One of Wānaka’s three ski areas has confirmed it will not allow unvaccinated visitors this winter.

Under Snow Farm’s new policy, all visitors who are eligible for vaccination must be fully vaccinated to stay in its huts, enter its buildings, and access trails.

“We will be conducting spot checks of trail and hut users over the summer to ensure compliance,” Snow Farm general manager Sam Lee said.

"We will be contacting people with existing bookings and season passes to confirm their vaccine status. In the event a current booking is not able to meet our vaccine policy a full refund will be given.”

All Snow Farm staff are fully vaccinated and in winter all new employees will need to meet the same requirement.

Snow Farm said the vaccine policy keeps visitors and staff safe, so everyone who visits can have an enjoyable time without unnecessary risk.

Cardrona and Treble Cone experiences general manager Laura Hedley said its winter vaccination policy had not been confirmed.

“We are currently working with the snow sports industry and gathering all information and assessing updates from the government before we confirm our vaccination policy for this winter,” Laura said.

“We will make sure that guests are informed once we have finalised this policy for winter.”

Aspiring Law director Janice Hughes says businesses can set their own vaccination policies provided the policy does not conflict with the government requirements.

“Businesses are free to make additional rules over and above the rules the government has made if they feel that they need to,” Janice said.

“Each business will assess the risks and that assessment will help them set the parameters for their vaccination policy.

“For some, that is because they have vulnerable staff or vulnerable family members that the business owner wants to help keep safe.”

Janice said deciding vaccination policy can be a tough decision for business owners.

“If they have opted into these voluntary requirements, or added additional protocols over and above what the government requires, then they will have a very genuine reason to do so,” she said.

Snow Farm features 55km of cross country ski trails in winter and is used for mountain biking, hiking, orienteering, rock climbing and adventure racing in summer.

PHOTO: Supplied