Cardrona's learners’ slopes are the widest, most scenic learner trails in the Wanaka/Queenstown region – the Skyline trail, with views out to the mountains beyond, might be the most stunning green run in the country.
It has a bunch of beginner’s terrain park features for those budding park rats. With a fully-licensed childcare centre and a kids’ ski and snowboard school it’s also a top ski destination for families.
For the more adventurous, Cardrona offers the most extensive terrain park facilities, in the country filled with jumps, boxes and rails, as well as two half-pipes and a massive 85+ ft Big Air jump. With facilities like these, it’s not uncommon to see the best up-and-coming Kiwi shredders and established X Games athletes from all around the world throwing tricks at Cardrona.
Read more for the latest season info on skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand
The field has high-powered snow-making equipment which means it’s a reliable ride season-long, and you’ll often be riding above the inversion layer, where it’s always bluebird. Apartment-style accommodation is available on the mountain just a one-minute walk from the lifts, and a range of food options on the field (including a pizzeria, noodle bar and cafés) keep snow fans fuelled up for the action on the slopes.
Quick Facts
- Where 34km from Wanaka, 58km from Queenstown
- Ski & board Wide open groomed trails, terrain parks, half-pipes
- Season June – October
- Access road 14km partially sealed, carry chains, shuttles available
- Ratings Beginner 25%, intermediate 25%, advanced 30%, expert 20%
Essentials
- Highest point 1860m
- Vertical 600m
- Skiable area 4345ha
- Lifts 8-seater gondola cabins and 6-seater chairs on McDougall’s Express Chondola, 2 x 4-seater express chairlifts, 2 x 4-seater fixed grip chairs, 3 x surface conveyor lifts, platter lift
- On-field ski/snowboard Hire Yes
- Tuition Snow school, High Performance Centre
- Lift pass $150 adult full day, $75 kids full day, discounts for students and seniors, under 6s free
- Package deals 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6-day multi passes, first timer packages
- On-mountain accommodation 15 on-mountain apartments; studio, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom options.