With the hopes of creating a world-class ski resort in Oceania, Cardrona Alpine Resort is investing $15 million dollars into mountain improvements that will include New Zealand’s first ever hybrid chairlift (i.e. a Chondola) reports Stuff.co.nz.
Related: Cardrona, New Zealand Filmed With a Tilt-shift Lens
The capital will be allocated to a variety of projects that includes a base area build out, chairlift construction, enhanced snowmaking capabilities, and added parking. Of those improvements, skiers and riders are most excited about the incoming chairlift.
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Dubbed “McDougall’s Express Chondola,” the 8-person gondola/6-person chairlift will be constructed with the help of Doppelmayr and resort officials are planning on opening this summer.
Opening day is currently slated for June 10, 2017.
The new lift is also accompanied by an eco-friendly mindset that will influence the build out. General manager, Bridget Legnavsky says that one of the project’s main goals is to leave the construction site and topsoil in better condition than they found it– an admittedly ambitious goal.
[sigallery id=”qyVwFkVwvgYWCLg4FUxxnN” title=”Cardrona Chondola Construction” type=”sigallery”]
[All photos courtesy of Cardrona Alpine Resort]
McDougall’s Express Chondola Stats
- First cabin-style lift on a ski area in New Zealand
- 1:4 ratio of cabins to chairs
- 10 total cabins, 40 total chairs
- Cabins hold 8 people; chairs hold 6
- 7 towers (old McDougall’s Quad had 11 towers)
- Uphill capacity: 2550 people per hour (old McDougall’s Quad had 1000p/hr uplift)
Find the entire Stuff.Co.NZ article here: Cardrona developments cost $15 million