2009 changes planned at Cardrona in NZ

Tue 10 February 09

The resort will be expanded with a new trail down the Arcadia Basin and a $1m snowmaking upgrade will allow the entire area to be covered with artificial snow

Cardrona Alpine Resort is expanding its terrain facilities for the 2009 season by creating a new trail down the Arcadia Basin which will suit more advanced skiers and boarders. The new trail is being certified by FIS which means slalom and GS races can be held and provides a training area for race teams early morning. The new trail will also have a $1m snowmaking upgrade and with this, the entire resort will be covered after extending it into Captains Basin last year.

Cardrona Snowsports Manager, Bridget Legnavsky, said, “It’s a great step forward for the resort – we have been looking at this area for some time and now having snowmaking and a new trail will challenge advanced skiers and riders as well as help free up other areas of the mountain which are currently being used for training.”

In addition, improvements to the 22ft half pipe and freestyle areas are being done in preparation for the inaugural Winter Games as well as the World Cup. Cardrona’s Park & Pipe manager, John Melville, has recently returned from Korea and the World Championships to oversee the works.

Cardrona Halfpipe in 2008
Photo: Cardrona resort

Unfortunately, the planned expansion into the lower Speed Straight area, had to be cancelled for this season. Preliminary advice from the ORC is that the water take in the Cardrona catchment area is fully allocated and that further water takes are unlikely. This has meant that the planned reservoir cannot be filled in time for snowmaking this season. In addition, power availability is also stretched and Cardrona is working through options with its supplier.

General Manager, Duncan Veall, said, “It’s disappointing but Cardrona is hopeful that these matters can be resolved by working with the ORC and the power company.”

Full details of the early bird season passes will be announced when they go on sale next week. Cardrona is scheduled to open from 26 June to 4 October 2009, for more information visit www.cardrona.com

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