Facilities

The Mountain Education Center of New Zealand (MECNZ) has a Wanaka based classroom and computer suite, which are used until Treble Cone Ski area opens for the winter. In addition a variety of Wanaka outdoor locations, including rock climbing areas are used for practical training sessions. MECNZ boasts one of the best classrooms in the country, based half way up the Treble Cone slopes it is ski in and ski out. Morning meetings are held here before splitting into groups for all day practical sessions on the mountain. Also housed in this daylodge is the progamme first aid and rescue equipment, basic ski tuning bench and the all important microwave and toastie pie machine. Adjacent to the daylodge is the programme weather plot (used for avalanche related observations). One of the best learning environments on offer is the fabulous and challenging slopes of Treble Cone Ski area, proud of the biggest vertical in the Southern lakes region. Other facilities include the use of the Cardrona chairlifts for evacuation training and the Wanaka town center for additional classroom activities. Students are driven to the different locations in 4WD vans, well equipped with snow chains and ample roof racks.