Visitors to the new Cardrona-Treble Cone office, dining and retail space opening event will also be able to take a walk down memory lane with a viewing of a documentary that tracks the development of skiing and snowboarding in Wanaka from its humble early beginnings.

Cardrona-Treble Cone’s ‘Welcome to Winter’ party tomorrow (Thursday June 3) will celebrate the company’s new space at the former Jack Rabbit restaurant above Basecamp and Ruby’s Cinema at 50 Cardrona Valley Road.

The large, multi-use space will have room for guests to arrive, sign in, have a drink and some food and then be walked through the ticketing and rental rental process, Cardrona-Treble Cone communications executive Jen Houltham said.

“There’s a full bar and kitchen that will be open throughout the day, a retail offering, ticketing and guest services, and rental ski and snowboard gear downstairs,” Jen said. “Upstairs we will be making use of the function area for smaller gatherings and training sessions, and the office space is already being utilised by our staff.”

At Thursday’s opening, visitors are invited to head downstairs to Ruby’s Cinema between 5pm and 7.30pm to watch Kōura Ma: The Story of Skiing in Wanaka, before going upstairs to take part in the ‘Welcome to Winter’ party festivities. 

Take a ride back into the past at the screening of Kōura Ma: The Story of Skiing in Wanaka at Ruby’s Cinema tomorrow. IMAGE: Lake Wānaka Tourism

The 14-minute short-form documentary, presented by Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT), will take viewers back to the roots of skiing and snowboarding in Wanaka, delving into the stories of the intrepid locals who pioneered the mountain culture of the town.

The film features a mix of interviews, archival and contemporary footage, overlaid with animation to explore the key events and individuals that have kept pushing the Wanaka snow history forward. 

“It's a fun ride back into the past with some remarkable stories of those who have paved the way for us, as well as a celebration of our place, our community and the connection we have with the mountains,” Cardrona-Treble Cone general manager Bridget Legnavsky said.

“We could not be more excited to premiere this film here at the opening of our new space.”

 Kōura Ma translates to ‘white gold’, a term often used to describe the best snow on the mountain.

LWT marketing and communications manager Gizelle Regan thanked everyone involved in making this documentary who shared their time, their skills, and their stories. 

“This really is a quest to discover more about our rich history and why this small New Zealand mountain town has become such a hot spot of international skiing and snowboarding,” she said.

Head along to 50 Cardrona Valley Road between 5pm and 7pm tomorrow to watch the documentary and then join the party, which will feature food and drink specials and prize giveaways throughout the evening.