Cardrona Alpine Resort Partners with Chinese Ski Region to Boost Global Snow Sports

Global Ski Tourism Gets a Boost as Cardrona and Chongli Join Forces

The world of ski tourism is set for a major shake-up as New Zealand's largest ski resort, Cardrona Alpine Resort, joins hands with China's premier ski region. The Queenstown-based RealNZ, owner of Cardrona, has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Chongli District Ice and Snow Association, signalling a new era of international cooperation in the snow sports industry.

This groundbreaking partnership aims to foster collaboration across various aspects of the ski industry. The agreement covers talent identification, product development, marketing strategies, industry training, and policy alignment. Both parties are committed to working together to increase participation in snow and ice sports globally.

The Chongli region, located a 90-minute train ride from Beijing, is a powerhouse in China's ski scene. Home to seven ski resorts and having hosted events during the 2022 Winter Olympics, Chongli has established itself as a top Asian ski destination. Its reliable snow conditions, thanks to cold weather and ample snow-making capabilities, make it a favourite among skiers and riders.

Cardrona Alpine Resort, which expanded in 2025 to become New Zealand's largest ski area, is no stranger to international recognition. The resort regularly hosts International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) events, cementing its status as a world-class ski destination.

This partnership between Cardrona and Chongli represents a significant step in the globalisation of ski tourism. It reflects a growing trend of collaboration between ski resorts worldwide, following in the footsteps of alliances formed by major players like Vail Resorts and Ikon with European destinations.

While the current agreement doesn't include a shared ski pass, it lays the groundwork for future developments that could revolutionise how skiers and riders access resorts across different continents. As more people worldwide discover the joys of snow sports, collaborations like this will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the global ski industry.