5 Day Wanaka Beginners Ski Holiday

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Head out of Queenstown and over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Wanaka. Take it easy as this road can be a little 'interesting' in winter. There are plenty of signs advising the road conditions and there is a slightly longer but lower altitude route via Cromwell. If you do take the Crown Range route then you should time your trip to stop at the Cardrona Hotel for 'sustenance'. This 'world famous in New Zealand' landmark will have some great food and a welcoming log fire.

Welcome to Wanaka for your winter ski or snowboarding holiday.  It’s not just the skiing that makes Wanaka a fantastic winter destination, there’s also the spectacular scenery, amazing adventures, and endless activities to keep you entertained when you’re not on the slopes.  After each action-packed day, you’ll also find a superb variety of cafes and restaurants to relax and refuel at.
Today we recommend you visit the Cardrona Alpine Resort Office located at the corner of Helwick and Dunmore Streets and collect your lift pass.  This will save you heaps of time tomorrow as you’ll avoid the morning queues and can head straight to the mountain with more time to ski and ride.  When you visit the Cardrona Wanaka Office please take your Ski New Zealand itinerary with you as the staff will need the reference number off this.  Each person in your group receives their own card and must collect their own card as your photo will be taken at the time of issue.  All your lift passes, rental equipment, lessons, etc will be loaded onto your card.

Cardrona is perfect for first timer skiers and boarders with easy learner lift and wide open beginner trails with beautiful views. Your 3 day package includes rental equipment each day which consists of skis, boots, and poles or snowboard and boots, depending on your sport. On day 1 of your package, you'll be introduced to the equipment and the learner's area with a full day's conveyor pass for the learner's slope and two group lessons with a professional instructor. Your 2 hour morning lesson teaches the basics, including how to master sliding, stopping, and turning safely and effectively on gentle slopes. The 2 hour afternoon lesson is to further develop your skills and to support you as you explore more terrain. On days 2 and 3 you'll have a full chairlift pass, giving you access to the entire mountain and another 2 hour group lesson each day to build on your fast developing skills. The second and third days of your package don't have to be taken consecutively, so you can have a rest in between if needed.
Don't own your own snow clothing? No worries, chat to us about adding clothing rental.

Cardrona ski field is located between Wanaka and Queenstown so it's handy to both alpine resorts. Set over 345 hectares with 20% beginner, 55% intermediate and 25% advanced there are runs to suit all abilities. Cardrona offers parks and pipes of different levels for those that enjoy jumps and freestyle snow fun. If you're bringing the family, Cardrona has the best facilities for kids with a nursery for 3 months to 3yrs, ski kindy for 3-4 yrs and kids ski school for 5yr+. There's also ski school for the big kids no matter your skill level. With onsite full ski and snowboard gear rental available you don't have to worry about packing gear and when you need to rest the legs or fuel your fire, there are 5 cafes on the mountain so you'll find whatever you're craving.

Another day at the incredible Southern Alps playground, Cardrona. With 400 hectares of terrain there's plenty of runs waiting to be discovered. Go on, get out there!

Leaving Wanaka you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Queenstown. This drive should be planned as a whole day to really enjoy the scenery and to allow time to explore the walks, and many stops en route.