Treble Cone, NZ Conditions Report + Photo Tour: It Just Keeps Getting Better!

Treble Cone woke up to a surprise snowfall on Thursday morning. The small storm ended up being a huge storm leaving between 50 and 100cm across the mountain. Locals headed up to eagerly wait in line while avalanche control was done in the Home Basin and at about 10.30 the crowd cheered when the lift started running.

The Home Basin was amazing with everything skiable right down to the base building. Lines that haven’t been skied all season were skied like Sundance, Plunge, Solitude and Drainpipe. The skiing was so good and the snow was so deep that many went home early. Those who waited patiently though got to ski the Saddle Basin in the late afternoon and experienced what most locals described as the best day every at Treble Cone.

Eager to get the Saddle Basin open quickly ski patrol arranged for helicopter avalanche control. With more than 70cm of new snow in parts of the Saddle the extra effort was well worth it. At about 2pm the chair started running and the traditional Chinese downhill to get to the bottom ensued. The snow was perfect; light, deep and not wind affected – anyone who skied the saddle that afternoon will never forget it!

Thursday night saw another top up of fresh snow and cold temperatures. The skiing on Friday was also amazing and the Summit slopes opened with deep untracked powder for those who hiked to the top. Local freekiers were everywhere going even bigger than normal, as always entertaining the spectators on the lift.

Overall the conditions at Treble Cone are fantastic. Mineshaft would have to be the best run in the Saddle right now with consistent powder top to bottom. The Creek and Rock Garden far skiers right at the bottom of the Home Basin are now open with some super fun narrow gullies and small rocks to jump off of.

The Motutapu Chutes opened for the first time this season on Wednesday. The conditions were epic; fresh snow in all the chutes and no people. They haven’t reopened since Thursday’s storm but should be open next week after the next system passes through with even more snow.

Matukituki Basin has remained in incredible condition with cold temperatures keeping the snow consistently fresh. You can ski right to the bottom of the basin and follow the fence line out, there’s no need to cut out early any more.

Today it snowed 20cm and the forecast for tonight and tomorrow calls for even more. It’s going to be another epic week at TC!