#skiwanaka Like a Local

Meet Emma Bilous

When your two sons - one an Olympic freestyle skier and the other a big mountain skier renowned for his hair-raising approach to the steepest runs out there want to ski with you, then you know you’re doing something right!  Emma’s been a Wanaka local for 26 years and knows Treble Cone like the back of her hand.

Want to ski like a local? Then check out the videos and articles below.

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Treble Cone

Em's Local Tips

Plan Your Trip

Where Can I Stay? Hotel, motel, apartment, backpacker or holiday home - it's entirely up to you and your budget. Tip: Book early if you plan to come in the school holidays. Read more

Where Should I Ski? Do you want to do cross country skiing or downhill skiing, are you a beginner or expert? For cross country and snow play try Snow Farm, Cardrona is great for beginners and intermediate skiers while Treble Cone caters for advanced skiers. All intermediate skiers should give heli skiing and Soho Basin a go! Read more

How Do I Get to Wanaka? Fly to Queenstown Airport then self-drive or catch a bus or private shuttle to Wanaka Read more

How Do I Get Up the Mountains? If you are happy to fit chains when required then drive your own vehicle - but if not, there are daily buses and private shuttle services to get you up to the ski resorts. Read more

Should I Have Lessons? If you are a beginner or not skied for a while then yes take a lesson! But even experts will benefit from some one on one tuition. There are great ski packages which include lift, lesson and gear hire available at the ski resorts. Read more

What Do I Need to Bring? If you want to pack light there are plenty of places to rent the latest skis, snowboards, boots and outerwear. Bring layers, the innermost should be light thermal underwear – merino is a great way to stay comfortable and warm. Read more