Treble Cone Ski Resort, New Zealand Trip Report: Ripper Terrain With Family Feel

*Artful adrenaline, The hallowed summit rocks of Treble Cone are perfectly picturesque and absolutely epic. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Trip report from August 22, 2023

Legit and Lovable; two fantastic words that spring to mind as cornerstones of the community and snow scene at Treble Cone Ski Resort, above Wanaka, New Zealand.

Treble Cone, known locally as ‘TC’, is home to the longest vert rise in the Queenstown Southern Lakes District, tops out at a delightful 6,850 feet of elevation, spans 1,300 skiable acres, and packs a top-tier quiver of amenities.

*Options to suit all interests at TC. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Treble Cone got its start the way all good ski resorts do; grassroots and elbow grease from a few hearty, mountain-mad locals. Their early vision soon caught the attention of a wider public, and TC has been on the rise ever since.

Zipping to the present day, TC has grown into a staunchly proud component of RealNZ, a dyed-in-the-wool firm with a hugely impressive focus upon New Zealand’s people and places, its experiences, and, of course, the steadfast commitment to conversation required to preserve the uniqueness of each.

*An elevated view over stunning Glendhu Bay is an icon of a TC ski experience. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

*And TC’s angle on the mighty Matukituki Valley certainly catches the eye as well. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Famously uncrowded, TC rolls through the day with a smile-inducing pace and a family vibe that manages to feel, somehow, privatized.

As wide as one can cast an eye, the majestic upper aspects of NZ’s Southern Alps extend their special flavor of butterflies-in-the-belly welcome while, at their feet, TC’s extensive and supremely inviting system of well-covered trails unspool like ribboning corridors of fast-edged fun.

For our trip, TC’s snowpack offered cover, which was just what the doctor ordered: pristine grooming, padding to placate the shark population, and even giggle-worthy powder patches at the aprons of larger rocks. It’s little wonder that TC’s slopes are a go-to for rippers ranging from wee families to world tour heavy hitters.

*One glance, and it’s fairly obvious what makes TC’s summits so memorable. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

*Trails like ribbons swooping across the fantastic faces of TC. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Nestled nicely around TC’s base area are services to maximize any day on the mountain. There are lessons to go with rentals, shops for finding that perfect momento (we’re particularly keen on decals), and there are yummy eats to satisfy any appetite–with a panoramic balcony as dining area. Even the Kea, New Zealand’s confoundingly clever species of parrot monkey, knows TC’s base is straight-up the ‘bee’s knees’.

*Amenities for all ages are a hallmark of base facilities at Treble Cone. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Hailed as sunny Wanaka’s neighborhood slopes, to get to TC is too easy. Counting its access road, the friendly ski resort is less than twenty miles from the area’s bright lights and mischief spots. Better still, the cruise out of town along Wanaka-Aspiring Rd borders the lake before ascending above its bay, offering amazingly beautiful views for the duration of the brief commute.

Pro tip: Grab a seat on a shuttle direct from Wanaka. They run regularly. Turn on by climbing aboard for a convenient service that spares on petrol and stops straight at the lifts.

*The author, weighing the options of catching the shuttle or enjoying the view… Photo: P.M.Fadden*

*Peace of mind, thanks to open space, is a perk of skiing at TC. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

In many respects, part of the charm of Treble Cone ski-day is owed to its attraction-rich finish. The nearby town of Wanaka itself is a main-stay on New Zealand’s list of ‘Must Visit’ locales.

*Fuel up at a food truck village after a great day of skiing. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Wanaka boasts a bounty of things to do or places to eat. And the speakeasy scene (i.e. barstool speed dating) is arguably among the best in the nation. The only trouble might be the difficulty in deciding to depart.

From first chair to last call, Treble Cone Ski Resort and its enticing surroundings every day is a good reason to extend the stay.