The Athletes Who Call Cardrona & Treble Cone Home

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated winter athletes and a trailblazer for snowboarding worldwide. An Olympic gold and silver medallist, X Games champion and multiple-time world champion, Zoi has helped put New Zealand snow sports firmly on the global map. She’s happiest cruising through Antlers Alley, catching up with friends and starting the day the right way, with a coffee from Little Meg. Her top tip for making the most of a day on the mountain? Dress for the conditions so you’re not tempted to head inside early!

Olympian, World Cup medallist and one of New Zealand’s leading freeski talents, Ben Barclay has spent more than a decade honing his craft at Cardrona and Treble Cone. Known for his smooth style across slopestyle and big air, Ben represented New Zealand at multiple Winter Olympic Games and continues to compete at the highest level internationally. When he’s back home, you’ll often find him lapping Stag Lane or Shooter and making time for the legendary Noodle Bar lunch. Ben’s passion for progression, community and having fun on snow perfectly captures the spirit of the Southern Alps.

Stef Zeestraten moved to Wānaka from the Netherlands more than 20 years ago and has been making the most of Cardrona and Treble Cone ever since. A passionate snowboarder and long-time local, he's spent countless days exploring the terrain across both mountains, with Soho Basin remaining a favourite spot when conditions line up. His top tip is simple: be on the first chair, no matter the weather or day of the week, you'll never regret it. That dedication to getting out there and making the most of every snow day has given Stef a deep connection to the mountains he now calls home.

Finn Bilous is one of New Zealand’s most exciting freeski athletes, representing the country at the Olympic Games and on the Freeski World Cup circuit. Known for his creativity and versatility across slopestyle, big air and film projects, Finn brings an infectious energy to everything he does on snow. Having grown up skiing Cardrona, he still loves cruising Crags and Shooter and reckons the best tip for a great day on the hill is to make friends with the parking guy/girl.

Ben Richards was born and raised in Wānaka and has spent most of his life skiing the mountains he now proudly represents. A respected freeride athlete and filmmaker, Ben has built a reputation for stylish skiing and creative storytelling in the mountains. While Bullet is one of his favourite runs, it’s the friendships and community that keep him coming back season after season. His top tip for a day on the hill? "There is such thing as friends on a powder day". A reminder that the best days are even better when they're shared.

Jessica Hotter is one of New Zealand’s most successful freeride skiers, earning international recognition through standout performances on the Freeride World Tour. Known for her fearless approach in steep and technical terrain, she has spent years showcasing Kiwi freeride talent on some of the world’s most challenging mountain faces. When she’s home, Jessica loves exploring the Chutes at Treble Cone and soaking up everything that makes the Southern Alps special.

Byron Wells is one of New Zealand’s most accomplished freeskiers, with a career spanning multiple Olympic Winter Games, X Games appearances and more than two decades competing at the highest level of the sport. A key figure in the growth of New Zealand freeskiing, Byron has helped inspire generations of athletes while continuing to stay connected to the mountains that shaped his career. When he's back home, you'll often find him skiing Captains at Cardrona, one of his favourite runs on the mountain. His top tip for a great day on the hill is simple: the early bird gets the worm.

Janina Kuzma is one of New Zealand’s most accomplished winter athletes, with more than two decades representing her country on the world stage. A multiple-time Winter Olympian and pioneer of women’s freeskiing, she has competed across halfpipe and freeride disciplines while helping shape the sport both in New Zealand and internationally. Janina has been skiing at Cardrona and Treble Cone for 21 years, and her love for both mountains remains as strong as ever, from laps through Cardrona’s international halfpipe to Powder Bowl at Treble Cone.

Growing up in Wānaka’s backyard gave Luke Harrold a front-row seat to some of New Zealand’s best skiing, and he’s made the most of it ever since. A rising freeski talent with a deep love for terrain parks, Luke has spent years developing his skills at Cardrona, with Big Bucks remaining one of his favourite places to ride. Whether he’s chasing new tricks or simply enjoying a day in the mountains with friends and family, Luke brings enthusiasm, positivity and a genuine appreciation for mountain life. His advice is simple: stay fuelled, stay sun-safe and make every run count.

One of New Zealand's most accomplished freeride skiers, Craig became the youngest person ever to qualify for the Freeride World Tour at just 18, going on to claim multiple podiums including wins at Fieberbrunn and Kicking Horse. Away from competition, he's equally at home on expedition. Whether that's skiing first descents on horseback in the Canterbury high country or pushing into the remotest corners of New Zealand's backcountry. Despite travelling the world chasing snow, Cardrona and Treble Cone remain special places to him, with the iconic Queenstown Return still topping his list as favourite run.