In The Snow - 2019 Pre-Season: The New & Not So New At Queenstown Ski Resorts
17/05/2019
2019 was set to be a big year of upgrades at our local ski resorts – Coronet Peak, The Remarkables & Cardrona. Here’s the latest on how they are tracking.
Coronet Peak
As part of the $35 million redevelopment programme by NZSki across both Queenstown ski fields, Coronet Peak will see a brand spanking new six-seater chairlift this season. This chairlift replaces the old Coronet Express quad lift and will be smoother, faster and more comfortable. We like the sounds of that!
Cranes and helicopters have been employed to get the chairlift built before opening day on 15th June.
Enclosed gondola cabins are in the plans but we’re going to have to wait until next season to see those.
Night skiing will be happening 3 nights a week during July and August – if you’ve never experienced night skiing, then add it to your must do list for this season!
The Remarkables
Ah, The Remarkables….it just wasn’t your year. A new $16 million chairlift was set to be installed for this winter opening up two and a half kilometers of trails. The process was delayed by environmental opposition with approval coming through just a few weeks ago. Definitely not enough time to install by opening day, 8th June.
But not all is lost – a new 158m covered conveyor lift (or magic carpet tunnel as we like to call it), has expanded the terrain and capacity by close to a third.
Future plans include doubling the size of The Remarkables by expanding the ski area into the Doolans Basin over the coming years. Now that’s what we’re talking about!
Cardrona Alpine Resort
In August last year, we reported on the upgrade to Cardrona with a new lift in the Pringles area which would open up 55ha of technical advanced terrain. But, sadly, it isn’t to be this season due to the discovery of a significant lizard population. It’s kind of a big deal to have discovered these lizards so the team at Cardrona are working with the Department of Conservation on a plan to preserve their habitat. It has delayed the new chairlift and they hope to have it ready for next season.
All is not lost though. The resort boundary has been extended to include the Pringles terrain and Secret Bowl. If you fancy a hike out, check it out – just make sure that you are an advanced skier or snowboarder.
The Base Area has also had an upgrade with the ticket office/guest services now at the car park end, the retail shop has expanded into the old ticket office and the base cafe will have a 48% increase in seating.
Although it hasn’t all gone to plan, there are some great new upgrades at each of the ski resorts. We can’t wait to check them out!
Source: Newshub, NZ Herald, Cardrona
Photo: Coronet Peak