How to Prep for a Queenstown ski holiday: Cardrona & Treble Cone Edition

Whether you're planning a Queenstown ski holiday, a Wānaka winter escape, or your very first turns at Cardrona, one thing’s for sure - there’s always that one thing left behind. A glove. Your neck warmer. Your dignity on Big Bucks. 

We can’t help with that last one, but we can help you get organised before you hit the hill. Here’s your zero-stress guide to getting mountain-ready, so you can focus on the fun stuff.

1. Sort Your Ski Passes Before You Get to the Snow 

Ski holidays in New Zealand are all about maximising your time on the snow, not queuing for lift passes. That’s why we’ve made it easy to pick up your Cardrona or Treble Cone passes in Queenstown or Wānaka before heading up the hill.

Local tip: Après isn’t just for passes - it’s got rental gear, good coffee, and space for the kids to burn off some energy before you even hit the slopes.

2. Rent Your Gear in Town for a Head Start

New Zealand ski trips don’t have to mean dragging gear through airports or battling rental queues on-mountain. Rent your skis or snowboard in Queenstown or Wānaka, and skip the faff when you arrive.

With flexible pick-up, overnight storage, and options for every ability level, our town rental spots make it a breeze to get kitted out. You’ll be at the chairlift while others are still tightening their boots.

3. Getting There: Mountain Transport Sorted

Not keen on navigating alpine roads? No worries. Our daily ski buses from Queenstown and Wānaka get you right to the base buildings - no chains, no carparks, no stress.

Want a lie-in? Jump on our Après Bus for a later start (and maybe a cold one to finish). Prefer to drive halfway? Take advantage of ou

r free mountain shuttle from the Pines Carpark.

Pro move: From Winter ‘25, the first km of Cardrona’s access road, all the way to Pines Carpark, is sealed. Hello smoother rides.

4. What to Pack for Your Queenstown Ski Holiday

It might be winter, but the sun can bite and the temps can change fast. Be ready for anything with this go-to packing list:

✔️ Thermals  ✔️ Insulating mid-layers  ✔️ Waterproof outerwear  ✔️ Gloves, helmet, goggles, snow socks  ✔️ High SPF sunscreen ✔️ No cotton, (definitely no denim), just trust us

You can

rent outerwear and accessories with us too, if your suitcase’s already bursting with puffer jackets.

5. First Time Skiing or Snowboarding? You’ve Got This.

Thinking about trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time? There’s no better place to start than Cardrona. Our First Timer Packages include rental gear, a learner’s lift pass, and a full-day group lesson to get you sliding safely, and smiling. This year, Treble Cone is also offering a First Timer Package, so you can get the beginner treatment amongst some of the best views in the country.

Lessons fill up fast, especially during school holidays, so lock in your spot early. You could be cruising green runs by lunch and planning your next trip by dinner.

6. Local Tips for a Smoother Snow Day

• Arrive early for the best parking and cleanest groomers

• Eat outside peak times - less queuing, more chewing

• Take a photo of the trail map in case Wi-Fi/data ghosts you

• Après is your post-ride hangout for pizza, pints, and people-watching

• Don’t ski in jeans. Ever.

Planning a Queenstown or Wānaka Ski Holiday?

Whether you’re chasing a full family snow holiday, a weekend escape from Queenstown, or your very first ride, Cardrona and Treble Cone make up your ultimate, and biggest NZ alpine playground.

Book your passes early, rent your gear in town, and follow the locals’ lead - you’ll spend less time stressing and more time sliding.