Treble Cone is said to be the best resort on New Zealand’s South Island, they boast the longest groomy and the most intermediate and advanced terrain. We visited the resort in July 2008 and here’s what we thought.
We found Treble Cone to be a well run resort with plenty of challenging terrain. The average annual snowfall here is good for New Zealand standards so if it’s powder days you’re after you have a good chance of getting some here. Whilst we were there they didn’t get any fresh snow and as it was early in the season the base was fairly thin. Regardless of the thin base the groomed terrain was in good condition throughout the resort and made for some good smooth cruising. The non-groomed terrain was full of rocks and moguls. If you’re into that you would have an awesome time here at the start of the season, but it’s really not my thing. My opinion on this resort is that although it is a little on the small side it would be awesome on a powder day.
For the beginners amongst you don’t worry, whilst the resort does cater well to advanced and intermediate riders, they have not forgotten the beginners. At the bottom of the resort near the 6 seater VW chair lift there is a reasonably sized learning area with a magic carpet. Easy rider is a long windy green run that goes right from the top of the VW chair lift back down to the base. From the Easy Rider run there are a few blues that are on the milder side allowing for gradual progression.
For the intermediate riders there are plenty of blue runs from the top of both the VW chair and the top of the Saddle chair. Be warned that some of them, such as cloud nine, may be full of moguls, so it’s worth checking which ones have been groomed. For the more advanced of you there are a couple of nice black runs out towards the Matukituki Basin.
Advanced riders who prefer not to hike have plenty of non-groomed terrain along with some chutes around the saddle track and some mild challenges on the Drop Off and Payback from the saddle chair. Those that are up for the hike should try Tims Table, Hollywood Bowl and Motatapu chutes from the top of the Saddle chair or Hidden valley that can be accessed from either the Saddle or the VW 6 seater. There is also the Super Pipe and a good selection of boxes, rails and jumps in the terrain park, as well as plenty of natural hits.
The drive up to the resort as with most of the NZ resorts is up a decidedly dodgy access road. I would not recommend driving up it unless you are a confident driver carrying snow chains as it is unsealed with no barrier and steep drops off the edge. Buses are available from Wanaka and there is talk of them building a gondola in the near future to take people from the car park. Treble Cone is located in Mt Aspiring National Park just over 100km from Queenstown and 30 minutes from Wanaka.
The night life in both Wanaka and Queenstown is good with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Many of the season riders flock to Wanaka every year with Treble Cone passes, this makes for a good riding community in the town. There are plenty of parties and lots of fun to be had.
On the whole a good NZ resort with plenty for everyone, although it is on the expensive side. The drive can be a bit of a downer if your not confident in those types of conditions so hopefully they will build the gondola soon. Until then check that the resort and access road are open before you leave.
For more resort information see:http://www.treblecone.com
