Cardrona is only about a half hours drive from Wanaka, and not that much longer from Queenstown. With 320 skiable hectares and 390 m vert its no wonder its such a popular destination. There is litterally something for everyone here, so Cardrona attracts the whole family.
The biggest thing I noticed at Cardrona is their attention to their park and pipe facilities. The hill maintains not one, but two halfpipes, an international and a super-pipe. They also have three terrain parks of varying ability, the biggest of which runs the entire length of the Whitestar express chair. There are tonnes of rails of all shapes and sizes for every ability. There is even a sweet boardercross course to rip on.
Cardrona also has some great free riding terrain, with lots of little straightlines and rock features to keep you occupied all day. The arcadia and secret chutes areas are the best for freeriding. There is also some backcountry possibilities of the backside of the hill ending basically in a walk back up the way you came.
The hills varied terrain and great facilities are the reason that many people spending the season in the region choose to ride here. The season runs from late June to early October. Passes run $74 for an adult day and there are many multi-day options for a discounted price if you are satying a few days.
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