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Treble Cone

Treble Cone Wanaka

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Treble Cone is located in Otago, New Zealand, just 30 minutes from Wānaka and 90 minutes from Queenstown. As the largest ski area on the South Island, it spans 550 hectares (1,359 acres) and features 59 trails accessed by 8 lifts, including gondolas, high-speed quads, and surface lifts. With a base elevation of 1,260 meters and a summit of 1,960 meters, the resort boasts a vertical drop of 700 meters and receives an average of 550 cm of snowfall annually. Snowmaking covers key trails to ensure consistent conditions throughout the season. Trail difficulty is skewed toward experienced skiers: 11% beginner, 27% intermediate, 30% advanced, and 32% expert. Families will appreciate the free beginner surface lift near the base lodge, which is adjacent to the childcare center, rental shop, and caf&eacute;. The longest run stretches 4.3 km, offering a scenic descent from summit to base. Freestyle riders can explore two terrain parks with 10 park rails, while off-piste enthusiasts will find natural bowls and chutes across the Saddle Basin and Summit Slopes. Visitors choose Treble Cone for its expansive terrain, dry southern snow, and breathtaking views over Lake Wānaka and Mount Aspiring. Whether you're carving groomers, dropping into Motatapu Chutes, or relaxing on the sun deck with a wood-fired pizza, the resort delivers a high-alpine experience that blends challenge, scenery, and Kiwi hospitality.

Treble Cone is accessible via a 7.5 km unsealed mountain road from the main highway near Glendhu Bay. The drive from Wānaka takes approximately 35&ndash;40 minutes, while Queenstown is about 1.5&ndash;2 hours away. Snow chains are required during winter conditions and should be fitted at the designated chain bay. Free parking is available at the top of the access road, just steps from the base lodge. For those who prefer not to drive, free mountain road shuttles operate from the lower carpark to the base area.
Daily bus services run from Wānaka and Queenstown during the ski season, with multiple pickup points and return trips in the afternoon. Private transfers are also available through local providers. While there&rsquo;s no gondola or snowcat service for transport, the resort&rsquo;s layout ensures quick access from car to lift. The drive itself offers stunning views of Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps, setting the tone for a memorable day on the mountain.

Most visitors stay in Wānaka, which offers a wide range of accommodations just 30 minutes from Treble Cone. Options include family-friendly motels, boutique lodges, lakeside retreats, and luxury chalets with spa amenities. Queenstown, about 90 minutes away, provides additional choices for those seeking vibrant nightlife and upscale hotels. Whether you're traveling with kids, a partner, or a group of friends, the region offers stays to suit every style and budget, with many properties offering ski packages and shuttle access to the resort.

Treble Cone&rsquo;s terrain spans 22 km of skiable distance with a vertical drop of 700 meters. The resort is served by 8 lifts, including gondolas, high-speed quads, and surface lifts. The layout is naturally divided into distinct zones, with the Saddle Basin, Home Basin, and Summit Slopes offering a mix of groomed trails, off-piste terrain, and freestyle features. Snowmaking ensures reliable coverage on key trails, especially in the Home Basin.
Beginners will find a dedicated learning area near the base lodge, featuring a free surface lift and gentle terrain. The slope is wide and uncrowded, ideal for building confidence. Lessons and rentals are available on-site, and the proximity to the lodge makes it easy for families to regroup and relax.
Intermediate skiers can explore trails like Easy Rider and Main Street, which offer long, rolling descents with consistent grooming. These runs are perfect for cruising and refining technique, with scenic views of Lake Wānaka and the surrounding peaks. The Home Basin provides a comfortable progression zone with access to blue-rated terrain.
Advanced skiers will appreciate the steeper pitches in the Saddle Basin, where natural halfpipes, wind lips, and variable snow conditions challenge agility and control. Trails like High Street and Bullet offer dynamic descents with a mix of groomed and off-piste terrain.
Expert skiers can hike to the Motatapu Chutes and Summit Slopes for access to steep chutes, cliffs, and big-mountain lines. These zones are patrolled but require avalanche awareness. The terrain is raw and rewarding, especially after fresh snowfall, and offers some of the most challenging in-bounds skiing in New Zealand.
Freestyle riders can head to the terrain parks near the base and mid-mountain. Features include rails, boxes, and small-to-medium kickers. The parks are maintained daily and designed for progression and creativity. Natural features across the mountain also offer freestyle opportunities for those who prefer organic terrain.
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Start your day with a lap on Easy Rider. It&rsquo;s a long, flowing intermediate run that stretches from summit to base and offers a confidence-boosting warmup. The early light hits the slope beautifully, and the snow tends to stay crisp until mid-morning.
On powder days, head straight to the Motatapu Chutes. These hike-to zones fill with deep snow and feature steep, technical descents with natural features. Drop in from the summit ridge and aim for the left-hand gullies for the softest landings and longest lines.
Midweek visits&mdash;especially Tuesdays and Thursdays&mdash;are the quietest. You&rsquo;ll find minimal lift lines and wide-open terrain. For uninterrupted laps, loop the Saddle Basin and explore the natural halfpipes and wind lips that form after storms.
Families should take advantage of the base lodge&rsquo;s viewing deck and childcare center. It&rsquo;s centrally located and offers panoramic slope views, so parents can relax while keeping an eye on the kids. The caf&eacute; serves hot drinks, gourmet pizzas, and toasties&mdash;perfect for a midday break.
For apr&egrave;s-ski, grab a seat at the outdoor caf&eacute; and order a wood-fired pizza with a local craft beer. The sun deck overlooks Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps, making it one of the most scenic spots to unwind after a big day.
Freestyle riders should hit the terrain park mid-afternoon when the snow softens. The jump line is compact but well-shaped, and the rail section includes 10 features for all skill levels. Ride it from the Home Basin lift for easy laps and quick resets.
Photographers will love the view from the top of Summit Slopes. On clear days, you can see across the Southern Lakes District to Mount Aspiring. Sunset shots from this vantage point are especially dramatic, with golden light spilling across the ridgelines.
Advanced skiers should explore the drop-in near Bullet. It&rsquo;s steep, narrow, and often overlooked. Ride it late morning when the snow softens and visibility improves&mdash;ideal conditions for technical descents.
If you&rsquo;re staying overnight in Wānaka, bring layers. The alpine air gets crisp after dark, and the stargazing from lodge decks is phenomenal thanks to minimal light pollution. Pack a thermos and settle in for a quiet evening under the Southern sky.
Before you leave, swing by the rental shop to demo a new setup. Treble Cone&rsquo;s varied terrain is perfect for testing gear, and the staff are happy to help you dial in your ride. It&rsquo;s a great way to end your trip with a fresh perspective on the mountain.

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Treble Cone Ski Resort

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