Free On-Mountain Ski Demos – Cardrona & Treble Cone

new season skis - expert advice -

Try before you buy, with on-mountain ski demos.

Looking for your next pair of skis? Skip the guesswork and test the latest models right where it counts - on the mountain.

Racers Edge is bringing our top-tier demo fleet to Cardrona Alpine Resort every Saturday, and Treble Cone every Sunday, all season long.

Our Demo Days

Cardrona Alpine Resort

Our Cardrona demos are on Saturdays in the Base area outside the courtyard. Look for the Racers Edge flags.

Treble Cone

Our Treble Cone demos are on Sundays on the deck outside the cafe. Look for the Racers Edge flags.

In-Store

Want to demo all day? Enquire in-store about booking a ski from our demo fleet, for the same price as a performance rental.

If you decide you love them, we'll take the rental fee off the purchase of your new full-price skis (maximum 2 days of rental fees removed).

What's the deal?

It's pretty simple, really.

Free on-mountain ski demos from the latest season models
Expert recommendations from our Gear Guides
Access to performance skis from our top brands
A chance to try skis before you buy - no pressure

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book ahead for ski demo days?

No bookings needed! Just turn up at the Racers Edge area on the demo day and we’ll get you sorted. First in, first served.

How much does it cost to demo skis on the mountain?

On-mountain demos are totally free – no bookings or fees required.

Want to demo all day? Book a demo in-store for the price of a performance rental. We'll take the rental fee off the purchase of your new full-price skis (maximum 2 days of rental fees removed). This is a great option if you want to test skis over multiple days or in varying conditions.

Where do I find the Racers Edge demo setup at Cardrona and Treble Cone?

At Cardrona, you can find us in the Base area outside the courtyard. At Treble Cone, we'll be on the deck outside the cafe. Look for the Racers Edge flags.

What time do the demo days run?

We’re on the mountain from 8:30am to 2:00pm, weather permitting.

Can I demo more than one pair of skis?

Definitely! You’re welcome to try multiple models throughout the day, depending on availability.

How long can I demo a pair of skis for?

We generally recommend 2 runs per ski– just enough to get a feel for how it performs.

To be fair to others who may want to demo the same ski, we ask that you return in a reasonable time frame.

Our on-mountain demos are designed to help you compare and choose, not to replace a full-day rental. If you’re looking to ski all day on one pair, check out our rental & in-store demo options.

Do you offer snowboard demos too?

Unfortunately not! Currently, our on-mountain demos are focused on skis.

Can beginners demo skis?

We recommend demos for intermediate to advanced skiers. The demo fleet is performance-oriented and best tested on blue runs and above.

Can I buy the skis I like on the spot?

Not on the hill – but we’ll give you a full rundown on the model, and you can purchase (or order) through our Wanaka store or online.

What should I bring with me?

Just your regular ski gear, a valid lift pass, and your stoke. We will also need a valid ID and credit card for security purposes.

Snow Services

Racers Edge is more than just rentals — we offer a full range of snow services in Wānaka to keep you and your gear mountain-ready, and help you make the most of every day on the snow.