Cardrona China Collaboration

A collaboration between Cardrona Alpine Resort and a prominent Chinese organisation representing a key ski resort region is being hailed as a significant step in the future of international ski tourism.

The recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Cardrona’s owner RealNZ and the Chongli District Ice and Snow Association is expected to set a new standard of co-operation between the New Zealand ski industry and the emerging Chinese ski market.

The Chongli ski industry represents all the ski areas and ice attractions in the region which hosted many events during the 2022 Winter Olympics and skier numbers are on the increase.

 RealNZ Chief Customer and Sales Officer Scott McNab says the MOU is a commitment to cooperation, innovation and mutual growth.

“It reflects our shared belief that great ski destinations are not competitors, they can and should elevate each other for the betterment of the sport and increased enjoyment of our guests.”

He says with their proposed collaboration on talent identification, product development, marketing initiatives, industry training and policy alignment the two organisations aim to accelerate participation in snow and ice sports globally.

Skiing Soho

The installation of a new six-seater chairlift in  Soho Basin has opened up 150 hectares of terrain for the 2025 season making Cardrona Alpine Resort the largest ski area in New Zealand.

The detachable Doppelmayr lift provides access to new slopes for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders and its addition to the Southern Lakes ski facilities has been eagerly awaited since a partnership with Soho and RealNZ was announced in 2018 to develop the area.

The original chairlift at Soho, the Willow’s quad chairlift,  opened in 2021 but the new lift will provide access to more than twice the skiing and riding area.

In line with the developments at Soho a new T-bar has been installed in Cardrona’s main basin to service the terrain park and a contemporary retail and restaurant building replaces the previous base complex.

Remarkables Ski Area marks 40^th anniversary

The reappearance of the Remarkables Ski Area Spring Carnival this year will turn the clock back 40 years.

The popular annual event which was held until 2014 will celebrate the launch of skiing and riding at The Remarkables in 1985.

Ski area manager Steve Hall says the September 26-28 carnival will be a milestone event.

“The Remarkables has always been more than just about skiing – it’s about the people, the adventures and the incredible memories made here. The carnival will be an epic celebration of everything that makes this mountain special.”

During the past 40 years The Remarkables has been transformed and over $90 million has been invested by NZSki in lift facilities, a new base building and expanded terrain during the last decade.