Cardrona Becomes Largest Ski Resort in New Zealand

All Images: Chris Kay, Courtesy of Cardrona Alpine Resort

Cardrona has passed a huge milestone, with it’s recent expansion making it the largest ski area in New Zealand. On Saturday, July 5, the resort officially dropped the rope on the SoHo Basin and SoHo Express lift. This adds over 370 acres to Cardrona’s skiable terrain, along with a new Doppelmayr six-pack express lift.

The ski resort has been making waves for years, notably thanks to its extensive terrain parks. As the host of the famous Jossi Wells Invitational, Cardrona’s reputation for sensational craftsmanship has spread far and wide. But this new expansion caters to a different audience.

The SoHo Basin offers intermediate and advanced riders a selection of playful terrain. Picture long groomers and a big selection of rolling hills dotted with cliffs and powder fields. While the snow levels are still on the shallower side on the South Island, this new basin is sure to offer some spectacular riding as the season progresses.

The newly opened SoHo Basin is serving up a mix of fun, mini-golf terrain

Excited riders board the new SoHo Express Doppelmayr six-pack chairlift

A layer of fresh snow greeted skiers and boarders on Saturday morning, as many lined up to time the rope drop. An early morning scramble led riders from the top of the Captain’s Express lift to the base of the new SoHo Express. This high-speed Doppelmayr lift is top of the line, seating up to six people.

This was far from an overnight success story, as the operations crew at Cardrona had worked on this project for well over 10 years. “This is such a huge milestone for the Aotearoa ski industry,” said Laura Hedley, Cardrona and Treble Cone’s Chief Mountains Officer. “To get this lift and terrain open, after decades of dreaming of what could be… It’s a pretty emotional moment for our entire team.”

Both Cardrona and the neighboring Treble Cone Ski Area are ramping up operations, with the majority of lifts and terrain, including groomers and parks, up and running at each resort. Check out ticket deals at each area right here and keep an eye on the forecast, as cold weather and snow are on the horizon.