Welcome to the world of snow!
Skiing and Snowboarding, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

Whether you are a skier, boarder, heli-skier, x-country skier, back country tourer or just looking for a relaxing and unique winter holiday, Wanaka will become your favourite destination.

Between them Cardrona and Treble Cone provide over 870 hectares of terrain; from gentle beginner slopes to broad, "feel good" and well-groomed runs, to awesome half-pipes, superb off-trail skiing and boarding, long powder runs and steep chutes. The fields are high and the snow is some of the most reliable in the country. Vertical offered is exceptional, from 390 - 888 metres.

On the opposite site of the Cardrona valley is an innovative new course gaining a reputation amongst snowboarders. Snowboarders should check out the Snowpark.

For the ultimate day out in the mountains check out the heliski or heliboarding options. Professionally guided helicopter access offers maximum time on the snow and almost unlimited access to the awesome terrain of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Be warned, it's addictive!

And for variety, try nordic/cross country skiing and enjoy a magical day at the Snow Farm, with over 40kms of pristine groomed trails to choose from and superb family facilities, cafe, restaurant, bar, nordic ski school and equipment hire.

One of the special things about Wanaka is the lack of crowds. Frustrating queues for lifts are the exception, not the norm. You can ski or snowboard without watching your back, choose your own route down the mountain without having to give way to a multitude of others. Enjoy a long lunch at one of the outdoor mountain cafes and revel in the scenery. The service is good and the atmosphere is laid-back and friendly.

Down To Basics

Wanaka is a fully developed winter resort with everything you need to become a confident and satisfied skier or boarder. Great gear shops with quality equipment and friendly advice, good deals on lift passes for multi-day users, families or first-timers, and some of the best instruction schools and guides in the country.

First Timers
As a complete beginner you may be 40 years or 10 years old, but one thing is certain, you are going to have a great time, and you'll wish you had started earlier! What are the basics, what will you need?

A lift pass
To access the lifts on the mountain, though to begin with you may only need access to the beginner slopes. You can buy these on the mountain or online through this website. Look for the multi-day passes that Cardrona, Treble Cone and Waiorau offer.

Equipment
Skis, boots, poles, or snowboard and boots. You can rent these on or off the mountains. Ski and snowboard gear is now better than ever before. Skis are lightweight, shaped, and flexible, boots are softer and much more comfortable. Spend some time getting the right boots fitted. Note that boots can be more comfortable during the day if you start with them a bit looser and tighten up as the day goes on. See our gear pages.

Clothing
Warm winter layers, wind and waterproof shell, gloves, hat and glasses or goggles, suntan lotion. Think about adding or taking off articles depending upon outside temperature and your level of exertion. The innermost layer should be light thermal underwear, either light or medium weight. Always have a very warm thermal jacket on hand as well as a rain and wind proof parka, either in a daypack or back at the car park. Remember that kids get a lot colder up the mountain than adults. Avoid double pairs of socks, which tend to chafe and bulk, though sometimes one pair of thick socks and one very thin pair works well. The mountain resorts do hire clothing if you need it.

Lessons
Okay, maybe you can muck around in the snow for a day first, but you won't get very far. Take the plunge and check in for some group or individual lessons to get you started. Lessons are for everyone.
You may be an absolute beginner, an intermediate skier who can't quite handle those black runs, or an experienced rider who needs to gain confidence in off-piste powder conditions. Maybe you are a skier who wants to give snowboarding a go? Well lesson #1 is "lessons DO make a difference."

Transport
Many people self-drive their rental car up the mountain (30-40mins drive from Wanaka), but there are also excellent twice daily shuttle services that will pick up from and drop off to your accommodation. See Travel Info pages.

Accommodation
See our suggestions on the accommodation pages of this website. Backpacker hostels and holiday park cabins and campgrounds offer great value for students. Families may prefer to opt for hotels, motels or apartments and those looking for something more individual should turn to our boutique accommodation pages.

Special Deals
As first timers to snow sports we encourage you to take either of the resorts First Time packages. These packages are great value and set you up with everything you need to ensure you get the best experience possible, equipment, lesson and learner lift pass which accesses the learners slopes of the mountains. Also check out the holiday packages offered by Wanaka agents many of which include flights, accommodation, lift passes and equipment hire.