Situated halfway between Wanaka and Queenstown, Cardrona is just an hour away from our apartment in Queenstown — but trust us, it’s worth an earlier start. With its vast, mixed-level freeride terrain, extensive freestyle area, and the exciting new addition of Soho Basin, Cardrona truly has something for everyone.

Here’s why Cardrona is one of our favourite resorts in New Zealand:

Soho Basin: New Terrain to Explore

Cardrona has recently expanded with the addition of Soho Basin, a new 150-hectare terrain with an exciting mix of intermediate and advanced runs. The new Soho Basin Express chairlift gives riders easy access to more options to explore — from playful runs to more technical challenges.

A Whopping 345 Hectares of Skiable Terrain

As one of the South Island’s largest and most popular ski resorts, Cardrona (or “Cardies”) often hosts regional and worldwide events. While you won’t find tree runs here, the Southern Alps has plenty of other terrain to explore. For Japan regulars, Cardrona’s longer runs and steeper terrain provide a solid step up from the smaller mountains of Japan—not to mention, the world-class freestyle parks where the pros train at!

Understanding the New Zealand Ski Run System

If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding in New Zealand, keep in mind that the run grading is a little different here:

• Green – Beginner
  
• Blue – Intermediate (the equivalent of Japan’s red runs)
  
• Red – High intermediate (the equivalent of Japan’s steeper red & black runs)
  
• Black – Advanced/Ungroomed (the equivalent of Japan’s double black runs and off-piste areas)
  
  
  

Three Main Bowls for Different Levels of Freeriding

Cardrona’s terrain is divided into three main bowls: Footrot Flats, Valley View, and Captain’s. Each offers different levels of difficulty:

• Footrot Flats: flatter slopes for beginners
• Captain’s: gradual inclines for intermediates
• Valley View: Steeper runs for advanced riders

Cardrona’s Chondola (Chairlift + Gondola, get it?? We didn’t make this up) makes it easy for beginners to progress from the bunny slopes. The Chondola takes you all the way up to Vista Bar, where you can drop into Skyline, Footrot Flats, or even Lil’ Bucks Park to try out some basic features.

Freeride Terrain for All Levels

With half of its freeride terrain suitable for intermediate-level riders, Cardrona’s wide open runs offer plenty of space for refining your carving skills.

• Blue runs: High-beginners to intermediates
• Red runs: High-intermediates looking for steeper terrain
• Arcadia and Secret Chutes: Advanced riders looking for natural kickers and powder stashes
  
  

The Most Extensive Freestyle Terrain Park in New Zealand

Freestyle fans, get ready to be amazed! Cardrona Parks boasts five freestyle parks, each designed to challenge and delight riders of all levels:

• Lil’ Bucks – perfect for beginners looking to try out small features like boxes
  
• Antler’s Alley – ideal for intermediates seeking jibs and jumps, with boxes and rails
  
• Stag Line – the largest of the parks, with over 15 features for jibs, kickers, rails, and wall rides
  
• Big Bucks – where the pros hang out, featuring the XL Triple Line
  
• Well’s Platter – home to the Olympic Superpipe and Halfpipe, where you can join the big leagues and level up your freestyle skills
  
  

Lots of Lunch & Aprés Options

Beyond the amazing runs, Cardrona spoils you with a variety of dining options to fuel up between your sessions. With nine cafes, restaurants, and lounges, you don’t even have to make your way back to the base for lunch — you can refuel right on the slopes.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Base Café – Located at the base, this is where you can store your bags, and grab a coffee in the morning. We like their mountain bowls where you can select 3-4 different sides of the day.
  
• Captain’s Pizzeria – If you find yourself at Captain’s bowl around lunch, there’s no need to return to the base. Grab a quick bite of pies, single sliced pizzas or a heart soup (we love the potato leek soup)!
  
• Carol’s – If you love ice cream on the mountains, grab some real fruit ice cream at the Cardrona Courtyard
  
• Mezz Café – If Base Café is too crowded, consider going upstairs to Mezz — just note the menus are a tad pricier.
  
• Noodle Bar – Also near Base Café, this spot serves Asian-inspired dishes (For the picky Singaporean eaters, stay away from their Laksa and Fried Rice if you don’t want to ruin your day with a sub-par meal.)
  
• Little Meg — If you find yourself at the bottom of Valley View and need a break, head to this little coffee corner right next to the base of Valley View lift for barista-made coffee and a toasted sandwich.
  
  

Pro Tip for Beginners

If you’re a first-timer or beginner, we recommend not hopping around multiple ski resorts. You’ll spend more time on the road than actually enjoying the slopes. Most beginner areas are similar across resorts, and you’ll start having more fun when you progress to higher-level terrain. Spending 2-3 days at one resort will help you get familiar with the terrain, gain confidence, and make the most of your time on the mountain.