Do I need prior skiing experience to purchase the 5 Day Trail Pass?

No prior experience is required, but basic cross-country skiing or snowshoeing skills will enhance your enjoyment.

Are ski or snowshoe rentals included with the pass?

Yes, daily rentals for skis or snowshoes are included and must be picked up and returned each day.

Can the 5 days be used consecutively or separately?

The 5-day trail pass can be used on consecutive days or spread out over the season, offering flexible access.

What should I bring with me on the trails?

Dress in layers, bring water, snacks, sun protection, and a map or GPS device.

Is there food or shelter available on the trail system?

Snow Farm has a lodge with amenities, but trails themselves are remote, so plan accordingly.

What is the cancellation policy for the pass?

Cancellations with 24+ hours notice receive a full refund minus a 10% administration fee.

Cross-Country Skiing at Snow Farm in Cardrona | Ski | Winter Activities

Set against the dramatic Southern Alps of New Zealand’s Otago Region, Snow Farm offers an expansive winter playground tailored for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts. Located on Cardrona Valley Road, just outside the bustling resort towns of Queenstown and Wanaka, this unique destination provides more than 55 kilometers of groomed trails that wind through rolling alpine terrain, tussock grasslands, and native beech forests. The region’s cool, crisp air combined with its wide, open vistas makes every glide across Snow Farm’s powder a vivid, immersive experience.

The 5 Day Trail Pass with Rentals is designed for visitors who want to engage deeply with the terrain at their own pace. The pass grants access from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, letting adventurers take advantage of multi-day skiing or snowshoeing with convenient daily equipment rentals included. This flexibility means you can tailor your journey to your skill level and stamina, moving from gentle beginner tracks to more challenging routes that climb higher for sweeping panoramic views.

What sets Snow Farm apart in the Otago winter landscape is its dedication to cross-country winter sports exclusively—a niche that complements the downhill ski resorts nearby. It’s an ideal spot when you want solitude away from crowded slopes, surrounded by native flora like mountain beech and observing wildlife such as kea parrots and New Zealand falcons.

Historically, Snow Farm’s high-altitude setting was once used for summer farming before becoming a dedicated winter sport venue. Its commitment to sustainable trail management helps preserve the fragile alpine environment, encouraging visitors to minimize their footprint and respect this distinctive ecosystem.

Snow Farm stands as a distinctive winter retreat in New Zealand, offering a blend of physical challenge and serene, unhurried movement through some of the country’s most spectacular backcountry. Whether you’re a seasoned Nordic skier or just picking up snowshoes for the first time, its trail pass option and rental package make it accessible without compromise, carving out a special niche in the local outdoor adventure scene.

About Snow Farm

Snow Farm is a cross‑country skiing and snow recreation operation located in Cardrona in the Otago Region of New Zealand. It offers an extensive trail network, overnight hut stays, equipment rentals, lessons and day‑use services tailored to skiers, snowshoers and families.

Huts listed include Bob Lee Hut, Daisy Lee Hut, Meadow Hut and Musterers Hut, with overnight options that pair hut stays with ski or snowshoe packages. Rental inventory covers cross‑country skis (half‑day, full‑day, overnight and multi‑day options), skate and classic skis, snowshoes, boots, clothing for adults and children, pulks for small children and accessories. Instructional offerings include private skate lessons, beginner classic lessons and family or adult cross‑country ski experiences. Pass options include single‑day trail passes, multi‑day passes such as 3‑day and 5‑day trail passes, a 2‑night overnight pass and season or dog passes. Snow Farm also lists consumable items and on‑site services like snacks, sandwiches, baked goods, hot and cold drinks, coffee, chain rental, waxing and ski maintenance, plus postage for equipment. Some huts welcome dogs and specific dog passes are available. Film location fees and school programmes such as five‑week programmes for local schools are also offered. Snow Farm’s offering is factual, focused on self‑guided and supported cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing, equipment hire, lessons and overnight experiences in the Cardrona alpine area. Trail passes are available from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and overnight rentals include noon‑to‑noon ski hire and 12‑hour snowshoe hire; private skate lessons welcome up to six participants for huts and self‑guided trips seasonally.