A lone snowboarder in a red jacket riding a freshly groomed snow-covered slope. The grooves in the snow lead the viewer's eye toward the distant mountains and the bright sun peeking through light clouds. A single ski lift chair hovers overhead, adding to the serene and quiet atmosphere of the scene.

Here to keep you Real Safe

Safety At Cardrona & Treble Cone

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. Our Ski Patrol and Slope Safety crew are always around to answer safety questions. Remember, safety’s a team effort – follow the Snow Safety Code and look out for each other! And hey, helmets are a great idea, especially in the terrain parks.

ACC-resource-alpine-snow-code

On-Mountain Safety

We want everyone to have a safe and fun filled day on our mountains, that’s why we actively promote the Snow Safety Code. We ask that all snow users behave in a safe and respectful manner to keep themselves and other guests safe. Keep an eye out for Snow Safety Code signage across our mountains.

Check out ACC New Zealand's Have a Hmm videos for more tips on staying safe on the mountain, straight from the pros:

Please take care when driving on our access roads - keep left and drive to the conditions, obey posted speed limits and signage, and follow instructions from staff. Please note that machinery and large buses may be operating on the road at any time.

Road conditions can change all the time. You must carry snow chains in your vehicle and fit these where indicated. If you are not comfortable driving in winter conditions or if you want to sit back and let someone else do the driving, you can park at one of our designated shuttle pick up points and jump on the free mountain shuttle – leaving the Pines carpark at Cardrona, and bottom of the access road at Treble Cone.

Approved alternative ski devices are permitted at Cardrona x Treble Cone, however, Yooners are only permitted on McDougall’s Chondola at Cardrona. Users of any alternative ski devices must adhere to the Snow Safety Code and follow instructions from staff. Devices must have leashes worn by the user. Toboggans and other sledding devices such as tubes are not permitted.

Some of our guests choose to ski or snowboard with their young kids in backpacks. If you're one of them, both you and your child will need a lift pass and to agree with our safety policies and Snow Safety Code.

  • Your child must be in a commercial 'for-purpose' solid-frame baby carrier.

  • General backpacks or soft sling carriers are not suitable.

  • It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that the backpack is worn correctly, and the baby/child is fastened in.

  • We strongly encourage the use of helmets, and skiing/snowboarding well with in your limits and only when conditions are favourable.

  • The backpack should be placed beside you on the chairlift and held securely, not worn.

  • If your baby is in a front pack and you can lower the safety bar, they don’t need to sit separately.

  • Each child counts as one person on the lift.

  • Be aware of other snowsport users – you may be a strong skier or snowboarder, but other snow users may not have the same skill or ability.

  • If you’re sightseeing, you can take your infant inside a gondola cabin—just keep them wrapped up warm!

Got questions? Pop in and see the Ski Patrol team! Our policy is all about keeping our littlest guests safe on the lifts.

Have a Hmm Hints - On the slopes - Skiing

Check out ACC New Zealand's Have a Hmm videos for more tips on staying safe on the mountain, straight from the pros.

W24-Mountains Workshop Imagery 1600x1600

Safety Equipment

Ski & snowboard safety equipment

We strongly recommend wearing a helmet when participating in snowsport activities. Not only will it protect your head, but it will keep it warm, too. Come and check out the on-mountain retail stores for a wide selection of helmets and other items. Take a moment to check that your skis or snowboard are in tip top condition. Come and say hi to our ski and snowboard workshop techs who can check out your equipment and make sure it’s good to go.

Dress for the alpine environment

Weather conditions on our mountains can vary and change quickly – one minute the sun is shining, the next minute it’s a blizzard. Come prepared with warm and waterproof layers, good footwear, beanie, sunglasses/goggles, and sunscreen (yes, you can get sunburnt in winter!)

A skier makes a sharp turn through fresh powder on the slopes of Treble Cone, with expansive snow-covered mountains and a valley below under a clear blue sky.

Hazards

Natural Hazards

Natural hazards are key considerations for outdoor adventures in New Zealand. Natural hazards that you could encounter on our mountains include Earthquakes, Snow / Ice, Avalanche, Rockfall, and Severe Weather. We take all reasonable and practicable steps to mitigate the likelihood and impact of such hazards arising; however, some hazards such as earthquakes and rockfall are largely unpredictable.

Artificial Hazards

Artificial hazards, such as snow making and lift infrastructure, reservoirs, posts, fencing, plant and machinery do exist on and off the trails. Hazards are risk assessed, and management tools are implemented to protect people from encountering these hazards. Residual risk does exist, and skiers and snowboarders should be mindful of these hazards as they move around the mountains. Please obey all signage and closures.

A ski patroller standing next to a snowmobile at dusk or dawn. The patroller is wearing a red jacket with a white cross on the sleeve, a helmet, and ski goggles. The scene is backlit by a soft, fading light, with mountains and a clear sky in the background, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. The patroller appears to be in a moment of preparation or communication, possibly adjusting their gear or radio.

Emergencies

If you are involved in or encounter an on-mountain emergency, please contact ski patrol in the first instance:

During an emergency, please follow instructions from staff. If asked to evacuate a building, leave your belongings and head to the nearest assembly point.

Medical Facilities
Avalanche rescue team member hugs a search dog in snow, both in gear; dog wears a red SAR vest, handler wears a blue jacket and backpack.

Safety Tips

  1. Plan ahead: Check our Weather Forecast before you go, and the Snow Report from 6.30am each day for updates on road conditions and weather. 

  2. Be prepared: Alpine weather can change fast—pack chains, layers, waterproof gear, and sunscreen. Stay warm by stretching before you hit the slopes. 

  3. Gear up: Helmets, body armour, and eye protection are key, especially in the terrain parks. Goggles or sunglasses are a must! 

  4. Safety for kids: Pop your phone number in your kid’s pocket just in case. Read up on lift safety and take advantage of our new safety guards. 

  5. Stay together: Ski or ride with a buddy, and set a meeting point if you get separated. 

  6. Know your limits: If a run’s too hard, side-step down carefully or call for help. 

  7. Follow the signs: Always obey posted signs and safety warnings around the mountain. 

  8. Watch the weather: Poor visibility? Slow down or stop when clouds roll in or snow falls. 

  9. Stay warm and hydrated: Dress for the cold and drink plenty of water - altitude and wind can take it out of you! 

  10. Ski boot safety: Take care walking in ski boots, especially on icy or slippery surfaces around the base area.

Frequently
Asked Questions

Check out the Tai Poutini Polytechnic website to find out how you can become a Ski Patroller!

We have on-site doctors, nurses and physiotherapists to look after you should anything happen when you’re out on the mountain.

There are first aid kits throughout the resort & 2 Automated External Defibrillators. Overnight, there is a manager to assist with emergency health problems for apartment guests. We do not have x-ray facilities on-site.

Check out Brain Injury Support NZ’s information on what to look for if you think you, or a friend/ family member, has a concussion.

You should always carry snow chains when driving up the mountain, the weather and advice can change very quickly. Make sure to check the snow report before heading up to see when snow chains are required.

Still need some help? Get in touch using our

A freshly groomed snow-covered slope.

Get help from on-mountain doctors.

Medical Facilities

Cardrona and Treble Cone can look after you.

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A skier with a rescue backpack navigates through heavy snowfall, using poles for stability in a whiteout, near a snow-covered fence, creating a sense of isolation and challenge.

Head off-piste for an adventure!

Backcountry

Cardrona and Treble Cone are gateways to epic and beautiful backcountry skiing and riding.

Learn More