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Cardrona Alpine Resort
Resort Info

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Vital stats
8
no. of lifts
3km
longest run
400ha
skiable area
1,860m
Top Elevation
1,260m
Base
600m
Vertical
2m
average snowfall
Season
  • Expected Opening: 06/12/2021
  • Expected Closing: 10/17/2021
Terrain
25% Beginner
25% Intermediate
30% Advanced
20% Expert

There's something at Cardrona for all snow lovers; beginners, intermediates and families will be in paradise thanks to an abundance of wide open trails spread across three bowls, giving you plenty to explore.

And if you're up for a challenge, you'll find it in 'Arcadia' or the 'Tulips' with secret powder stashes, chutes and cliff drops.

Cardrona is located in the Crown Range only 60mins/58km easy drive, shuttle or bus trip from Queenstown and 35mins/34km from Wanaka. Cardrona is the largest ski area easily accessed from Queenstown. With consistently good weather and reliable snow conditions Cardrona offers superb terrain spread across three main valleys.

Cardrona is renowned for being NZ's fun and friendly mountain and a natural choice for families, beginners and intermediates. The terrain at Cardrona helps make it an easy place to ski and perfect for those who are still learning how to schuss. Cardrona's famous learner's slopes have been redeveloped for the 2011 season making them larger and even more accessible thanks to a new state of the art surface conveyor lift. A “Chondola” (chair and Gondola) and the widest and most scenic learner trails in the region makes the ski resort a favourite with those new to the snow.

Cardrona leads the way in New Zealand for child and family friendly resorts with two dedicated Kids Centres A ski kindy that is a fully-licensed early childhood education facility with highly experienced & qualified teachers and Pengi's Nursery for 3mths-2yrs children.

For the more adventurous Cardrona offers the most extensive terrain park facilities in New Zealand with two half pipes, a gravity cross and a range of beginner freestyle features. There really is something for everyone at this special mountain and the breathtakingviews that stretch all the way from Queenstown to Lake Wanaka are icing on the cake.

After the exhilaration of hitting the slopes, soaking up the atmosphere and stunning views, stop in at the historic Cardrona pub for the perfect end to your day.

Cardrona Tips:

  1. If you’re there to learn, arrive early. Cardrona is very popular with beginners and it can get busy.  
  2. If you have a pass with days loaded on, park in one of the lower car parks and avoid the queues. Truly, park and ride!
  3. Look out for the frequent demo days, try the latest and greatest in skis. For free!
  4. Try the Noodle House for lunch, super yummy and an easy ski in/ski out by taking the Skyline trail.
  5. Strong intermediate? Head to Captains, you’ll love it.
  6. And if there is tons of snow, try Valley View. It’s a little steeper, but often it’s uncrowded, perfect for fast cruising!
SkiListing lifts & facilities
  • 1 x Gondolaor
  • 2 x Express Quads
  • 1 x Fixed Quads
  • 3 x Conveyor Lifts
  • 1 x Platters
  • Snow Making
  • Ski school
  • Restaurant/cafe
  • Ski in/out lodging
  • Bar
  • Creche
  • Gear rental
SkiListing lift pass prices
Adult
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
-
Learner
-
Beginner package
$165
Lift & rental
$175
Lift, lesson & rental
$225
Student (18+ yrs)
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
-
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Youth/Child (6-17 yrs)
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
-
Learner
$42
Beginner package
$125
Lift & rental
$100
Lift, lesson & rental
$150
Child (5 yrs and under)
2 Day
free
1 Day
free
1/2 Day
free
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Senior (65 – 74 yrs)
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
-
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Super Senior (75 yrs and over)
2 Day
free
1 Day
free
1/2 Day
free
Learner
-
Beginner package
-
Lift & rental
-
Lift, lesson & rental
-
Adult
2 Day
-
1 Day
-
1/2 Day
-
Learner
$67
Beginner package
$165
Lift & rental
$175
Lift, lesson & rental
$225
Student (18+ yrs)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Youth/Child (6-17 yrs)
-
-
-
$42
$125
$100
$150
Child (5 yrs and under)
free
free
free
-
-
-
-
Senior (65 – 74 yrs)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Super Senior (75 yrs and over)
free
free
free
-
-
-
-
Getting to
Queenstown , 62 km
Closest major airport
Wanaka , 34 km
Closest town
Gravel Surface , 12 km
Access road
Chain hire
Mountain shuttle

Cardrona is just a short hop over the Crown Range from Queenstown Airport, so it’s super easy to pick up your rental car & drive straight here!

Another option is our awesome shuttle service – our FREE Pine Trees shuttle runs from the big carpark 1km from the bottom of the access road.

Shuttle times are approximate and are subject to change.

Regular Shuttle Timetable 

Shuttles Up: 8.30am / 9.00am / 9:30am / 10:00am / 10:30am / 11:30am
Shuttles Down: 1:30pm / 2:30pm / 3.00pm / 3:30pm / 4:15pm

We offer a Cardrona bus service from Queenstown, with heaps of pickup points throughout town to get you up the mountain. You can pick up passes & rental gear from Cardrona Queenstown (37 Camp St) and head straight to the lifts when you arrive on the mountain!

The Wanaka bus service has a four pickup points around town – pick up all your gear & passes from Cardrona x Treble Cone Wānaka (50 Cardrona Valley Road) the day before so you can get off the bus & go straight to the lifts! Please check the timetable below the map for departure information.