Your guide to New Zealand public holidays
South IslandSkiing & Snowboarding · Otago

Treble Cone Ski Guide: Steep Terrain and Lake Wānaka Views

View from the snowy slopes of Treble Cone down into the Matukituki Valley

Photo: “Trebleconeview” by Maelgwn, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Share:Xf

At a glance

Activity
Skiing & Snowboarding
Region
Otago
Suits
Intermediate, Experienced only
When to go
The season usually runs through the southern winter, from late June. Check the operator's website for 2027 dates.
Getting there
About 30 minutes from Wānaka: take Wānaka–Mount Aspiring Road, then the 7 km Treble Cone Access Road. Carry snow chains on the mountain road, or use the free shuttle from the car park at the bottom of the access road.
View area on a map

Official sources

Overview

Treble Cone rises above the western side of Lake Wānaka, about 30 minutes from Wānaka. It's the steeper of Wānaka's two ski areas. The operator highlights its 700 m of lift-served vertical, off-piste faces and drops, and the South Island's longest run: about 4 km of groomed trail from High Street to Triple Treat. The operator promotes uninterrupted views of Lake Wānaka.

Treble Cone and Cardrona share a website, passes and an app.

The mountain

Treble Cone
Summit elevation2,088 m
Highest lift1,960 m
Base elevation1,260 m
Lift-served vertical700 m
Longest runAbout 4 km (High Street to Triple Treat)

Who it suits

  • Advanced skiers and riders: steep faces, chutes and off-piste terrain are what Treble Cone is known for.
  • Confident intermediates: long groomed runs, including the 4 km run.
  • Beginners: better served at Cardrona, which has a specialised beginners' area.

Season

The season runs through the southern winter, usually from late June. Check the operator's website for 2027 dates.

Getting there

  • Drive: from Wānaka, follow Wānaka–Mount Aspiring Road, then turn onto the Treble Cone Access Road for a scenic 7 km climb. Allow about 30 minutes.
  • Snow chains: you must carry chains on the mountain road and know how to fit them.
  • Free shuttle: park at the bottom of the access road and take the free shuttle up. No booking is needed.

Nearby

Stay in Wānaka and split your days between Treble Cone and Cardrona. Queenstown's Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are further away, on the other side of the Crown Range.

Where is Treble Cone?

The pin marks: Treble Cone Ski Area (-44.6343, 168.8835). It shows the general area, not a specific car park, lift or access point, so follow the operator's directions. Plan a route on OpenStreetMap (opens in a new tab).

Location data: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL 1.0).

Lift passes, lessons and rentals

We list operators to help you plan. We're not paid to include them and don't earn commission from these links.

Sources

Related on NZ Holidays

More skiing & snowboarding destinations

Skiing & Snowboarding tips & guides