❄️ Snow & Skiing: How Has This Winter Been?
Treble Cone: Big Mountain Thrills
The 2025 winter season officially kicked off at Treble Cone on 28 June, opening with a solid 25 cm of fresh snow in the Home Basin on opening day . Treble Cone is known—rightly so—for claiming the highest snowfall in the region, averaging around 2.7 m per season and typically offering up to 3+ m of maximum snow depth . Over the opening weeks, it has delivered reliable snow and welcomed both locals and visitors, especially in the iconic Saddle Basin and Matukituki Basin, where steeps, long basins, and off‑piste lines define the terrain .
In Reddit reports, early-season snow was described as firm—with few fresh dumps yet—but Cardrona’s snowmaking capacity gave it an edge. A guest noted Treble Cone’s terrain was narrow and icy without fresh snow:
“Treble Cone’s snowmaking facilities are pretty minimal… the snow was very firm and icy… I definitely struggled” .
Cardrona: Dependable & Family-Friendly
Cardrona Alpine Resort opened earlier on 14 June and remains the region’s workhorse in terms of reliable snow cover and terrain fit for all levels . With extensive snowmaking (averaging 2.9 m snowfall supplemented), Cardrona has consistently delivered groomed runs and park terrain—even when natural snowfall was patchy .
Notably, 2025 sees the debut of Cardrona’s new 150 ha Soho Basin, serviced by a brand-new six‑seater chairlift. This expansion has boosted Cardrona’s skiable terrain from ~465 ha to 615 ha, making it now the largest commercial ski area in New Zealand . The Soho Basin offers wilder, playful trails ideal for intermediates and adventurous riders .
Skiers from all over have praised Cardrona’s terrain parks. One visitor commented:
“Cardrona was fantastic… Many of the runs are lengthy and wide… views were fantastic…and it wasn’t too congested” .
Snow Farm: Nordic Experience
Snow Farm, uniquely focused on cross‑country skiing, is open through this winter with over 55 km of groomed trails across the Pisa Range. It opened in late June and offers a serene alternative to alpine skiing—a growing niche for visitors wanting a slower-paced winter day . Guided tours, hut experiences, snowshoeing and dog sledding add variety.
🌤 Weather & Conditions Through Winter
Wānaka experiences a semi-continental climate—cold, frosty nights near the town (0–2 °C) and below-zero conditions on-mountain (–5 to 0 °C) with dry air and clear visibility most days . August typically brings the deepest snow and powder days, coinciding with events like Winter Games NZ at Cardrona .
For the coming week (end of July into early August), expect cool days in the single digits (8–12 °C) and overnight lows hovering around zero (–1 to +1 °C)—typical mid-winter conditions conducive to maintaining snow on the peaks.
📈 Visitor Numbers & Tourism Trends
While exact daily lift ticket sales aren’t publicly released, tourism data paint a clear picture:
- Between June and August 2024, total visitor volumes in Wānaka rose 17 % year-on-year, and bed nights rose 15 %, with 77 % of visitors being domestic and the remainder primarily from Australia .
- That winter, international visitors made up about 15 % of visitors, a trend expected to continue through 2025 .
- Compared with autumn/winter 2023, the numbers through autumn and winter 2024 slipped slightly—but winter 2025 appears to be in line or modestly improved over 2024 .
- Accommodation occupancy during the July school holidays is around 60 % (down from previous ~85 %), possibly due to delayed or limited snow earlier in the season .
Overall, winter stays typically fall between 53,000 and 70,000 guest nights per month, with peaks across school holiday weeks; summer overtakes winter in total volume but winter still draws high‑value stays from skiers and repeat visitors .
Local business owners have reported mixed experiences—some down 20 % in F&B or retail during mid‑winter, reflecting both softer snow seasons and wider economic factors like rising costs and tighter discretionary spend .
🏔 On the Slopes: Crowd, Experience & Tips
- Cardrona tends to be busier on prime powder days, though its size and capacity management helps keep queues short—visitors reported 36 % shorter wait times after pass-cap limits were introduced in 2023 .
- Treble Cone, while generally less crowded, draws more advanced skiers; crowds spike there immediately following snowfall days .
- Renting gear in town (not on-mountain) is advised—places like Racer Edge or Green Toad get positive reviews for convenience and value . Also, taking advantage of early-morning first chair and quieter post-lunch hours improves overall day experience.
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☕ Tips for Winter Visitors Right Now
1. Book passes and rentals in advance, especially for weekends and school holidays.
2. Aim for early runs—arrive pre‑9 am to beat crowds and rental delays .
3. Mix resorts: Use the dual‑mountain pass to enjoy Cardrona’s wide runs/parks and Treble Cone’s challenging terrain.
4. Explore Snow Farm for a quieter, scenic winter day if alpine slopes get too crowded.
5. Plan après‑ski in Wānaka—the town’s craft breweries, cozy bars, and distilleries make it a welcoming winter base .
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🎯 Final Thoughts
Winter 2025 in Wānaka is shaping up as a solid season with strong snow reliability, especially at Cardrona, and promising terrain across all ski levels. Visitor growth remains positive, though peak accommodation demand has softened slightly from prior years—schools holidays still perform well, but overall turnout shows caution from both locals and international visitors.
Despite this, Wānaka continues to deliver: expansive terrain (thanks to Soho Basin), breathtaking lake-mountain scenery, and an authentic alpine town vibe—with plenty of non-ski options to back it up. Whether you’re carving groomers at Treble Cone, hitting park lines at Cardrona, or exploring Nordic slopes at Snow Farm, this winter offers something for everyone.
Planning a trip or curious about activities beyond skiing? I can help steer you toward itineraries, gear hire options, or local eats to round out your winter stay.
