Cardrona's Soho Basin Opening Delayed Due to Weather

Michael Fulton27 June 2025

TL;DR

Cardrona Alpine Resort postpones the opening of its new Soho Basin expansion due to unseasonable weather. The 150-hectare addition promises new terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers.

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Cardrona's New Soho Basin Opening Postponed

Cardrona Alpine Resort has announced a delay in opening its new Soho Basin area. The resort planned to unveil 150 hectares of new terrain this weekend, but warmer weather and predicted rain have forced a postponement. Resort officials will announce a new opening date in the coming days, as they monitor conditions closely.

The Soho Basin development has been a significant project for Cardrona, with planning and construction spanning about a decade. Located behind the top of McDougall's Chandola and Captain's Express, the new area is set to offer fresh opportunities for both intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. The expansion includes a six-seater chairlift, installed over the past two years, and extensive earthworks completed in recent months.

Heath Richmond, Cardrona's mountain manager, described the project as the largest he's seen in his 16-year tenure at the resort. The team compressed about two years' worth of work into a single busy summer to prepare the basin for its debut.

Once open, Soho Basin will feature 380 vertical metres of descent, offering a mix of groomed runs and off-piste areas. This expansion aims to reduce congestion at the resort and attract a wider range of skiers and riders from around the world.

Cardrona Alpine Resort, located in the heart of the Southern Alps, is known for its reliable snow conditions and varied terrain. The addition of Soho Basin represents a significant expansion of the resort's skiable area, potentially elevating its status among New Zealand's top ski destinations. While the opening has been delayed, the anticipation for this new terrain remains high among the skiing and riding community.

About the author

Michael Fulton

Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

50+ resorts visited15 years skiing

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