Lake Wanaka - World's First Lifestyle Reserve

With six international ski areas to choose from and the largest heli-skiing area outside North America, Lake Wanaka offers something for everyone. Lake Wanaka is the perfect base to experience some of the South Island and New Zealand’s best skiing and snowboarding, and is ultimate destination for a South Island and New Zealand ski holiday.

Lake Wanaka boasts four world-class ski areas – Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone, Snow Farm and Snow Park, with Coronet Peak and The Remarkables just an hour away, giving you the most varied New Zealand skiing and snowboarding experience. Whether you’re into fun family skiing, peaceful cross-country touring, adrenaline pumping off-piste, park jibbing or mind blowing heli-skiing, you’ll find it here in Lake Wanaka.

For the ultimate mountain experience stay on snow at Snow Park or Cardrona or ski tour to a remote backcountry hut and enjoy fresh powder turns as the sun rises.

• Cardrona: Cardrona Alpine Resort is a short 35 minute drive from Wanaka and is a great ski area for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. It has on-mountain accommodation and a ski and snowboard school, and features New Zealand’s best facilities for kids.
• Treble Cone: Treble Cone is a short 35 minute drive from Wanaka and offers a real New Zealand snow experience, boasting long uncrowded slopes, legendary off piste terrain and unrivalled views. And it has the longest vertical rise in the Southern Lakes.
• Snow Farm: Snow Farm is New Zealand’s only cross-country ski area, and caters for all levels of skier. It includes on-snow accommodation
• Snow Park: Snow Park is a boutique mountain resort and is renowned for its world class terrain park and awe-inspiring views. Snow Park is also a 35 minute drive from Wanaka
• Coronet Peak: Coronet Peak offers exhilarating skiing and riding for all levels. It has a dedicated learner and novice area and is a social and fun venue with regular live music and a range of world class events. Coronet Peak is a 60 minute drive from Wanaka.
• The Remarkables: The Remarkables is also a 60 minute drive from Wanaka and is a great choice for beginners, novices, youth and entire families. Its high alpine location, fantastic terrain parks, great snow and friendly, relaxed nature makes it a true alpine experience for all ages.
   

The New Zealand ski season usually starts in June and goes into October. Exact dates depend on the snow and the conditions, and differ for each ski field depending on their location. Check out the individual ski fields’ for their ski season opening dates. You can also check out our Snow Reports page for ski area information and the current status and snow report for each ski area.

Off snow the vibrant resort town has everything you need from ski rentals to mountain transport, cafes to accommodation, all delivered with genuine Kiwi hospitality.  

Lake Wanaka is the location of New Zealand's only dedicated cross-country skiing area, with over 50 kilometres of tracks way up in the Pisa Range. 

Find more information on:

• Family and Kids Skiing
• Skiing for First Timers
• Planning your Ski Holiday

No. 93 - Cross Country Skiing Enjoy the tranquility of the Pisa Range. Picture a skiing experience with kilometres of snow in front of you, far-reaching views across Lake Wanaka to Mt Aspiring National Park, and no sound other than the swish of your skis.

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Highlights of Skiing & Snowboarding Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

• Spectacular views of the Southern Alps
• Riding the pipe with the pros at Snow Park
• Hike to the summit at Treble Cone
• Master your frst turns at Cardrona
• Cross country skiing to an alpine hut
• Take the kids tobogganing
• Heli-skiing fresh powder
• Backcountry touring
• Après ski drinks at the Cardrona Hotel
• Soak in a hot spa after a great day on the slopes