With The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona all now open, we thought we would take the time to summarise all the new, exciting developments that have been going on over the summer months to set us up for a hell of a winter season.
Let start with Coronet Peak…
Probably the biggest news going into this season across Queenstown and Wanaka ski areas is the replacement of the Coronet Express chairlift. It has been replaced with a brand new, top of the line ‘chondola’ lift. This, like the McDougall’s lift in Cardrona, is a combined express chairlift and gondola. The chairs are great for those that don’t want to unclip from their skis or board and the gondolas are great for when it is cold or, if you aren’t wanting to slide your way down the mountain, you can shoot up to the top to soak in the amazing views across the Wakatipu Valley!
Not only have Coronet got the new lift, they have also extended night skiing. This makes the daily operating hours of Coronet the longest of any New Zealand ski area when night skiing is combined with First Tracks, a pass that gives lift access from 8-9am. Night skiing is great for locals and holiday-makers alike, with plenty of events to keep you interested even if you aren’t looking to go up for a ski! If you would like to know more about night skiing at Coronet Peak including the pick of the events they are hosting, we are putting together a dedicated article so keep your eyes peeled for that one!
How about The Remarkables I hear you ask...?
The Remarkables has great, future plans to put in a totally new chairlift departing from near the base building that will open up 2.5km of brand new trails as well as quick access to all of the freestyle parks. In the meantime, they have been working hard on improving their learner’s area. They have put in a new 160m conveyor which has increased the learner’s area by 30%. What is even more great about this is that it is all in the sun, something that is often so important for those who may spend time with hands and bums on the snow!
Last but by no means least, Cardrona!
The most obvious change you will notice at Cardrona is the development of their Ticket Office. They have knocked together a pretty sexy, modern building with plenty of space for customers to queue up to get your lift pass ticket (unless you are a Snopro customer - take a look at our new offer!). Not only have they done this, they have also upgraded the conveyor in the learner’s area; longer, faster and smoother. What is not to love about that?!
Looking a little further into the future for Cardrona, they have plans to put in a new chairlift called Pringles. For now, they have said skiers and boarders can access the 55 hectares of gated, advanced terrain if ski patrol deems the conditions up to it, however you need to be prepared to hike back across to the bottom of the Valley View chairlift. Once the Pringles lift is in, it will open up plenty of new terrain – exciting stuff. More exciting though are plans to expand into the neighbouring Soho basin. There are plans to put in an 8-seater express chairlift which, once again, will add plenty of great runs to make Cardrona New Zealand’s biggest ski area!
So, there you have it, lots to be excited for this season and a few teasers in there for seasons to come. One thing that won’t change is what we here at Snopro have been doing for almost 9 years; offering great value ski hire delivered to your door, custom fitted by our fully trained team and then collected from your accommodation at the end of your trip.