If you know us, you know that skiing and snowboarding are a huge part of our life. We both started to ski at the young age of 2, and our families took us skiing nearly every weekend in the winter. We met at a ski resort, where I was a ski instructor and James was training for the upcoming Vancouver Olympics in 2010. James was a professional snowboarder, and for years travelled the world chasing the winters and snowboarding at the best resorts and mountains in the world. If you ask him though, where his favorite place to ski or snowboard is, he will tell you New Zealand. Specifically, one mountain in New Zealand. Read on, and we will share our top three places to ski in New Zealand.

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Related: About Us and How We Met

1. Treble Cone

Located outside Wanaka in NZ’s South Island. Treble Cone is in the Southern Alps. It is the South Islands largest ski area with the biggest vertical rise. It offers two chairlifts, and maybe about 15 or so runs.

We feel that it offers really good terrain variety for all levels. I think the crowning jewel of Treble Cone, though, are the views. On a clear day, Treble Cone boasts unbeatable views of the Alps and the beautiful Lake Wanaka.

You can also climb to the top, and ski down! It was a steep hike with ski boots and skis over your shoulder, and I’d be lying if I said I never thought about stopping. Honestly, I’m so glad we made it thought, because it’s definitely worth the view!

I’ve skied here a handful of times, and I always have so much fun! The view doesn’t get old. I’d say the rooms are more groomed than not, but there are definitely un-groomed sections with gulleys and drops.

Check out Treble Cone’s website here: https://www.treblecone.com

Okay, so the next two are kind of two-for-one. They are both located in the central North Island, on Mt Ruapehu. Mt Ruapehu is a large beautiful mountain, which is actually an active volcano. Turoa and Whakapapa are two resorts, one on each side of the mountain/volcano.

2. Turoa

Turoa has 500 hectares, and 5 chair lifts and 2 platter lifts. I’ve never skied on the Turoa side, but James says they offer several terrain parks. A little digging on their website tells me they have four parks.

Related: FAQ About New Zealand

3. Whakapapa

We saved the best for last. This is our favorite. New Zealand’s largest ski area, with 550 hectares, 5 chairs and 3 t-bars. They also have a few “magic carpets” for the beginners!

Whakapapa is ready for any stage of skier. From a dedicated learner area to black diamonds, gulleys, and drops, they have it. Mt Ruapehu is a volcanic mountain, so when the snow fills in there is a ton of terrain option. They leave a lot of the mountain un-groomed, so there are plenty of lines to choose from. Picture big bowls and long gulleys; each time you get to the top, you can choose a new and different unique line!

Mt Ruapehu is all about the adventure. From exploring new lines, to frozen waterfalls, and hiking after skiing. You can even climb to the top of the mountain and see the crater lake! Its QUITE THE HIKE, like, it’s not easy. I would show you pictures, but the cloud beat me to the top of the mountain. The cloud was so thick I couldn’t see an INCH of the crater lake. The hike was so hard I swore I’d never do it again…. but 5 years later… I’m starting to think about it again.

But anyways, check out these views!! You guys, I have done a lot of skiing in my life too, but this is the best skiing I’ve ever done. The ski terrain and atmosphere is one of a kind. On a good weather day, this place can not be beat. There is just something so inspiring and thrilling about being on the mountain, don’t you think?

 

Not to mention New Zealand’s highest café sits near the top of the mountain! The cafe has these huge, floor to ceiling windows that really show off the snow covered jagged rocks and peaks. Not a bad way to enjoy your après ski, if you ask me.

You can read more about Turoa and Whakapapa, on their website here: https://www.mtruapehu.com

What You Need to Know

Skiing these mountains is very different than skiing in the states, in my experience. There are no trees – just boulders, glaciers, ice and drop offs. And in my opinion,  some of these features are not very well marked! Just ask our brother in law who fractured a vertebrae skiing off an unmarked drop and landing on a flat. So please take care, and make sure you bring a map.

Also, weather can change quickly in the mountains. The mountain can get clouded in quickly – leaving visibility very low. Make sure you keep an eye on the weather. I’ll never forget skiing with James and his family one weekend, and all of a sudden we were in a thick, white cloud. I could hardly see 10ft in front of me. If I would have been skiing alone, or in a group that was not familiar with the mountain, I would have been lost.  Lost and freaking out. Thankfully James knows the mountain like the back of his hand, and skilfully guided us down.

Related: What To Do and See in Taupo

Get the Gear

We’ve linked some of our favorite skiing and snowboarding gear here! Even if you can’t ski, you gotta look the part, right? You’ll need the basics, like ski pants, coat, and mittens or gloves (I’m a mitten person myself) but don’t forget these essentials!

P.S. if it’s underlined, I’ve linked it for you!

Smith Googles: Protect your eyes! These beauties are on my wish list.

Giro Helmet: Seriously, helmets are cool now. Everybody wears helmets. Be smart. Wear a helmet. And don’t get caught looking like a rookie without one. 

Buff: Ah, the buff! A soft, looped fabric that is so versatile. I usually wear mine under my helmet to give my ears an extra layer of warmth. Ive also warn it as a neck warmer on days I have forgotten my neck warmer! This thing goes with me on every trip – and not just ski trips. 

Neck warmer: Keep your face warm! We still love the classic brand “Turtle Fur”. 

Thermals: It’s all about how you dress when it comes to staying warm. Starting with a thermal layer is KEY. James loves Icebreaker Merino. I also like Under Armour. 

SmartWool Ski socks: Ive definitely talked about this before on my blog. I am a huge fan of the SmartWool brand.

Little Hotties Hand and Feet warmers: My secret weapon. Trust me. 

 

I hope this list helps get you started, and I really hope you get a chance to ski or snowboard on some of these beautiful mountains! They are truly world-class.

Ski On,

*This post contains affiliate links. That means, I may receive a commission for some of the links in this post- at no cost to you. See our Disclaimer page for details*