New Zealand — Are New Zealand ski resorts worth visiting if you’re a foreigner? That’s what the New Zealand ski industry is betting on.
Recent years have seen big investments at New Zealand ski fields, including a new six-pack chairlift at The Remarkables and the Soho Basin expansion at Cardrona. That made the latter the largest ski resort in the country, but the former has its own expansion plan to change that.
Earlier this month, The Remarkables shared its intention to expand into The Doolans. This new gondola lift would open up south-facing terrain, leading to a better-preserved snowpack. The Remarkables’ latest plan to become the country’s largest ski area raises the question of whether these big investments are worth it.
SRG Skiing broke down the recent investments in New Zealand’s ski industry and assessed whether they are a good bet for the ski resorts. The video dives into near-future projects, such as the Remarkables expansion, and longer-range ambitions, such as a potential new ski resort and expansions to the Mt. Ruapehu ski fields at Whakapapa and Tūroa.
Personal Take
My one concern for New Zealand’s ski industry is its climate. They don’t get as much snow as other ski destinations, and the season is shorter than in the Northern Hemisphere. Due to a lack of trees at ski resorts, snow quality can vary. Ski fields that don’t have snowmaking are struggling mightily, and could be on the verge of closure if trends continue. Whether they draw large visitation outside of places like Australia is questionable.
I do think the one opening is developing overnight lodging and off-season activities at the ski fields. Outside of the ski clubs, there’s not a lot of on-mountain lodging options. Growing into that sector could help spur future long-term sustainability for the industry.
Image/Video Credits: The Remarkables, SRG Skiing
