With clear skies, crisp snow, and a mountain buzzing with early season energy, Cardrona Alpine Resort officially kicked off winter 2025 on a classic bluebird day. But this year’s opening was about more than first turns – it marked the start of a new era for the resort, following a summer of major developments.

From upgraded terrain and a brand-new lift to expanded facilities and a reimagined base area, Cardrona’s 2025 season launch signals one of the most significant transformations in modern New Zealand skiing.

Skiers and snowboarders were treated to ideal conditions: a stunning sunrise above the clouds, cold overnight temperatures, and barely a whisper of wind. Snowmaking guns were firing on all cylinders, with the mountain team working hard to open additional terrain in the days ahead.

The first lift of the season, McDougall’s Chondola – carried a group of determined early risers who had queued at the bottom of the access road to claim the coveted First Chair 2025 t-shirts.

A New Era for Cardrona

This Opening Day also marks the debut of major new developments, the result of one of the most significant investment periods in the resort’s modern history.

  • Soho Basin and Soho Express lift: 150ha of new terrain
  • Brand-new base building: with atrium, retail space, and dining
  • New T-bar: for elite snowsports athletes
  • Access road sealing and carpark upgrades
  • Expanded snowmaking network

An astonishing amount of work

An astonishing amount of work has gone into the resort over summer, transforming both the mountain and the guest experience. From the new Soho Basin terrain and high-speed Soho Express lift to the upgraded base building with retail, dining, and lounge spaces, Cardrona has undergone one of the most ambitious development phases in its history. Even the access road has seen improvements, with the lower section now sealed for smoother arrivals.

A huge congratulations to Cardrona for investing so boldly back into the mountain.

In an industry where it’s easy to play it safe, this level of commitment to future-proofing the resort – expanding terrain, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the visitor experience – is genuinely impressive.

It’s a bold investment in the future of skiing and snowboarding in Aotearoa.