There’s a buzz in town heralding the beginning of Wānaka’s ski season, with Cardrona Alpine Resort scheduled to open this weekend (Saturday June 14).

Cardrona-Treble Cone chief mountains officer Laura Hedley confirmed the skifield will open on Saturday, thanks to “an incredible effort from the snowmaking team and some help from Mother Nature”.

Laura told the Wānaka App that between 900-950 staff will be employed over both skifields, with 500 of them returning staff.

Cardrona is now New Zealand’s biggest ski resort, with six basins, terrain parks and pipes, and 150ha of new skiable terrain when Soho Basin opens later this month (June 28) 

Both the McDougall's Chondola and the learner conveyors will be open, and skiers and snowboarders will be able to access McDougall's trail and the beginners' area from opening day, Laura said. 

There will also be a few features available in McPark (the temporary early season terrain park under McDougall's). 

Treble Cone’s opening is scheduled for Friday June 27. PHOTO: Supplied

“To reflect the early season offering, day passes will be at early season rates, until Whitestar Express opens,” Laura said.

The resort’s new base area building is nearing completion, and investment in snowmaking has continued at both Cardrona and Treble Cone, with both snowmaking guns and water storage improvements for 2025 to help ensure “season length reliability”.

Lake Wānaka Tourism and Destination Queenstown chief executive Mat Woods said this weekend's opening “sends a strong message to the Australian and domestic market that they can book with confidence for the winter ahead”.

The Snow Farm is set to open on Saturday June 28. PHOTO: Wānaka App

“The start of the ski season is a great time for locals to get up and enjoy the mountains before we welcome visitors to experience our world class ski resorts, iconic off-mountain activities and a vibrant après scene,” he said.

Cardrona’s opening day is June 14, and Treble Cone’s is June 27, with the Snow Farm scheduled to open the following day (Saturday June 28).