Treble Cone Ski Resort Review
The target market of the Treble Cone Ski Resort is the discerning skier or snowboarder who appreciates low crowds and amazing terrain. Treble Cone NZ is a fantastic ski field by New Zealand standards, and the Powderhounds have given Treble Cone Ski Resort various “
best skiing in New Zealand” awards!
Other than the terrain, Treble Cone NZ is also renowned for its spectacular scenery. Treble Cone ski resort sits on the side of a steep mountain, and you get the feeling of standing on the edge of the world as you look out across Lake Wanaka and across to Mt Aspiring.
Ski Treble Cone: Pros & Cons
Pros
- TC is the largest ski area in NZ (equal with Whakapapa & Roundhill) and it offers plenty of vertical.
- Treble Cone is a great playground for advanced and expert riders.
- There is some fun sidecountry off the top lift as well as backcountry.
- The ski resort offers spectacular views.
- Its proximity to the beautiful town of Wanaka and the vibrant town (city) of Queenstown is also a huge plus for Treble Cone.
- It's great to have the ability to mix and match resort skiing with nearby heli skiing with Harris Mountains Heliski or Southern Lakes Heliski.
- TC has less likelihood of weather closure relative to ski resorts further north.
- Some types of multi-day lift passes can also be used at the nearby Cardrona.
Cons
- Treble Cone has minimal beginner terrain (but they compensate with cheap learner lift tickets).
- You get the feeling of déjà vu at the top and bottom of runs due to the very limited number of lifts.
- There is negligible terrain for low intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
- As is common to most New Zealand ski fields:
- no on-mountain accommodation so a daily commute is required
- a particularly gnarly access road
- inconsistency with regards to the snow quality and cover
- inadequate grooming so when the snow goes sour in the sun, there’s not much on offer
- no trees so there’s potential for impaired visibility in foul weather
Pro or Con Depending On Your Perspective
- Lift ticket prices are high and daily sales are capped, which helps to keep the crowds down a little. Maybe just maybe, you might even get a car park.
Treble Cone Ski and Snowboard Terrain
The
Treble Cone ski field has some impressive statistics (by New Zealand standards) when it comes to size, and we all know that bigger is better! Treble Cone is the equal largest ski area on the South Island of New Zealand at 550 hectares, and TC has one of the longest vertical drops at 700 metres.
Only 10% of the terrain is dedicated to beginners. This is reasonably adequate for first timers, but there is a big leap between the novice and upper intermediate terrain.
Strong intermediate riders will enjoy Treble Cone ski resort for its steep leg-burning groomers. Match this with a 6-person express lift, and you are guaranteed to get plenty of vertical under your belt each day.
With 45% of the ski terrain rated as black plus all the off-piste terrain, and black runs that seem more challenging than the average NZ or Australian black diamond run, TC has plenty to challenge advanced and expert riders.
Treble Cone Snow
Treble Cone has the highest cited snowfall in NZ, not that it says much considering that NZ doesn’t get Japow type snow volumes and most of the New Zealand ski resorts don’t report a snowfall statistic. Actually, it seems that Treble Cone has also stopped listing its annual snowfall stat, possibly because it’s had too many successive lean years. The aspect of the ski field isn’t ideal, and often there’s not adequate snow cover in the lower half of the mountain to ride off-piste.
Where is Treble Cone NZ?
The Treble Cone Ski Resort is located within the Southern Alps of the South Island of New Zealand, 26km northwest of the town of
Wanaka (a 30-35 minute drive). The vibrant town of
Queenstown is 90km to the southwest.
Like most other NZ ski fields, the 7km access road up to Treble Cone is somewhat harrowing. It’s windy, steep, and unsealed, and it’s necessary to carry chains. For those who don’t want to self-drive, it’s possible to get a shuttle from Wanaka, Queenstown or the base of the mountain.
Treble Cone Accommodation
Like most New Zealand ski resorts, there is no on-mountain Treble Cone accommodation. Staying in the town of Wanaka is the closest option. Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka, Wanaka is a chic and stylish town.
Wanaka accommodation is of a high standard, and in addition to a few resort hotels, Wanaka has various opulent bed and breakfast lodges. For the budget oriented, there are also various Wanaka backpackers.
Some skiers also stay in
Queenstown, which is a 90 minute drive away from Treble Cone NZ. Queenstown is a small city located on the picturesque Lake Wakapitu. Tourist activities abound including adventure pursuits like bungy jumping. The nightlife is also world famous.
Queenstown accommodation options are prolific and range from 5-star resort hotels to backpackers. See
Queenstown ski packages here.