Cardrona What's On: Winter Games and Pride
Spring conditions are starting to turn up on the slopes, meanwhile, big winter events are about to kick off. Read all about it in this week's What's On.
This week we're between seasons, experiencing late winter conditions, warm temperatures, and softer snow. It's lovely skiing and riding, making it perfect for those competing and participating in the upcoming winter events.
Winter Games kicks off at the end of this week, and we couldn't be more excited. We hope to catch some of you at the Opening Ceremony this Friday, August 25 at Pembroke Park Wānaka from 4:30. There'll be a parade of nations made up of the competing athletes and it will be an awesome community event, welcome to all locals and guests in the area to join.
Winter Pride also kicks off this Sunday, August 27 and we're so excited to be hosting some of the events again this year. Get ready to come together as a community, celebrate all love, diversity and equality. Scroll down to the events section to read more.
Spring is also a great time to learn with some very forgiving snow. Our new series 'Troy learns to ski' follows snowboarder Troy as he steps into some skis, tries something new, takes a couple of tumbles, and progresses his skills. Watch the short episode below:
Will Troy stay standing on those planks and make it down a blue run? Stay tuned for Episode 2: Intermediate.
Enjoying these springtime conditions? Our newest pass, the Spring Flexi 5 day pass is available to buy now. It works the same as our 'regular' Flexi 5-day pass which means it can be used at both Cardrona and Treble Cone, at any time from September 1. It's also valid to use even if the mountain is sold out of day or multi-day passes. Ski from $120/day here.
Weather Forecast
Today and Friday look mild and overcast, with lows of 1 degree, so we recommend packing a mixture of layers you can swap in and out of.
Saturday and Sunday look much colder, with Sunday seeing lows of -6 degrees, and light snow. If you're joining us for Winter Pride or Winter Games, make sure to dress extra warm. Monday could be promising with cold temps but scattered sunshine. Stay updated and open the Snow Report from 6.30 am daily to see what conditions are like.
Treble Cone
Though Cardrona has some big events on, Treble Cone isn't missing out. This Saturday, August 26, TC is hosting their Junior Interfields. This is the ultimate introduction that we recommend to all juniors keen to get into ski racing. It also makes a great social gathering for the next generation of racers, along with family and friends!
Read more about the event here.
Now's a great time to visit NZ's 'most challenging mountain', take some turns and check out one of the best views in New Zealand. If you're coming from Queenstown, consider allowing us to take the wheel. Check out our bus transport options here.
Events
Winter Games NZ
Sunday 27 - Tuesday 29 August we're hosting the FIS Park and Pipe Junior World Championships. Sunday will be freeski slopestyle qualifiers, followed by the snowboard slopestyle qualifiers on Monday. Finals will be on the 29th.
We're expecting to see some serious competition and skills pulled out, winners will get the title of Junior World Champion and also secure a nation spot for the 2024 Youth Olympic Winter Games hosted in Korea, January '24! Find a full schedule here.
Follow the highlights on our social media feed, or follow @wintergamesnz on instagram or find them on facebook.
Winter Pride 2023
Cardrona is Mountain Du Jour on Sunday, August 27 and Tuesday, August 29. We welcome everyone to come up for some recreational skiing or riding, followed by good times in the Pride Zone with an on-mountain DJ playing 11:30 - 1:30. Read the full Winter Pride schedule here.
Keep reading the weekly What's On to stay in the loop, or check our events page.
Terrain Parks
Big Bucks has been going off with athletes training for Winter Games, and we reckon the best place to watch could be McDougall's Chondola.
Big Air jump has been built and tested! Expect it to be open any day now when the weather permits.
The slopestyle course for the Winter Games Junior World Champs was completed last night too - official practice will be happening in Big Bucks on Friday and Saturday, so those jump lines will be closed to the public until 12pm each day.
Winter Games qualifiers and finals are happening from Sunday to Tuesday which means Big Bucks will likely be closed to the public those days as well.
McPark, Lil Bucks and Antlers Alley will all be open!
We hope to catch you up here! Happy Winter Pride, and have a great weekend!
