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Cardona Expanding To Become Largest Ski Resort In New Zealand
Cardona, Queenstown, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash) Cardona, Queenstown, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash)

Cardona Expanding To Become Largest Ski Resort In New Zealand

In 2025, New Zealand's Cardrona Alpine Resort will become the largest ski area in the country with the launch of its new Soho Basin chairlift, expanding the resort to 615 hectares. This follows a partnership formed in 2018 between the resort's owners, RealNZ, and Soho Basin leaseholder John Darby. The project, which includes a high-speed six-seater chairlift providing access to 150 hectares of new terrain, has been in the works since the opening of the Willow's quad chairlift in 2021. Additionally, improvements are planned for parking, rentals, snowmaking, and other facilities to accommodate growing demand, with a focus on preserving the natural environment of Soho Basin.

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Construction To Start On New Remarkables Chairlift After DOC Approval
The Remarkables, Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash) The Remarkables, Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash)

Construction To Start On New Remarkables Chairlift After DOC Approval

The Remarkables ski area has received DOC approval for a new chairlift project, set to open 47 hectares of additional terrain next year. NZSki's plan to replace the 33-year-old Shadow Basin chairlift with a faster, larger six-seater version has been approved, though the concession term is limited to 30 years due to opposition, including from Ngāi Tahu. NZSki is confident about obtaining resource consent for earthworks and vegetation clearance and plans to close the existing chairlift in September, with the new one operational for the 2024 season, reducing travel time and offering access to new skiable terrain. The company has also applied for a 40-year concession to operate the Remarkables ski area, which includes expanding the base building.

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Mt Ruapehu Opening More Terrain Thanks To Powerful Storm
Mt Ruapehu, North Island, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash) Mt Ruapehu, North Island, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash)

Mt Ruapehu Opening More Terrain Thanks To Powerful Storm

Discover the excitement at New Zealand's Mt Ruapehu as a perfectly timed snowstorm blankets the ski fields at Tūroa and Whakapapa. With Tūroa's upper slopes now boasting 80 inches of snow, the much-awaited High Noon Express lift is all set to open this Sunday. Whakapapa is also gearing up for an early opening of the Knoll Ridge T-Bar and far west trails, thanks to the abundant snowfall. After two years of closure, some areas are finally reopening, and the team is working diligently to prepare the runs and lifts. Additionally, visitors can conveniently collect their passes from select retail locations in the North Island. Don't miss out on the winter wonderland adventure awaiting at Mt Ruapehu!

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Mt Ruapehu Winter Season Saved By New Zealand Govt
Mt Ruapehu, North Island, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash) Mt Ruapehu, North Island, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash)

Mt Ruapehu Winter Season Saved By New Zealand Govt

Get ready for an exciting winter season at Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand! After facing uncertainty, the ski area has received a crucial loan of up to NZD 5 million from the New Zealand Government, saving hundreds of jobs and ensuring a successful season. Day passes, sightseeing, and sledding passes are available now, with season passes on sale soon. With fresh snowfall and the opening coinciding with the school holidays, it's the perfect time to hit the slopes. As temperatures drop, more lifts and terrain will progressively open throughout July and August. Don't miss out on the thrilling adventures awaiting at Mt Ruapehu!

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Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Goes Into Liquidation | New Zealand
Mt Ruapehu, North Island, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash) Mt Ruapehu, North Island, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash)

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Goes Into Liquidation | New Zealand

In a critical turn of events, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts has been placed into liquidation, putting the future of the Ruapehu ski areas in jeopardy. The appointment of liquidators raises uncertainties about the transfer of Department of Conservation concessions to potential buyers, jeopardizing the timely opening of the ski fields. Efforts to secure a deal and continue operations have faced setbacks, leaving a short runway for resolution. The liquidators will play a crucial role in determining the company's fate and obtaining the best price for its assets. With significant financial implications and the livelihoods of staff and local businesses at stake, a swift resolution is needed to ensure the ski fields can open this season and avoid long-term closure.

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Treble Cone Delays Opening Plans
Treble Cone, South Island, Queenstown, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash) Treble Cone, South Island, Queenstown, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash)

Treble Cone Delays Opening Plans

Treble Cone, a ski resort in Wanaka, New Zealand, has postponed its opening day due to a lack of snow caused by dry conditions. The resort's base area is situated at a low elevation, requiring significant snowfall to establish a solid foundation for skiing. Opening days in the southern hemisphere can be unpredictable, with previous years witnessing powerful storms just before the scheduled dates, resulting in excellent opening days. However, both New Zealand and Australia have experienced a slow start to the season this year.

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New Zealand Ski Season Officially Gets Going
New Zealand, Mt Hutt Michael Fulton (SnowStash) New Zealand, Mt Hutt Michael Fulton (SnowStash)

New Zealand Ski Season Officially Gets Going

Ski season is in full swing in the Southern Hemisphere! Mt. Hutt opened recently, but Manganui was the first ski field to start the season in New Zealand. Although Mt. Hutt has limited snowfall, other resorts like Cardrona, The Remarkables, and Treble Cone are set to open soon. Australia's ski season also began with Mt. Buller and Perisher welcoming eager skiers. Get ready for an exciting winter ahead!

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New Owners Opt To Save Mt Ruapehu Resorts
Mt Ruapehu, North Island, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash) Mt Ruapehu, North Island, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash)

New Owners Opt To Save Mt Ruapehu Resorts

New Zealand's Whakapapa and Tūroa ski resorts face an uncertain future as new operators are sought after the previous management company filed for administration with a $45 million debt. The government has provided assistance, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment is recommending potential operators. Passholders are concerned about transparency, but there is hope for positive changes and increased competition. The resorts are ready to go; now it's a matter of finalizing the paperwork to determine the new bosses.

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Mt Ruapehu Ski Fields Continue To Face Uncertain Future
Mt Ruapehu, North Island, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash) Mt Ruapehu, North Island, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash)

Mt Ruapehu Ski Fields Continue To Face Uncertain Future

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, the company that operated the Whakapapa and Turoa skifields on Mount Ruapehu, has been facing financial difficulties for several years. The company went into voluntary administration last year, and efforts are being made to find a solution that will allow the skifields to reopen and continue operating. However, negotiations with creditors, the Department of Conservation, and iwi have proven to be complex, and the future of the company remains uncertain.

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Air Canada Increases Number Of Seats For Australia and NZ For 23/24 Season
Air Canada, Airlines, Canada, Australia, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash) Air Canada, Airlines, Canada, Australia, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash)

Air Canada Increases Number Of Seats For Australia and NZ For 23/24 Season

Air Canada is increasing its flights from Australia and New Zealand to Vancouver for the winter season to meet high demand from travellers. The airline will be using larger aircraft, such as the 400-seat Boeing 777-300ER, and adding extra flights to its daily Sydney-Vancouver service. Air Canada's winter service to Vancouver is not only a great way to access the city's attractions, but also the gateway to winter sports mecca Whistler and the Alaska cruise circuit.

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Cardrona & Treble Cone To Restrict Daily Lift Ticket Sales
Cardona, Treble Cone, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash) Cardona, Treble Cone, New Zealand Michael Fulton (SnowStash)

Cardrona & Treble Cone To Restrict Daily Lift Ticket Sales

New Zealand ski resorts, Cardrona and Treble Cone, have decided to limit the number of skiers and snowboarders on their mountains during the upcoming winter season in an effort to improve guest experience. They will limit the number of in-season day and multi-day passes sold to the public, while keeping the same number of season passes and Earlybird multi-day passes as previous years. The goal is to reduce the number of skiers and snowboarders on the mountain by approximately 1000 on the ski area’s busiest days, compared to peak days in 2020-2022. Guests are encouraged to buy passes online and early to secure the best per day pricing.

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