A lone snowboarder in a red jacket riding a freshly groomed snow-covered slope. The grooves in the snow lead the viewer's eye toward the distant mountains and the bright sun peeking through light clouds. A single ski lift chair hovers overhead, adding to the serene and quiet atmosphere of the scene.

Here to keep you safe as

Safety At Cardrona & Treble Cone

Cardrona and Treble Cone have you covered! We've got on-site medical facilities, and a patrol team to keep you safe on the mountain. Our Ski Patrol and Slope Safety crew are always around to answer safety questions. Remember, safety’s a team effort – follow the Snow Safety Code and look out for each other! And hey, helmets are a great idea, especially in the terrain parks.

A snowboarder in the middle of a sharp, dynamic turn, with the snowboard close to the snow and the rider's body leaning low to the ground. The snowboarder, dressed in black gear with a helmet and goggles, is carving across the slope with great control. The background shows a bright, snow-covered landscape with ski lifts and skiers visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Important Information

In case of an accident or injury, protect the area by crossing your skis or snowboard(s) above the accident, then contact ski patrol and inform them of the type of injury and location of the accident. 

Send a strong skier or snowboarder (if safe to do so) to the bottom of the closest lift to radio for ski patrol or contact:

Cardrona: +64 3 443 1576

  • Ski patrol huts are located at the top of Whitestar Express and Captain’s Express. 

Treble Cone: +64 3 443 7443

  • Ski patrol huts are located at the top of the Saddle Basin and Home Basin Chairlift.

At Cardrona and Treble Cone, we have four tiers of trails: 

  • Beginner – Green circle 

  • Intermediate – Blue square 

  • Advanced – Red rectangle 

  • Expert – Black diamond 

Check out our Trail Maps to see where all our different trail levels are. 

Our signage is in a "traffic light" coded system: 

  • Green – good to go! If you see a green sign at Cardrona, it generally means a feature or trail is open and ready for you to charge! 

  • Orange – slow down! Orange is the colour we use for all our ‘slow zones’, including the new extension for Westons Trail and Footrot Flats under McDougall’s Chondola. 

  • Yellow – information. All our general information signage like the Snow Safety Code is in yellow. 

  • Red – stop! Red signs often indicate closed areas or things like winch cats in operation. 

  1. Plan ahead: Check our Weather Forecast before you go, and the Snow Report from 6.30am each day for updates on road conditions and weather. 

  2. Be prepared: Alpine weather can change fast—pack chains, layers, waterproof gear, and sunscreen. Stay warm by stretching before you hit the slopes. 

  3. Gear up: Helmets, body armour, and eye protection are key, especially in the terrain parks. Goggles or sunglasses are a must! 

  4. Safety for kids: Pop your phone number in your kid’s pocket just in case. Read up on lift safety and take advantage of our new safety guards. 

  5. Stay together: Ski or ride with a buddy, and set a meeting point if you get separated. 

  6. Know your limits: If a run’s too hard, side-step down carefully or call for help. 

  7. Follow the signs: Always obey posted signs and safety warnings around the mountain. 

  8. Watch the weather: Poor visibility? Slow down or stop when clouds roll in or snow falls. 

  9. Stay warm and hydrated: Dress for the cold and drink plenty of water - altitude and wind can take it out of you! 

  10. Ski boot safety: Take care walking in ski boots, especially on icy or slippery surfaces around the base area.

Our Slope Safety team works with Ski Patrol to keep everyone safe and make sure guests follow the Snow Code. You might get stopped for speeding, dangerous riding, entering closed areas, or colliding with others - these could lead to a pass suspension depending on the severity of the incident. Follow these Snow Code rules to keep yourself and others safe: 

  1. Stay in control: Know your limits, start easy, and always be able to stop or avoid others. 

  2. Give way: Skiers and riders below you have the right of way. Check above before entering a trail. 

  3. Obey signs: Stay out of closed areas and follow all signage. 

  4. Look before you leap: Check out jumps first, make sure it’s clear, and use a spotter for blind jumps. 

  5. Stop where you’re seen: Move to the side of the trail and stay visible from above. 

  6. Secure your gear: Make sure your equipment is secured when walking or stashing, and pack out your rubbish to keep the mountain clean. 

  7. Stay on scene: If you're involved in or witness an accident, stay and report it to Ski Patrol. 

  8. Respect others: From the lift line to the slopes, treat others how you’d like to be treated.

Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the mountain!

Some of our guests choose to ski or snowboard with their young kids in backpacks. If you're one of them, both you and your child will need a Cardrona lift pass to agree to our safety policies and Snow Code. 

  • Your child must be in a commercial 'for-purpose' solid-frame baby carrier. 

  • General backpacks or soft sling carriers aren’t suitable. 

  • The baby carrier should be placed beside you on the chairlift and held securely, not worn. 

  • If your baby is in a front pack and you can lower the safety bar, they don’t need to sit separately. 

  • Each child counts as one person on the lift. 

  • To board a lift, your child must have conventional snow gear or be in a backpack. We don't encourage kids to freeride between an adult's legs on skis or snowboards. 

  • If you’re sightseeing, you can take your infant inside a gondola cabin—just keep them wrapped up warm! 

Got questions? Pop in and see the Ski Patrol team! 

Our policy is all about keeping our littlest guests safe on the lifts. Remember, everyone on the slopes must follow the SAANZ Snow Safety Code. 

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Frequently
Asked Questions

Check out the Tai Poutini Polytechnic website to find out how you can become a Ski Patroller!

We have on-site doctors, nurses and physiotherapists to look after you should anything happen when you’re out on the mountain.

There are first aid kits throughout the resort & 2 Automated External Defibrillators. Overnight, there is a manager to assist with emergency health problems for apartment guests. We do not have x-ray facilities on-site.

Check out Brain Injury Support NZ’s information on what to look for if you think you, or a friend/ family member, has a concussion.

Still need some help? Get in touch using our

A black rescue dog in training jumps through the snow, wearing a red harness with a white cross, against a snowy mountain backdrop and ski area signs.

Get help from on-mountain doctors

Medical Facilities

Cardrona and Treble Cone can look after you, whether you’re injured and need a doctor, nurse, or physiotherapist.

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A skier with a rescue backpack navigates through heavy snowfall, using poles for stability in a whiteout, near a snow-covered fence, creating a sense of isolation and challenge.

Head off-piste for an adventure!

Backcountry

Cardrona and Treble Cone are gateways to epic and beautiful backcountry skiing and riding.

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