Snowboarding in the land of the Long White Cloud

New Zealand has a lot to offer for those in search of a memorable winter snowboarding. With resorts scattered up and down the country there’s a lot of options depending on where you are and how far you’re willing to travel to get the goods. The great thing with the different aspect each resort faces, and in turn is sheltered from, is varying weather patterns will deliver a different and unique experience for each resort during a storm cycle. So the KEY to getting the best riding here is to not lock yourself into a set schedule, to be in one place on a set date.  When the combination of snow and weather are right, we have some of the best riding in the world available to anyone willing to travel for it. If you’re not familiar with our resorts there are a couple of things you should know when considering the road-trip to end all road trips: Don’t expect to be riding in the comfort of Gondolas, the only ones we have don’t access resorts (damn it). Don’t even think about covered chairs either, but do bring that extra warm down jacket and your spring shell because the weather conditions can vary and change quickly. Bring your driving gloves, there’s a lot involved here, all of our resorts have access roads that vary from sealed with two-lanes to gravel goat-tracks with tight hair-pinned corners. I’m not trying to scare you, but… it’s true. And if they say you need chains – you definitely need chains! Riding in New Zealand is a unique experience and one you’ll never forget. Most people can’t stop coming back, or just don’t leave once they get a taste for it. As long as you’re willing to take the good with the bad, can handle a few beers at the pub (or not) and have a bit of experience under your belt, you’re set. All in all you want to try and check out as many resorts as you can to get the full experience. Read more >>

Cardrona Alpine Resort

Cardrona Alpine Resort has for the last couple of decades cemented itself as one of New Zealand’s best snowboarding destinations. Although Cardrona does have a name for being a little on the mellow side of the freeride scale for those in the know there are pow stashes, chutes cliffs and backcountry spots to satisfy most off piste urges. ‘Cardies’ has become the go to resort for park and pipe riding and has showed a dedication to delivering world class freestyle facilities since the early 90s when Sean Gilbertson and friends built New Zealand’s first halfpipe with wool bales, some #8 wire and a chainsaw. It has also long been the center for New Zealand snowboarding competitions and continues to host high caliber national and international events. Read More >>

Treble Cone Ski Area

Treble Cone is best known for its world-renowned terrain, its backcountry access and its breath taking views. Treble Cone or TC as its better known to locals has a summit elevation of 2088m and a base area elevation 1260m, it is consistently steep and is well serviced by a high speed 6 seater in the Main Basin and a quad chair in the Saddle Basin. In the main basin you’ll find the base area and some of the funnest terrain on the hill, you can literally get off the chair and head straight down and on the right day have the best run ever. Above the main basin and over the ridge to riders right is the Saddle Basin a fantastic mix of challenging and more challenging terrain. The base area is about a 40 minute drive from Wanaka and the sealed road skirts the lake until you find yourself at the beginning of the gravel access road that switch backs its way up the steep incline. Accommodation is found in the Wanaka township along with nightlife, supermarkets, snowboard shops and a beautiful lake. Read More >>