Lessons Wānaka & Queenstown

Private Lessons

Group Lessons

First Timer Packages

Adaptive Lessons

Kids Multi-day Programmes

On-mountain Childcare

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlimited laps, limitless joy. Lock in the best price now.

Ski or ride Cardrona only and save. Blackout days apply.

With two mountains to choose from, one day is never enough!

Access to the beginners' area with conveyors and gentle slopes.

Marvel at stunning mountain vistas of the Southern Alps.

Explore 150ha of new terrain in Soho Basin & more!

You're not going to want to miss a single event.

Guardianship and conservation in our community.

We are responsible for nurturing and regenerating the mountains.

Our blog covers the latest news, tips, tricks and events!

Skiing & snowboarding at Cardrona & Treble Cone.

From first-timer to perfecting skills

Ski & Snowboard Lessons Wānaka & Queenstown

Private Lessons

Group Lessons

First Timer Packages

Adaptive Lessons

Kids Multi-day Programmes

On-mountain Childcare

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions