Cardrona will become New Zealand's largest ski area from 2025

Cardrona Alpine Resort in New Zealand has announced that it will expand its territory to include Soho Basin within the boundaries of its ski area starting next winter. With approximately 150 hectares of skiable terrain, the equivalent of 150 rugby pitches, the lift-accessible ski area at Cardrona will increase by 24%, increasing the resort from 465 hectares to 615 hectares, making it the largest commercial ski area in New Zealand .

Cardrona's new offering will open an area of ​​similar size and directly behind Captain's Basin. Soho Basin is the large area directly below the resort's “Queenstown Return” trail. It will feature a mix of fun intermediate terrain and more technical, advanced lines – something that will satisfy confident skiers and snowboarders.

Work on a six-seat high-speed elevator is expected to begin this summer to connect the area to the Cardrona network. Foundations for the Soho Basin Express will begin in February, towers and stations will be installed the following summer around the clock, and the lift is expected to be completed in time for the 2025 winter season.

“A new ski area in New Zealand is incredibly rare, and we're thrilled to finally be able to give people the news they want – Soho Basin has officially happened,” commented Laura Headley, General Manager of Cardrona and Treble Cone Experiences, adding: “Soho Basin is open A whole new world and experience for skiers and riders at Cardrona. We can't wait to ride in Soho and share it with you all – it's so cool!”

To support the additional passenger capacity that the Soho Basin Express will attract, Cardrona will upgrade other facilities over the next two years. This summer, parking at Valley View will be expanded and Mountain Rentals will be updated.

“It doesn't stop there: we will enhance our snowmaking, dining, retail and other parking offerings to ensure we continue to provide an exceptional Cardrona experience with the addition of Soho Basin,” says Headley.

The installation of the Soho Basin Express is the latest part of Cardrona's multi-year redevelopment which has already included a comprehensive overhaul of the resort's core buildings using existing infrastructure, McDougall's Chondola, and the first steps into Soho in 2021 with the Willow's Quad Lift. .

“After a challenging few years, it's really exciting to continue our vision for Cardrona to become a truly world-class ski and snowboard destination, right here in New Zealand,” says Headley.