New Season, New Cardrona: Countdown to Soho Basin’s Grand Opening

June 16th, 2025
Cardrona, first week of the 2025 season, June 16th.

Mountainwatch | Travel

The 2025 snow season got underway last weekend for many NZ resorts, including Cardrona, which is anticipating its biggest session ever with the opening of the long-anticipated Soho Basin and unlocking a whole new world of terrain. 

That will happen as soon as we get enough snow and when it does the opening of Soho Basin adds whopping 150ha of new terrain. That increases the resort to 615 hectares – officially giving Cardrona the title of New Zealand’s biggest ski resort.

Soho Basin: 150ha of Fresh Tracks & New 6-seater chairlift

It’s happening – Soho Basin is officially opening this winter, unlocking 150 hectares of brand-new terrain with 380m of vertical to feast on. Think playful, progressive, and packed with variety.

If you love the cruisy thrills of Captain’s, Soho is your next obsession. Groomers, off-piste, and views for days – it’s an absolute dream for intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders. Soho Basin is also getting its own high-speed chairlift, giving you lightning-fast access to your new favourite runs. Catch it from behind the top of Captain’s Express Quad and drop straight into the fun!

 Over The Other Side of the Hill – T-Bar Upgrades!

Over in the main basin – a brand-new T-Bar is landing between Big Bucks and Lil’ Bucks, giving you more chances to throw down in the terrain park and slashing your lap times of Racecourse!

PLUS, Shopping and Dining Improvements

After slashing through 150ha of fresh lines, you’re gonna need a mid-day recharge. The legendary Noodle Bar is leveling up – moving into a bigger, better, more assessable location so you can slurp, snack, and send it right back out to the slopes with zero delay!

And the retail store? Total glow-up. Think more space, more gear, more steeze. Whether you forgot your gloves or just want to flex a fresh fit, this new setup’s got the goods.

Cardrona’s updated trail map by @radsmithillustration

Ready to explore NZ’s Biggest Ski Resort for yourself?

Then head to Mountainwatch Travel where we  have a range of Early Bird Deals live now for Queenstown and Wānaka, which both offer easy access to Cardrona. All of our packages are fully customisable to your needs!

Stay across conditions in Cardrona this winter with our Cardrona forecasts,
snow reports and live snow cams.