New Zealand — This offseason, Cardrona Alpine Resort is working on becoming the largest ski resort in New Zealand.
Work on the Soho Basin expansion is currently reaching the final stages. This new 150-hectare (371-acre) terrain pod in Soho Basin will feature intermediate and advanced terrain, with a total vertical drop of 380 meters (around 1247 feet). The terrain pod will have a mix of groomed pistes, off-piste runs, and chutes. It will be serviced by a new Doppelmayr detachable high-speed six-pack chairlift. To get to this expansion, you’ll either ride up the McDougall’s Chondola or the Captain’s Express chairlift.
Cardrona has provided several updates this winter regarding the Soho Basin expansion. Last month, helicopter crews flew in the lift towers for the future lifts.
Their latest update was from this week. A crew of workers spliced the haul rope for the chairlift, a critical step in the process. Next up is installing the chairs and testing them out before they officially get the green light to operate.
Other projects this offseason include a new T-Bar and the construction of a building that will house a restaurant and a retail shop. The Soho expansion and these other changesare scheduled to open during the 2025 ski season.
Image/Video Credits: Cardrona Alpine Resort
