There are several ski fields near Wanaka that you can choose from, depending on your preferences and skill level.
Some of the best ski fields near Wanaka are:
Cardrona Alpine Resort:
Cardrona is popular for its wide and gentle slopes, suitable for beginners and families. It has a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. There are over 200 acres of skiable terrain, with 20% beginner, 25% intermediate, 30% advanced, and 25% expert slopes.
It also has a world-class terrain park and halfpipe for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
It has 5 chairlifts including the McDougall's Express Chondola, which is a combination of a six seater chairlifts and covered gondolas.
It has excellent facilities for learners including three conveyor belts, one of which is covered, as well as a variety of cafés and restaurants, child care facilities, and on mountain apartments.
The base building sits at an elevation of 1670 meters.
The 2023 season runs from June 17th – October 15th
It is located about 40 minutes drive from Wanaka
Roam Wanaka offers a private door to door transfer service from Queenstown to Cardrona and Wanaka to Cardrona, right outside the main base building.
Treble Cone:
Treble Cone is the largest ski field in the South Island and offers stunning views of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring national park. It is known for its challenging and varied terrain, with long steep runs, off-piste areas and backcountry access, consisting of 10% beginner, 30% intermediate, 40% advanced, and 20% expert slopes.
It's base building is located at an elevation of 1,260 meters and the summit of 2,088 meters. The facilities include two chairlifts (quad and express six) and a learners platter, rental shop, café & bar.
The 2023 season runs from 24th June - 24th September
It is located about 35 minutes drive from Wanaka.
Roam Wanaka offers a private door to door transfer service from Queenstown to Treble Cone and Wanaka to Treble Cone, right outside the main base building.
Snow Farm:
Snow Farm is dedicated to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with over 50 km of groomed trails. It also has a snow fun zone for kids and a number of backcountry huts. It is located about 40 minutes drive from Wanaka.
Soho Basin:
This ski field is a private cat skiing operation that offers exclusive access to 264 hectares of backcountry terrain. It is ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders who want to enjoy untracked runs and personalized service.
It is located about 40 minutes drive from Wanaka on the same access road as Cardrona Alpine Resort
Closer to Queenstown, the two ski fields are:
The Remarkables:
The Remarkables ski area is located on the Remarkable mountain range close to Queenstown. It is known for its spectacular views, off-piste terrain and freestyle features. It is about a 1.5 hour drive from Wanaka
Coronet Peak:
Coronet Peak is located close to Queenstown, West of Arrowtown and is known for its stunning views over the Wakatipu basin, family friendly atmosphere, night skiing and diverse trails. It is about a 75 minute drive from Wanaka.