Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone both experienced their busiest days of the season so far on Tuesday (July 13).

Around 5,000 people visited Cardrona, meaning skiers and snowboarders spent a good part of their day in lift queues. There were far fewer skiers at Treble Cone, and “no queues”, according to one season-pass holder.

Most of the visitors were Kiwis on school holidays. 

Patroller Cait and her dog Rosko getting ready for another busy July day on the mountain. PHOTO: Mat Woods

“School holidays and great weather combined perfectly and we had a great number of guests enjoying the snow at both mountains,” Cardrona Alpine Resort/Treble Cone communications executive Jen Houltham told the Wanaka App.

“We are fully staffed this year so the numbers have been managed pretty well,” she said, adding that neither ski area closed its road due to capacity issues. 

There was great snow and plenty of space at the Snow Farm on Saturday. PHOTO: Wanaka App

A visitor posted a “huge shout out” to staff on the Cardrona Facebook page after the busy day: “We've had an awesome three days up there. It's been really busy, but without exception the staff have been cheerful, beyond helpful, and always exactly where they were needed. Huge thanks for helping make it such a great family experience.”

The Snow Farm has also had a steady start to the season, and despite the late start, “the trails are in good shape”, the skifield said.