A dramatic snow-covered mountain ridge with sharp, jagged rock formations breaking through the smooth, pristine snow. The contrast between the rugged, dark rocks and the bright white snow creates a striking visual. In the background, thick clouds or mist envelop parts of the mountains, adding to the sense of isolation and raw natural beauty. The untouched snow and steep terrain suggest a remote, backcountry setting, emphasising the challenge and allure of alpine environments for adventurers and winter sports enthusiasts.

Head off-piste for an adventure!

Backcountry Cardrona & Treble Cone

Cardrona and Treble Cone are gateways to epic and beautiful backcountry skiing and riding. The mountains have different ways of managing backcountry access, so read below to see what you need and how to prepare for your adventure beyond the boundary.

An aerial view of a ski resort nestled within a snowy mountain range. A blue line is drawn over the terrain, indicating a specific route or path, possibly a trail or boundary line for safety or navigation purposes. The resort area below includes buildings, parking lots, and ski infrastructure, with slopes and ski lifts visible leading up the mountain. A red circle marks the "Location of Avalanche Danger sign and Open/Closed flip sign," highlighting a critical safety point for skiers and snowboarders. The surrounding landscape consists of wide, snow-covered hills and valleys, showcasing the resort's expansive terrain.

Cardrona

Once an uncontrolled backcountry zone, Willow's Terrain became part of Cardrona's ski area in 2021 with the addition of a new chairlift. This area remains 'Closed, in-bounds terrain' until officially opened for public access. If you're returning from Soho Basin, make sure to re-enter the resort on the GREEN line. Entering Willow’s and skinning back to Carpark B could put you in closed terrain. Remember, uphill traffic is only allowed on Thompson’s Track.

To access the backcountry from Cardrona, follow the blue route on the map. This safety corridor starts at the bottom of Carpark B, near the avalanche danger sign, and runs along Thompson’s Track. It’s an operational track for resort vehicles, located next to the Skyline ski run. Please avoid skinning on Skyline as it's a busy green run.

While on Thompson’s Track (the blue line on the map), keep in mind: 

  • It’s an access road with regular traffic from groomers, snowmobiles, and resort vehicles, including from Soho Cat Skiing. 

  • The track runs through Willow’s terrain—watch out for downhill skiers and always ensure you’re visible. 

  • Uphill traffic is only permitted here, and Thompson's is the sole route to Soho.

Willow’s Terrain (marked in red on the map) requires ongoing avalanche control by the Cardrona Ski Patrol. This includes the use of explosives, which can impact access to Soho Basin. A flip sign at the entrance to Thompson’s Track will indicate if the route is OPEN or CLOSED. These signs are updated daily based on control work - please respect them.

If you're using Thompson’s Track outside of operational hours (before 8.30am or after 4pm), make sure to wear a hi-vis vest and carry a headtorch. Groomers and snowmobiles are active 24/7 on this track. During resort hours (8.30am – 4pm), you’ll need a valid Cardrona lift pass to ski through the resort. After 4pm, only use Thompson’s Track to get back to Carpark B. This ensures our groomers, maintenance team, and Patrol know your location, so no one is missed during sweeps. Be aware of the dangers posed by winch cables and vehicles like skidoos and Can-Ams after hours -Thompson’s is your safe route.

The main back bowl, Soho Basin, offers awesome skiing for intermediates and advanced skiers, with 150ha of terrain. Soho will officially become part of Cardrona’s terrain in 2025 with the addition of a new chairlift over summer. This means it won’t be accessible as backcountry terrain next winter. In the meantime, please follow the current rules to keep public access open. Remember to complete the registration and assumption of risk/liability form before entering. 

We love catching up with everyone before their adventures—drop by Patrol for a chat or give us a call if you have any questions. 

For more info, check out the Federated Mountain Club's Backcountry Touring Access Guidelines, created by FMC and NZAC.

A detailed trail map of a ski resort, showcasing various slopes, lifts, and terrain features across different sections of the mountain. A pink line marked as "Uphill Track" indicates a designated route for uphill travel, likely for ski touring or backcountry access. The map provides a comprehensive overview of the resort's layout, with clearly marked trails and lifts, helping skiers and snowboarders navigate the terrain efficiently. It also includes elevation points like "Treble Cone Summit" at 2088 meters and "Fog Peak" at 2140 meters, giving a sense of the mountain's vertical scale.

Treble Cone

Treble Cone's lifts provide access to some of the most stunning backcountry terrain in the region. You can purchase a Backcountry Pass at the ticket office for $75, which includes 3 lift rides. 

Please note, Treble Cone does not conduct avalanche control or provide Ski Patrol services beyond the ski area boundary. Before heading out, make sure you understand the risks of backcountry travel, carry the right equipment, check local weather and avalanche forecasts, and always travel in a group. 

Remember to sign out with Ski Patrol at the top of the lift you’re touring from. If you’re leaving your car in the Treble Cone car park overnight (or after the 5pm closing time), notify Ski Patrol in person or call +64 (03) 443 7443. Unattended vehicles may incur search and rescue fees. 

For local avalanche conditions and safety tips, visit the New Zealand Avalanche Centre website.

If you’re looking to access the backcountry through Treble Cone Ski Area outside of our operational hours (8.30am – 4.00pm), you’ll need authorisation from Ski Patrol, which can be arranged through staff at the base of the Home Basin Express. Authorisation is only granted during daylight hours and may be denied if avalanche control or other operations are in progress. 

All backcountry and uphill users must sign in with Ski Patrol or Guest Services, confirming they understand the rules and providing their intentions, contact details, and vehicle registration. 

Uphill access is only allowed on "Easy Rider" and "High Street." Stay to the side of the groomed trail so groomer drivers and skiers can easily spot you. If given pre-dawn authorization, ensure everyone in your group has head torches, and they’re switched on. 

When returning to the ski area, sign back in with Ski Patrol or Guest Services. If returning after hours, follow this route off the mountain: Raffles Run → Magnum → Powder Bowl Exit → Easy Rider.

If you’re skiing or snowboarding through the resort outside of operational hours, be aware of winch cables - these can be suspended hundreds of metres above grooming machines and are hard to spot, especially in the dark. Use extreme caution, watch for warning signs and flashing lights, and give all machinery plenty of space. 

Snowmobiles are also used to transport staff and frequently travel the uphill route. Expect traffic and remember to wear your head torch in low-light conditions, both pre-dawn and after dark.

When Ski Patrol are conducting avalanche control work in Hollywood Bowl or the Motatapu Chutes, we close the backcountry gate to prevent anyone from accidentally entering controlled areas. This closure is non-negotiable to ensure the safety of the public and our staff - please respect it. 

On days when Hollywood Bowl and the Motatapu Chutes are closed, the Tower’s Ridge and Sundance backcountry gates may still be open, provided no control work is underway. However, backcountry users should be aware of the risk of natural avalanches originating within the ski area while returning from the backcountry. 

For operational reasons, the backcountry gates close at these times: 

  • South: 2.20pm

  • Summit: 2.45pm

  • Last chair on the Quad lift: 3.30pm

No exceptions. Feel free to stop by and chat with Patrol at the Six or Quad Hut to discuss conditions and hazards in the backcountry.

Before you head out, we recommend: 

  • Having the experience and knowledge needed to travel through avalanche terrain 

  • Always travelling in a group 

  • Each person in your group wears a working transceiver and carries a shovel, probe, communication device (cell phone or Personal Locator Beacon), and a map 

  • Every member knows how to use their equipment 

  • Checking the avalanche advisory and weather forecast 

  • Having a solid plan suited to the current conditions 

  • Stopping by to talk with Patrol at the top of either chairlift to discuss conditions and avalanche hazards in the backcountry

  • Call 111 or activate your Personal Locator Beacon. 

  • For help during operational hours (6.30am – 4.30pm), you can contact Treble Cone Ski Patrol at +64 (03) 443 7443 ext 732. 

  • Please note: Treble Cone is not obligated to provide assistance outside the ski area boundary, but we will always do our best to respond.

For inquiries, contact: matt@aspiringdogs.org.nz 

Aspiring Avalanche Dogs call Treble Cone their home. These dog teams perform avalanche search and rescue operations across the Southern Lakes region, including in the backcountry accessible from Treble Cone. We're lucky to have this incredible resource based here. To support the vital work of the Aspiring Avalanche Dogs, you can make a donation at the box provided in Treble Cone’s Base Lodge.

Curious about exploring the famous Motatapu Basin? Locally known as "The Chutes," this area features several classic expert-only couloirs with varying widths, pitches, and snow conditions. If it’s your first time, we recommend taking a guide to ensure you choose a route that suits your ability and confidence level. A Treble Cone instructor can guide you through this incredible terrain, making your descent as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Two skiers in red gear carve smooth tracks down a pristine, snow-covered slope beneath a blue sky, with a ski lift visible in the background.

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Safety

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Medical Facilities

Cardrona and Treble Cone can look after you, whether you’re injured and need a doctor, nurse, or physiotherapist.

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