New Zealand’s Cardrona Alpine Resort is currently installing a fourth chairlift in phase one of an expansion project which will increase the resort’s boundaries and the number of intermediate and advanced runs on offer. This means Cardrona will now have more chairlifts than any other South Island mountain.

The Valley View quad will extend the resort’s terrain from the bottom of the Whitestar lift down to the Speed Straight section of the access road. The former Captains Quad lift’s new position will mean Cardrona’s lift-serviced vertical will increase by 250 metres and the ski area will grow to a total size of 345 hectares. An additional car park will be built for season pass holders for easy and quick access on to the lift, when in operation.

The new Valley View Quad will increase Cardrona’s lift-serviced vertical to a total of 600 metres which will enable the resort to build a FIS homologated downhill course named “Goldrush”. As part of this development a 40 metre tunnel is being installed to allow uninterrupted access from the Captains Express to the bottom of the Whitestar Express.

“It is very rewarding to be able to open up new terrain for Cardrona customers to enjoy,” said Cardrona sales and marketing manager, Nadia Ellis. “This development has been in the pipelines for a few years so it’s really great to see phase one underway.”

Phase two will continue next summer with the installation of extensive snowmaking in the Valley View area to ensure top to bottom skiing throughout the season. Further groundwork will also be carried out to develop trails in the area.

www.cardrona.com