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.

A sweeping view of rolling, snow-covered hills and smooth ridgelines, bathed in bright sunlight. The terrain appears vast and untouched, with gentle undulations creating a soft, sculpted look. The clear, blue sky overhead enhances the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the alpine landscape. Shadows cast by the sun create subtle contrasts, highlighting the contours of the snow.

Cardrona

To access the backcountry from Cardrona, follow the marked route on the trail map (updated trail map available soon). This safety corridor starts at the bottom of Carpark B, near the avalanche danger sign, runs along Thompson’s Track and into Queenstown Return. It’s an operational track for resort vehicles so please exercise caution and give way to snow mobiles and grooming machinery. This route is located next to the Skyline ski run. Uphill access is not permitted on any other groomed trail at Cardrona.

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.

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

  • Uphill traffic is only permitted here. If you are found moving through the ski area on any other trail you will be asked to turn around.

  • Follow Thompson's Track through to Queenstown Return to gain access to the Cardrona backcountry via the gate located at the top of the Soho Express.

During Avalanche mitigation work, ski touring access will be closed. Mitigation work includes the use of explosives, which will impact access to the backcountry. 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/Queenstown Return 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 these trails. During resort hours (8.30am – 4pm), you will 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.

  • Soho Basin is now part of our operational area and is therefore closed to all ski touring parties.

  • A designated gate at the top of Soho Basin provides controlled access to the backcountry.

  • If this gate is closed due to weather or snow safety conditions, please speak with the patrol team at the Top Hut, located near the unload area of the Soho Express, for further information.

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: 

  • Towers: 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.

A vast mountain slope blanketed in smooth, untouched snow. The terrain features deep grooves, ridges, and rock outcroppings that create a sense of depth and texture across the mountainside. The high-altitude perspective shows the expansive, open snowfield extending towards the horizon under a clear blue sky. Faint traces of ski tracks and snow fences are visible, indicating human presence while maintaining the natural beauty of the backcountry environment.

Plan Your Backcountry Trip

Heading into the backcountry? Make sure you're prepared with the latest avalanche forecasts, weather updates, and safety tips from these trusted sources:

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.

Here to keep you real safe

Safety

Cardrona and Treble Cone have you covered! We've got on-site medical facilities, and a patrol team to keep you safe on the mountain.

Learn More
A freshly groomed snow-covered slope.

Get help from on-mountain doctors.

Medical Facilities

Cardrona and Treble Cone can look after you.

Learn More