Treble Cone Ski Resort

http://www.powderhounds.com/site/DefaultSite/filesystem/images/New Zealand/TrebleCone/Overview/01.jpg
Treble Cone NZ
Treble Cone NZ
Treble Cone Ski Resort views
Treble Cone Ski Resort views
TC has plenty of challenging terrain
TC has plenty of challenging terrain
Treble Cone snowboarding
Treble Cone snowboarding
Sidecountry at Treble Cone NZ
Sidecountry at Treble Cone NZ
The base facilities are reasonably compact
The base facilities are reasonably compact
There is a dedicated learners
There is a dedicated learners' area
Gorgeous views over lunch
Gorgeous views over lunch
Treble Cone Ski Resort views
Treble Cone Ski Resort views
Dropping a line from the summit
Dropping a line from the summit
Short hikes take you to some great side country
Short hikes take you to some great side country
Powder lines from the summit of Treble Cone
Powder lines from the summit of Treble Cone
The small Treble Cone ski shop
The small Treble Cone ski shop
The cafeteria in the day lodge
The cafeteria in the day lodge
The lifts provide initial access to some great backcountry
The lifts provide initial access to some great backcountry
Powder day at TC
Powder day at TC
Keas love roof racks!
Keas love roof racks!
Powder mining at Treble Cone NZ
Powder mining at Treble Cone NZ
Views from the base of the ski area
Views from the base of the ski area

Treble Cone Ski Resort

Readers Ratings

Treble Cone

Treble Cone3.5/518
Treble Cone3.5 out of 5 based on 18 reviews
  • Recommend
    94%
  • Would Revisit
    94%

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.
Tours That May Include Treble Cone

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

South Island Snow Safari
FULLY HOSTED ROAD TRIP
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Skiing
Ability: Beginner to Advanced
This 8 day adventure is ideal for the young at heart who want to pack in as much skiing or snowboarding and fun as possible into a single week. You will visit up to 6 of NZ's great ski areas with professional hosts who will get you to the best skiing/snowboarding in each of the locations.
Price p/p Base/invoice currency is NZD
Price is per person dorm share (upgrade may be possible for extra cost)
Displayed price might vary slightly to actual due to fluctuations in exchange rates.
USD 1,829
View Details
 
See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Treble Cone here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Wanaka Explorer
WANAKA EXPLORER - 3 Nights+
Fully Hosted & Guided | All Ground Transport Included
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
Take all of the organising out of your next NZ ski or snowboarding trip by joining an Explore Wanaka package tour. Packages include accommodation of various levels/budget, daily on-mountain hosting, transport to/from Queenstown airport to your accommodation plus daily 4x4 transport with your host to/from the mountains.
Price p/p "From" price per person is based on 3-night, 2 people, twin-share, 4-star accommodation package in 2024 joining a group.
Base/invoice currency is NZD
Displayed prices may vary slightly to fluctuations in exchange rates
USD 1,464
View Details
 
Wanaka Heli & Resort Combo
WANAKA HELI & RESORT COMBO - 7 Nights
2 Days Heli | 3 Days Resort
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Head to Wanaka this winter and experience some of the best value heli skiing on the planet plus Wanaka's best resorts. This package can be customised from 3+ nights however the sample is based on 7-nights deluxe lodging, 2 days heli + 3 days resort.
Price p/p "From" price is based on 7-night, twin-share, package for 2024.
Base/invoice currency is NZD
Displayed prices may vary slightly to fluctuations in exchange rates
USD 5,185
View Details
 
See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Treble Cone here

Heli Skiing Tours

Harris Mountains Heliski Queenstown Wanaka
DAY HELISKIING QUEENSTOWN & WANAKA
Packages from 4 to 10 runs
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Don't miss the opportunity to experience New Zealand's best heli skiing with Harris Mountains Heliski. Heli ski Queenstown and Wanaka heli ski packages are either 4, 7 or 10 runs with the option to purchase additional runs on the day. Includes Queenstown or Wanaka accommodation pick-up/drop-off.
Price p/p From price based on Intro 4-run package (per person) in 2024.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD inclusive of tax.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 942
View Details
 
Harris Mountains Heliski Private Charters
PRIVATE CHARTER HELI SKIING QUEENSTOWN, WANAKA, MT COOK
Fully customisable
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Private heli skiing charters offer the ultimate in flexibility and freedom to explore the vast heli skiing terrain, set your own pace, and ski or snowboard as much as you want, and wherever conditions permit. Get together your own group of up to 4 (single load) or 5-10 (double load).
Price p/p Per person price based on a group of 10 with 2 hours of helicopter flight time for 2024 season.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD inclusive of tax.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 903
View Details
 
Southern Lakes Private Day Heli Skiing
PRIVATE HELISKIING | QUEENSTOWN & WANAKA
Packages from 8-10 runs to unlimited number runs
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Southern Lakes Heliskiing offers day PRIVATE heli skiing packages in the Queenstown & Wanaka areas. With 11 mountains, 600 runs spread across 8,500 square kms there is plenty of variety to keep you entertained.
Price p/p From price based on 8-10 run silver package (per person in 2 private groups of 4) in 2024 season.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,064
View Details
 
See all Heli Skiing tours that visit Treble Cone here
200