Cardrona
Located midway between Wanaka and Queenstown, Cardrona ski resortfeatures an extravaganza of exciting ski trails, terrain parks, pipes and a thrilling gravity cross-course. It is one of New Zealand’s finest family-style resorts, with a comprehensive selection of beginners’ courses, tuition programs and childcare facilities. Nestled in the exquisitely scenic Southern Lakes region, Cardrona is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular winter vacation resorts in one of the premier ski regions. Visitors to Cardona ski resort will be treated to stunning views of the Southern New Zealand Alps and gorgeous Lake Wanaka, while also having access to some of the country’s most challenging snow rides.
Cardrona’s ski resort provides world class facilities with a variety of trails spread over an area of 790 acres. Of these, 25 per cent are suitable for beginners, 55 per cent for intermediates and 20 per cent for advanced riders. Seven state-of-the-art ski lifts provide transport to the ski runs. They include two quad fixed chairs, a single quad express chair, three magic learner lifts that are ideal for kids and one platter lift. Cardrona ski resort is known for its dry, plentiful snow, wide-open runs and excellent facilities for kids, making it an ideal getaway for families.
There are two terrain parks at Cardrona, as well as a resort race course that will appeal to freestyle ski enthusiasts. The two sizable terrain parks, Heavy Metal and Playzone trails, are crammed with jibs and jumps. The pipe park features four first-class pipes, while the gravity cross course will get your adrenalin flowing with its series of jumps, banked corners and rollers on its 875 yard race track.
Cardrona is one of the few ski resorts in New Zealand that offers overnight accommodation, including units on the slopes. Accommodation ranges from three-bedroom units to studio apartments. The ski resort also offers four different dining options: a noodle bar, mezze café, the Cardrona Café and Captain’s Pizzeria.
Wanaka and Queenstown are not far from Cardrona and visitors can enjoy a range of activities and après-ski here. The winter season at Cardrona runs approximately from the end of June to October.