Two people taking a ski lesson at the top of Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand, with instructors guiding them on snow-covered slopes and a panoramic view of surrounding mountains.

First-timers

Cardrona Ski & Snowboard Learners Passes

First-timers and learners are well taken care of at Cardrona with our Beginners’ Area, equipped to make your first day on snow as easy as possible. Book your First-timer Packages and Learner Passes today! 

Best way to learn

Passes and Packages

Explore our First-Timer Packages and Learners Passes here, or enquire about our first-timer private lessons.  

Lift Pass

Learners Pass

Winter 2025 Coming Soon

  • Access to beginners’ area with conveyors

  • Gentle learner runs

  • A dedicated kids’ conveyor

  • One ride on McDougall’s Chondola

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Best Value

Package

First Timer Package

Winter 2025 Coming Soon

  • Learners lift pass

  • Full-day group lesson

  • One ride on McDougall’s Chondola

  • Rental equipment included

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Dedicated beginners’ learning area

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Professional and certified instructors

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New Zealand’s largest ski area

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World-class Snow Sports School

Leaners ski lesson at Cardrona and Treble Cone, New Zealand, with instructor guiding student to learn to ski.

Beginners paradise

Why Cardrona

With facilities like our Learner Conveyor tunnel, a Beginners’ Area close to our Base, gentle learner runs, a dedicated Kids’ Conveyor, and of course our amazing Snow Sports School, there’s no better place to learn to ski or snowboard!

Buy a learners pass to give you access to our beginner's area at a reduced price or opt for a First Timer Package to get instruction and top tips from our Snow Sports School.

Pricing Breakdown

Discover prices for Learner Passes, First-Timer Packages and add-on bundles. 

Age Groups

Adult

Child

Learners Pass

Access to beginners area

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

First-Timer Package

Lift Pass, Rental Gear + Lesson

Comming Soon

Coming Soon

"The best day"

The best day, friendliest staff and great progression for a beginner! 

Hanne B

Two people taking a ski lesson at the top of Treble Cone Ski Resort, New Zealand, with instructors guiding them on snow-covered slopes and a panoramic view of surrounding mountains.

Frequently
Asked Questions

It depends! First-Timer Packages are designed for skiers or snowboarders who have never EVER been on snow before. Our instructors are chosen for their skills in teaching first-timers, and you’ll learn the basics like how to put your skis or board on, and your very first skills in the gentle Beginners’ Area. If this sounds like what you need, then the First-Timer Package will be the best option to learn for you.

Kids’ First Timer lessons are ages 5–14yrs for skiing and 7–14yrs for snowboarding.

We have separate adult and child First-Timer Lessons, but they start and finish at the same time. Private lessons are also available for first-timers – please book in advance. 

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.

They sure are. Learners Passes are for anyone who needs access to only the Beginners’ Area. It also provides one uplift to the top of McDougall’s Chondola, so you can experience the views or progress to the green runs down the mountain.

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.

Still need some help? Get in touch using our

Three skiers, including an instructor, skiing in a line down a slope.

Accelerated one on one learning

Private Lessons

For the most flexibility, the best value, and the best way to learn to ski or snowboard.

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A group of skiers listening to an instructor in red on a mountain.

Sharpen your skills

Group Lessons

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced skier or rider

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