Cardrona, NZ
CARDRONA
The Long Way Around - BEAR’s Guide to New Zealand’s South Island
Let me first tell you about Cardrona ski field.
I’ve only been to The Remarkables and Cardrona, but the other big hitters in New Zealand are Treble Cone, Mt Hutt, and Coronet Peak. The mountains operate in buddy systems: Cardrona Alpine Resort is owned together with Treble Cone, meaning passes for one usually give you access to the other. Similarly, The Remarkables is part of the NZSki group, so passes often include Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt as well.
Personally, I think Treble Cone sounds terrifying. “Treble” sounds like trouble, and cones are pointy, so I was perfectly happy sticking with Cardrona (I love my voice of reason).
I’ve also snowboarded at The Remarkables as part of Snow Machine, which I really enjoyed, but it was my first time trying snow sports. Because of that, I can’t confidently tell you whether I preferred Cardrona because my ability had improved, or because the mountain itself was better. That said, Cardrona is widely considered a favourite thanks to its balance of terrain, snow reliability, parks, and overall atmosphere.
As a beginner snowboarder, Cardrona was only slightly intimidating - and honestly, you’re lying if you think any ski field isn’t intimidating as a beginner. The runs felt friendly, and there were enough options to keep me interested, without feeling too out of my depth (a healthy dose of overwhelm is good for you - I will die on this hill).
A little perk we discovered at Cardrona was Vista Bar - If you’re ‘lucky enough’ to get stuck on the chair lift/Chondola up the mountain (probably because some novice rider (AKA me) has kooked it trying to disembark the lift), the lifties will give you a hot drink voucher as a ‘sorry you were suspended mid-air’. It is very important that you don’t cash this voucher at the Main Basin. Take McDougall's Chondola up to Vista Bar and order a hot chocolate there. It comes overflowing with whipped cream and marshmallows (they don’t do this at the Main Basin). The have picnic tables set up so you have views of the slopes - it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon treat.
☆ Vista Bar also sells G.H. Mumm (you’re welcome).
After a long day of trying to protect your tush from repeatedly slamming into the slopes, the Cardrona Hotel is the perfect place to recover. The hotel is 163 years old and has 17 ensuite rooms available to stay in. While it’s an immaculate vibe, I suspect it would be quite a noisy stay - it’s definitely a hotspot for post-slope beers. Conveniently, it’s only 2km from the access road to the ski field.
The Cardrona Hotel has both the indoor and outdoor fires roaring, and the mulled wine flows freely. Not all mulled wine is made equal but the Cardrona Hotel passes the test. As always, bonus points awarded for the garnish trifecta: star anise, a stick of cinnamon, a wedge of orange.
The potato wedges are also delicious, but you need to ask for double the sour cream (I don’t make the rules).
Given that I think The Cardrona Hotel would be too noisy a stay (I turn 30 {read: 100} this year), it is only fair I provide you with some alternatives. As always, no recommendation makes its way to BEAR without being tried and tested. Here are two that I loved!
Mount Iron Eco Cabin - is a 4.94 star-rated Airbnb with such a beautiful cabin that is toasty and warm. This place has a laundry room that houses allllll of your ski gear and gets hot and airy, meaning you avoid putting soggy clothes on the next morning (a huge win). If you’re knackered like we were, you can watch tele from bed, and feel the full effects of the heater while you do so. A very easy stay.
Be my Ballantyne (which I have no pics of) is an Airbnb hosted by Dave with a 4.99 star-rating. Dave’s place has all the facilities you need, including a boot-drying cupboard, a cloud-like bed, underfloor bathroom heating, and within walking distance of the local pub. This stay is only a 20 minute drive from Cardrona ski field’s access road.
I hope that you enjoy Cardrona as much as I did <3
Stray beautiful,
BEAR.