Terms and conditions
By purchasing a Snow Farm NZ product or service, you are deemed to have accepted these Terms & Conditions as they apply to your particular activity.
- In these Terms & Conditions the following words have the following meaning: “Snow Farm NZ” means Snow Farm NZ Limited. “Resort” means all of the area which Snow Farm NZ Limited operates its business activities including the access road. “Trails” means all of the cross-country skiing trails located within the Resort. “Terms & Conditions” means these terms and conditions as amended from time to time. “Pass” means any seasons pass, day pass and half day pass & the products associated with them as defined below.
- Operational Periods:
a) The period of operation for the Snow Farm NZ 2025 winter season is June 21 – September 21, 2025.
b) The period of operation for the Snow Farm NZ summer season is December 1, 2024 – April 31, 2025.
c) The period of Snow Farm’s Shoulder season is September 22nd 2024 to November 31 2024 and May 1 2025 – 20 June 2025.
The season duration will be subject to snow coverage, weather and trail conditions and may vary from the above dates. Snow Farm NZ offers no warranty in respect of the season-opening, duration of the season, operating days &/or the operations provided on any day or time. - All prices quoted on this website are in New Zealand dollars and are valid at the time of publication but subject to change without notice. Prices include GST.
- Trail Pass means access to all trails and the products associated with it. Full day trail pass means access to all trails from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Half Day Trail pass means access to all trails from 9:00am to 12:30pm or from 12:30pm to 4:00pm. Overnight Trail Pass means access to trails from 12:00pm to 12:00pm the following day.
- Products purchased are valid only for the season in which they are purchased and will expire at the end of each winter and summer season.
- “Force majeure” means the occurrence of events including but not limited to: COVID-19 or any other health epidemic or pandemic, natural or environmental disaster (including but not limited to floods, earthquake, or other adverse weather conditions), governmental actions, war or other unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of the Parties against which it would have been unreasonable for the affected party to take precautions and which the affected party cannot avoid even by using its best efforts.
- Terms and Conditions are correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- The pass holder uses the resort at his/her own risk.
- The pass holder assumes all risk of personal injury & property loss or damage.
- All pass holders must abide by all signs and instructions when driving on ski area access roads. Failure to abide by signs and instructions or reckless and dangerous driving may result in cancellation or suspension of the pass with no refund.
- To the maximum extent permitted by law, Snow Farm NZ is not liable for any loss, damage or injury, including direct, indirect or consequential loss suffered by any person arising out of or in connection with the use of the Pass or the Resort. Nothing in these terms and conditions limits or excludes any right or remedies that cannot be limited or excluded, including under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
- Snowsports and activities provided by Snow Farm NZ (including the use of the access road) inherently carry risk and are potentially hazardous. In recognition of the risks associated with undertaking activities with (and all access to) the Resort, you agree to use the Resort with full knowledge and appreciation of all such risks. Snow Farm NZ takes all practical steps to identify and mitigate hazards and obstacles within the Resort; however, you accept that the risk of persona injury and property loss or damage may result from your use of the Resort.
- Snow Farm NZ provides free parking at the Resort but takes no responsibility for any damage caused to any vehicles parked or driven onto the Resort caused by any third party, storm or adverse weather event. You acknowledge and agree that any vehicle parked in the Resort’s car park is solely at your own risk.
For winter season passes, trail passes and multi-day passes, all ages are taken as at 1 June each year. We reserve the right to request proof of age or eligibility at any time.
For hut bookings, rentals, lessons and our snow fun zone, ages are taken on the date of travel.
1) Infant is 0-2yrs. Under 3yrs can attend the fun zone for free.
2) Child is 6-17yrs or currently attending school. Under 6yrs ski or snowshoe for free.
3) Adult is defined as aged 18+.
4) Student is 18+yrs enrolled full time (minimum 32 weeks in a calendar year) with a New Zealand tertiary institution. Student ID is required and must include a valid expiry date.
5) Senior is aged 65+ and valid photo ID is required. Senior rates are only applicable on promoted days and products throughout the season.
All purchases of a Snow Farm NZ half day trail pass, full day trail pass, season pass or multi-day pass will be deemed to have accepted the following Terms & Conditions:
- Carry your pass at all times. If a pass holder has forgotten their pass, a replacement can be issued at the guest services desk.
- A lost or stolen pass must be reported to Snow Farm NZ immediately. A $5 fee will be charged for a replacement pass.
- A Pass cannot be used for commercial purposes without the prior written consent of Snow Farm NZ.
- Passes are non-transferable and may only be used by the person whose name & photograph are assigned to the pass. Fraudulent use of your pass will result in confiscation of the pass & prosecution of all parties involved.
- We require a photo to be loaded against the profile assigned to your pass.
- Snow Farm NZ Trails are groomed for skis and snowshoes and must not be used without the appropriate equipment.
- Access to Trails is controlled by Snow Farm NZ management and any failure to adhere to rules and conditions as outlined in the safety briefing will result in your privileges being revoked.
- Access to the Trails outside of normal operating hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm is strictly prohibited unless prior approval is given by Snow Farm NZ management. All use of the resort outside operating hours must complete a safety briefing with management prior to any access being granted.
- Single day, half day and overnight trail passes can be rescheduled up to 7 days prior to the date of booking, if capacity allows.
- Multi-day trail passes can be used any consecutive or non-consecutive day of the current season. Multi-day passes are valid for the current season and can not be used over multiple seasons.
- Misconduct in the opinion of Snow Farm NZ management may result in loss of pass without refund.
- Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, reckless or dangerous behaviour while participating in on-mountain activities, excessive speed within a slow or learning zone, disregard for closed areas, unsociable or abusive behaviour, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, supply of incorrect information or any other breach of the conditions of service.
- Any breach of the Terms & Conditions relating to the use of the pass by the user may result in the withdrawal of the pass & all associated privileges.
- 25. Any person who uses or attempts to use the facilities at Snow Farm NZ without a valid & lawful pass & without reasonable excuse will be subject to: a. Prosecution &/or b. Requirement to purchase a valid trail pass for that day &/or days &/or c. A penalty of $500 &/or a trespass notice preventing further access to the resort & all other ski areas in the Southern Lakes region for a period of 2 years.
- If you are unable to use your Snow Farm NZ pass during the 2025 season refunds will be considered in extenuating circumstances. A doctor’s certificate may be requested to support refund requests based on medical grounds. Refund applications must be in writing with supporting documentation & sent to info@snowfarm.nz.
- All refunds are at the absolute discretion of Snow Farm NZ. Snow Farm NZ reserves the right to apply any processing charges for refund applications.
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If you have booked through a third party provider, please check with your travel agent/booking site for their individual Cancellation Policy.
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Snow Farm NZ’s preferred method of payment is via electronic means for contactless payments. Snow Farm is cashless for Winter 25 and we reserve the right to refuse cash as a means of payment when purchasing products or services from guest services, rentals or cafe.
All purchases of a Snow Farm NZ half day trail pass, full day trail pass, overnight trail pass, season pass or multi-day pass will be deemed to have accepted the following Terms & Conditions:
All trail passes are non-refundable with the exception of:
The guest suffers any of the following which prevents them from utilising their pass for the entirety or remainder of the season:
i. injury; or
ii. medical conditionHalf-day, full day and overnight trail passes can be transferred to another date within the same season if the transfer is made more than 24 hours before the original date of booking fulfilment.
All trail passes are valid for the current season only and cannot be transferred to the following season.
Season passes and multi-day passes are non-transferable and may only be used by the person whose name & photograph are assigned to the pass. Fraudulent use of your pass will result in confiscation of the pass & prosecution of all parties involved.
If you are unable to use your Snow Farm NZ pass during the 2025 season refunds will be considered in extenuating circumstances. A doctor’s certificate may be requested to support refund requests based on medical grounds. Refund applications must be in writing with supporting documentation & sent to info@snowfarm.nz.
All refunds are at the absolute discretion of Snow Farm NZ. Snow Farm NZ reserves the right to apply any processing charges for refund applications.
If you have booked through a third party provider, please check with your travel agent/booking site for their individual Cancellation Policy.
Refunds
Refer to point 1. for refund eligibility.
Season pass refund calculator
0 days (pass unused) – 100% refund – $30 service fee
1 day – 85% refund – $30 service fee
2 days – 65% refund – $30 service fee
3 days – 50% refund – $30 service fee
4 days – 30% refund – $30 service fee
5+ days – No refund
5-day pass calculator
0 Days (pass unused) – 100% refund minus $30 service fee
1 day – 70% refund minus $30 service fee
2 days – 50% refund minus $30 service fee
3 days – 20% refund minus $30 service fee
4 days – No refund
3-day pass calculator
0 Days (pass unused) – 100% refund minus $30 service fee
1 day – 70% refund minus $30 service fee
2 days – No refund
- Alpine huts must be booked and paid for in full before the commencement of the stay as determined by Snow Farm NZ at its sole discretion.
All refund requests must be received in writing & acknowledged and accepted by Snow Farm NZ in writing at its absolute discretion. - Hut Fees cover the stay at the hut only. During our winter operational season, a valid trail pass (to access our trails) and rentals (skis, boots, poles) will be an additional charge.
- A cleaning fee of $100 applies to a hut left in a state that requires significant cleaning by Snow Farms staff at the discretion of management. All huts should be left as you found them.
- All rubbish must be taken down the mountain with you after staying in a Snow Farm NZ hut. A rubbish fee of $30 applies for any rubbish left at Snow Farm NZ.
- For safety reasons we have a maximum number of occupants in any hut overnight. Please contact snow farm to request extra occupants -including those wanting to stay in a tent outside the hut.
- A $100 fine applies to any guest found to be staying overnight at a hut without a valid hut booking.
Hut Bookings During Winter Season
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A valid Trail Pass is required during the winter operational season.
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You must arrive and be checked in at Snow Farm by 12:30 pm and have departed for the huts by 1:30 pm. Management reserves to the right to cancel your booking and provide no refund if you do not meet these terms.
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Guests must contact the Snow Farm via Radios provided at the Huts or by cellphone upon their arrival or before 4:00 pm. Failure to do so will invoke a search operation may incur additional costs.
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If Snow Farm is closed on your chosen day or staff at Snow Farm deem it unsafe for you to travel to the huts on the date of your booking, you will receive a full refund minus the $30 service fee.
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When in the opinion of Snow Farm, the weather is unsuitable for young children but the Snow farm is open, e.g., cold and strong winds, we may, at our absolute discretion, refund for a booking involving young children.
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Alpine Hut bookings canceled by the management of Snow Farm NZ will be fully refunded, except when the guest has failed to arrive and check in at Snow Farm before 12:30pm during the winter season.
Hut Bookings During Shoulder and Summer Seasons
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There will be no staff on-site. It is at the guests own risk to manage weather and daylight hours and make their own way to the hut.
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In the event we deem it unsafe to travel to the huts, we will allow a transfer of a booking to an alternative date in that season provided that we have capacity/availability. We will not transfer a booking for the following season / or you will receive a full refund.
Winter Season
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All winter season date changes incur a minimum $30 service fee. Date changes can only occur more than 30 days before the check-in date if available space exists and must be for the same hut and quantity of guests. Guests are responsible for using the booking calendar to find an alternative date before September 30th.
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To receive a full refund minus a $30 service fee, cancellation must be made
ii: within 48 hours of making the booking and more than 30 days before check-in. -
To receive a 50% refund, guests must cancel more than 30 days before check-in.
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There will be no refund for bookings cancelled within 30 days of check-in.
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If Snow Farm is closed on your chosen day or staff at Snow Farm deem it unsafe for you to travel to the huts on the date of your booking, you will receive a full refund minus the $30 service fee.
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When in the opinion of Snow Farm, the weather is unsuitable for young children but the Snow farm is open, e.g., cold and strong winds, we may, at our absolute discretion, refund for a booking involving young children.
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Alpine Hut bookings canceled by the management of Snow Farm NZ will be fully refunded, except when the guest has failed to arrive and check in at Snow Farm before 12:30pm during the winter season.
Shoulder and Summer Season
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All shoulder and summer season date changes incur a minimum $30 service fee. Date changes can only occur more than 48 hours before the booking date if available space exists and must be for the same hut and quantity of guests. Guests are responsible for using the booking calendar to find an alternative date.
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To receive a full refund minus a $30 service fee, cancellation must be made
i: within 48 hours of making a booking and at least 30 days before check-in. -
To receive a 50% refund, guests must cancel more than 30 days before check-in.
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There will be no refund for bookings cancelled within 30 days of check-in.
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In the event we deem it unsafe to travel to the huts, we will allow a transfer of a booking to an alternative date in that season provided that we have capacity/availability. We will not transfer a booking for the following season / or you will receive a full refund.
All purchases of a Snow Farm NZ half day trail pass, full day trail pass, season pass or multi-day pass will be deemed to have accepted the following Terms & Conditions:
- Carry your pass at all times. If a pass holder has forgotten their pass, a replacement can be issued at the guest services desk.
- A lost or stolen pass must be reported to Snow Farm NZ immediately. A $5 fee will be charged for a replacement pass.
-
A Pass cannot be used for commercial purposes without the prior written consent of Snow Farm NZ.
-
Passes are non-transferable and may only be used by the person whose name & photograph are assigned to the pass. Fraudulent use of your pass will result in confiscation of the pass & prosecution of all parties involved.
-
We require a photo to be loaded against the profile assigned to your pass
-
Snow Farm NZ Trails are groomed for skis and snowshoes and must not be used without the appropriate equipment.
-
Access to Trails is controlled by Snow Farm NZ management and any failure to adhere to rules and conditions as outlined in the safety briefing will result in your privileges being revoked.
-
Access to the Trails outside of normal operating hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm is strictly prohibited unless prior approval is given by Snow Farm NZ management. All use of the resort outside operating hours must complete a safety briefing with management prior to any access being granted.
- Single day, half day and overnight trail passes can be rescheduled up to 7 days prior to the date of booking, if capacity allows.
- Multi-day trail passes can be used any consecutive or non-consecutive day of the current season. Multi-day passes are valid for the current season and can not be used over multiple seasons.
- The pass holder uses the resort at his/her own risk.
- The pass holder assumes all risk of personal injury & property loss or damage.
- Snow sports (including cross-country skiing, ski touring and snowshoeing), mountain biking, alpine hiking, snow tubing and utilising road access to alpine areas to undertake such activities are all potentially hazardous. In recognition of the inherent risks associated, you agree that you use and access the Snow Farm NZ ski areas with the knowledge and appreciation of those risks. Whilst we have taken all practicable steps to, where possible, identify and mitigate hazards and obstacles within both ski areas (marked and unmarked, natural, and manmade) and road access to it, you accept the risk of personal injury and property loss or damage that may result from your use of this facility.
- Misconduct in the opinion of Snow Farm NZ management may result in loss of pass without refund.
- Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, reckless or dangerous behaviour while participating in on-mountain activities, excessive speed within a slow or learning zone, disregard for closed areas, unsociable or abusive behaviour, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, supply of incorrect information or any other breach of the conditions of service.
- All pass holders must abide by all signs and instructions when driving on ski area access roads. Failure to abide by signs and instructions or reckless and dangerous driving may result in cancellation or suspension of the pass with no refund.
- Any breach of the Terms & Conditions relating to the use of the pass by the user may result in the withdrawal of the pass & all associated privileges.
- 25. Any person who uses or attempts to use the facilities at Cardrona Resorts without a valid & lawful pass & without reasonable excuse will be subject to: a. Prosecution &/or b. Requirement to purchase a valid trail pass for that day &/or days &/or c. A penalty of $1500 &/or a trespass notice preventing further access to the resort & all other ski areas in the Southern Lakes region for a period of 2 years.
- 16. If you are unable to use your Snow Farm NZ pass during the 2025 season refunds will be considered in extenuating circumstances. A doctor’s certificate may be requested to support refund requests based on medical grounds. Refund applications must be in writing with supporting documentation & sent to info@snowfarm.nz.
- All refunds are at the absolute discretion of Snow Farm NZ. Snow Farm NZ reserves the right to apply any processing charges for refund applications.
If you have booked through a third party provider, please check with your travel agent/booking site for their individual Cancellation Policy.
- Snow Farm NZ’s preferred method of payment is via electronic means for contactless payments. Snow Farm is cashless for Winter 25 and we reserve the right to refuse cash as a means of payment when purchasing products or services from guest services, rentals or cafe.
The below applies to all experience lessons, beginner lessons, private classic lessons, and private skate lessons.
- Lessons are not confirmed until paid in full.
- Lessons can be rescheduled with no charge with more than 48hrs prior notice.
- There will be a 50% refund for lessons that are cancelled within 48 and 12 hours of the lesson taking place.
- There will be no refunds if the booking is cancelled less than 12hrs before the scheduled start time of the lesson, or in a “no show” situation.
- Snow Farm NZ will run lessons unless Resort is on hold or closed due to weather conditions and Snow Farm NZ reserves the right to cancel any lessons at any time.
- Minimum numbers are required to run a group lesson (2). If those minimum numbers are not met your lesson will either be private (pay the difference in price), shortened to 30 mins, or rescheduled. Your instructor will give you the options to chose.
- Experience lessons are designed for ages 10 years and up, unless stated otherwise. We recommend a private lesson or family private lesson in these instances.
You will need to provide a valid credit card for each rental agreement to secure payment of the rental fee.
All rental equipment must be returned in the same condition at the end of your rental period of the agreement.
If any rental equipment (including clothing) is not returned or is returned in a damaged condition, we will make contact with you to discuss damage & may charge your credit card for the full replacement value of any damaged or unreturned items of rental equipment. You authorise Snow Farm NZ to deduct any such costs as a result of loss or damage to Snow Farm NZ’s equipment as part of a rental agreement
Snow Farm NZ permits dogs to be brought onto the Resort and Trails provided a dog pass has been purchased.
Dogs must be on a leash everywhere except hanging valley or off trail. Be mindful that not everyone enjoys dogs, and dogs must be kept in control at all times.
Failure to keep your dog under control could result in the dog pass being removed for the day or reminder of the season, along with the owner’s Pass being revoked for a day or more extended period as determined by Snow Farm NZ.
All dog poo must be removed from the trails. Snow Farm operates on a council reserve and QLDC fines apply if rules are not followed
Owners must sign a Dog Policy and Waiver, which Snow Farm will have a record of, and any breach of these Terms & Conditions or the Dog Policy and Waiver may result in the dog pass being cancelled.
Snow Farm NZ permits dogs to be brought onto the Resort and Trails provided a dog pass has been purchased. Dog passes need to be worn on the dog at all times. Dogs must be on a leash everywhere except hanging valley. Be mindful that not everyone enjoys dogs and dogs must be kept in control at all times. Failure to keep your dog under control could result in the dog pass being removed for the day or reminder of the season along with the owner’s Pass being revoked for a day or longer period as determined by Snow Farm NZ. All dog poo must be removed from the trails. Owners must sign a Dog Policy and Waiver which Snow Farm will have a record of and any breach of these Terms & Conditions or the Dog Policy and Waiver may result in the dog pass being cancelled.
The road toll of $20 must be paid to use the DOC access through the Snow Farm During winter operational period, outside our normal winter operations please pay at the Honesty box at the entrance to the trail network. Snow Farm reserves the right to close the access if it needs to from time to time to conduct its business.
Backcountry users overnighting must register their vehicle at the Snow Farm Office.
Acces is also provided by a legal easement through the Proving Grounds. Access to this and payment to use this access is through the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds.
Snow Farm is not in a position to provide information on snow conditions, avalanche danger or general information about the terrain.
Due to NZ Civil Aviation laws Snow Farm NZ does not permit the use of drones anywhere within the Resort. Commercial film production must apply for a consent from Snow Farm NZ Management prior to any filming or production work being undertaken. Email info@snowfarmnz.co. Snow Farm NZ may impose any conditions it thinks fit in terms of areas and times of access where any such request is granted.