Cardrona and Treble Cone: Multi-Day Ski Lift Pass

Experience the Best of New Zealand Skiing with the Cardrona and Treble Cone Multi-Day Lift Pass

If you’re looking to ski or snowboard across some of New Zealand’s most celebrated mountains, the Cardrona and Treble Cone multi-day lift pass offers an excellent way to do so. Priced at $199 per person and valid for 2 to 7 days, this pass unlocks access to over 1100 hectares of terrain spread across two of the South Island’s top ski resorts. It’s a flexible, all-in-one ticket that allows you to hop between the family-friendly slopes of Cardrona and the challenging steeps of Treble Cone, depending on your mood and skill level.

What we love most about this pass is the freedom to explore. You’re not locked into a single resort, so if one mountain’s conditions aren’t ideal on a particular day, you can simply switch to the other. Plus, both resorts offer a variety of terrain – from gentle beginner slopes to serious powder stashes – ensuring everyone from first-timers to seasoned skiers will find something to enjoy.

A potential consideration is that the pass does not include rental equipment or lessons, so if you’re new or need extra gear, you’ll need to arrange those separately. Also, since the resorts are accessed via mountain roads, weather conditions can sometimes impact travel plans. Still, for those who appreciate flexibility and value stunning alpine scenery, this pass offers a fantastic way to maximize your ski holiday.

This experience is ideal for adventurous skiers or snowboarders who want to cover a lot of ground across different terrains and enjoy spectacular mountain vistas. It’s also perfect for groups or families with varying skill levels, thanks to the resorts’ broad range of options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Flexibility: Use the pass on either Cardrona or Treble Cone during the winter season.
• Vast Terrain: Access to over 1100 hectares of skiable terrain.
• Varied Terrain: Suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers.
• Stunning Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains.
• Cost-Effective: One pass provides multi-day access, often more affordable than single-day tickets.
• No Rental or Lessons Included: Plan ahead if you need gear or instruction.

What to Expect from This Multi-Day Ski Pass

When you purchase the multi-day lift pass, you’re securing the freedom to explore two of New Zealand’s most impressive ski areas at your own pace. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll experience at each resort and why it’s worth considering.

Cardrona Alpine Resort

Located on Cardrona Valley Rd, this is New Zealand’s largest ski resort, and it’s famous for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse terrain. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier, there’s something here for you. For beginners, the gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas make it easy to get started. For snowboarders, the resort boasts terrain parks and halfpipes designed for all levels, from novices to pros.

We loved the way Cardrona balances accessibility with challenge. The wide-open groomed runs are perfect for practicing turns, while the more challenging steeps keep seasoned skiers on their toes. It’s also worth mentioning that the scenery is simply stunning, with expansive views of the surrounding mountains and clear mountain air making every run a visual treat.

Treble Cone

Situated just outside Wanaka on Wnaka Mount Aspiring Road, Treble Cone is renowned for its legendary off-piste terrain and challenging steeps. If you’re after a mountain that makes you work a bit harder for your turns, Treble Cone is your spot. Here, you’ll find natural halfpipes and some of the most challenging slopes in New Zealand.

What truly sets Treble Cone apart is the spectacular views. As you ascend, you’ll be gazing over Lake Wanaka and the Matukituki Basin, a sight that makes the tough terrain even more rewarding. Many reviewers mention that the mountain’s natural features—like the steep bowls and powder stashes—are a bucket-list experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Experience of Switching Between Resorts

The pass’s biggest perk is the ability to switch between Cardrona and Treble Cone as your day unfolds. We loved the way this flexibility allows you to tailor your experience—morning at Cardrona’s gentle slopes, followed by an afternoon tackling Treble Cone’s more demanding runs, all with just one ticket.

Logistical Details

Getting to these resorts involves mountain roads, so weather can sometimes influence travel plans. Both resorts operate from late June to early October, but their exact opening dates depend on snow conditions—Cardrona from June 14 to October 5, and Treble Cone from June 27 to September 28. This means you’ll want to check the weather and road conditions in advance.

The lift access itself is straightforward—once you’ve got your pass, you can head straight for the lifts without queuing or fuss. Just remember, rental equipment and lessons are not included, so if you need skis, snowboards, or instruction, plan to book those separately.

The Real Value of This Pass

At $199 for up to 7 days, this lift pass offers excellent value, especially considering the scale of terrain you get access to. For comparison, buying single-day passes at both resorts separately could quickly add up, so multi-day access saves money while allowing you to spread out your experience across multiple days.

One reviewer pointed out that “the flexibility to visit both resorts without committing to just one is a huge plus,” highlighting the value of having multiple terrains at your fingertips. Another appreciated that “we could switch resorts depending on weather, which made the trip more enjoyable and less stressful.”

The Perfect Audience for This Experience

This pass is best suited for avid skiers or snowboarders who want to explore a variety of terrain across two renowned resorts. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable skiing or riding for multiple days and appreciate spectacular mountain views along the way. Families or groups with mixed abilities will find the variety beneficial, especially since Cardrona offers a good introduction to beginners while Treble Cone provides challenging off-piste terrain for the more experienced.

If your goal is to maximize your mountain time without the hassle of multiple tickets or complicated arrangements, this pass is a smart choice. However, if you’re new to skiing or snowboarding and want lessons, you will need to organize those separately.

The Sum Up

The Cardrona and Treble Cone multi-day ski lift pass offers an outstanding way to experience the South Island’s premier ski terrain. It provides great value by combining access to both resorts, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of slopes and breathtaking views. The flexibility to switch resorts during your trip makes it particularly appealing, especially for those who want variety without extra hassle.

This experience is perfect for skier and snowboarders who love exploring different terrains and appreciate stunning mountain scenery. The price point is competitive, especially given the size of the terrain and the quality of the resorts. Whether you’re a serious skier looking to challenge yourself or a family seeking different options, this pass delivers on both excitement and value.

While it doesn’t include gear or lessons, it’s a solid investment for those prepared to organize those separately. The stunning scenery, diverse terrain, and flexibility make this a memorable part of any South Island adventure.

FAQ

Can I use the lift pass on any day during the season?
Yes, the pass is open-dated and can be used on any day during the 2025 winter season, provided the resorts are open due to snow and weather conditions.

Does the pass include rental equipment?
No, rental gear is not included. You’ll need to arrange for skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets separately if needed.

Are lessons included with the pass?
No, lessons are not part of the package. You can book lessons separately at either resort.

How long can I use the pass?
The pass is valid for 2 to 7 days, giving you flexibility depending on your plans.

What if the weather causes resort closures?
Operation depends on snow and weather conditions, so always check the resorts’ operating schedule and road conditions before your trip.

Is transportation to the resorts included?
No, transportation to the resorts is not included, so plan accordingly to get yourself there.

Who is this pass best suited for?
It’s ideal for skiers or snowboarders with a moderate to advanced level who want to experience a variety of terrain and enjoy stunning mountain views across two top resorts.

If you’re after a ski experience that combines scenic beauty, terrain variety, and flexibility, the Cardrona and Treble Cone multi-day lift pass stands out as a smart choice. It’s a ticket to some of New Zealand’s most exciting and breathtaking ski slopes, perfect for making the most of your time on the mountain.

You can check availability for your dates here: