When asked to describe Cardrona and Treble Cone in one word, the vast majority of the team there used the word “home”.

Nestled in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Cardrona and Treble Cone are the ski areas local to Wānaka, with visitors coming over from Queenstown, also. A day working on either of the two mountains is never the same as the one before. There are unique challenges of working in an alpine environment, with snow and weather conditions sometimes changing by the hour. But, for some reason, these “mountain people” come from all over to join the whānau at Cardrona and Treble Cone.

By far the most unique thing about Cardrona and Treble Cone, however, is the “people-first” culture. Many ski areas (and tourism operators in general) place their experience offering as the highest of importance. Cardrona and Treble Cone flip that philosophy, leading with people as the most important – making decisions that will benefit all their people first, in the knowledge that when people are empowered and happy, they will deliver an excellent experience.

Staff are hired based on their embodiment of five core values – Keep it Real, We’re all in this Together, We are Guardians, Love It, and Make It Extraordinary. These values are highlighted in training and throughout the season – because people who are good to their core will show manaakitanga to visiting skiers and snowboarders.

Because of these shared values, there is a real sense of ownership and kaitiakitanga among the Cardrona and Treble Cone staff. The team feel that this is their place, and they want to share it with others and protect it for the future. Staff engage in the Cardrona Foundation projects which range from planting, to caring for wildlife, to providing on-mountain experiences for disadvantaged children. All the team want to make sure the maunga are protected for our future.

Above all else, it needs to be fun. If you don’t love it, you won’t want to share it. So an overwhelming motto of “working where you play” is prevalent at Cardrona and Treble Cone, with ride breaks and product testing encouraged.

So, what are you waiting for? With honesty, guardianship, collaboration, fun and excellence at the core of Cardrona and Treble Cone, it’s time to meet the crew and come home for Winter.