Cardrona Alpine Resort to open with both McDougall's Chondola and Learner Conveyors spinning

Laura Hedley, Chief Mountains Officer for New Zealand South Island's Cardrona & Treble Cone has advised that Cardrona is opening this Saturday and notes “with an incredible effort from the snowmaking team and some help from Mother Nature, Cardrona will open on Saturday with both the McDougall's Chondola and the Learner Conveyors spinning.

“Skiers and snowboarders will be able to access McDougall's trail and the Beginners' Area from Opening Day, and the North Face Cardrona Parks Crew will put in a few features in McPark (the temporary early season terrain park under McDougall's - a locals' favourite of the start of each winter).

“Refreshments can be sourced at Mezz, Base Cafe, Base Bar, and Vista Bar. Our new Base Area building is nearing completion, and we are aiming to get our new Cardrona Corner retail shop open on Saturday too.”

“To reflect the early season offering, day passes will be at early season rates, until Whitestar Express opens.

First chair tees will be up for grabs, so set those alarms and get up here for your first turns of Winter 2025!"

Cardrona Mountain Manager, Heath Richmond added “we have had an amazing run of weather.

“Our snowmaking team's been working super hard. We've been running for 140 hours straight and the hills looking really good.

“We're really excited to welcome everyone back to the mountain and show everyone all the work that's happened this summer.

“We're hoping to have the brand new retail store open if everything goes well for all your food and beverage needs.

“With all that snow making and a bit of natural snow mixed in, the team’s been able to get McDougall's ready and as usual, we're going to have quite a few park features for all the park rats.

“The carpets will be open for the kids and we might have a few other surprises if the snow making continues to go well.”