Cardrona's Soho Basin is Open - A Game Changer for School Ski Trip

Winter 2025 marks an exciting milestone at Cardrona Alpine Resort with the opening of Soho Basin, officially making Cardrona the largest ski area in New Zealand. For school & university ski groups, this expansion means more terrain, greater variety and enhanced facilities designed for group progression and learning.

What is Soho Basin?

Named after its natural features, the Soho Creek and neighboring Mt Soho, this new basin introduces a dramatic alpine landscape perfect for student exploration. Accessible via a brand-new high-speed 6-seater chairlift, Soho opens an entire new side of the mountain, directly connected to existing lifts like McDougall’s Chondola and Skyline.

Progressive Terrain for Student Skill Building

Soho Basin features playful, progressive terrain, ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Students can smoothly transition from beginner zones like Chondola and Skyline to more challenging groomed runs, all within a safe, structured environment.

This natural progression supports skill development, confidence and a sense of achievement, making Soho an excellent addition to any school ski itinerary.

Consistent Snow Conditions All Season Long With its southwest-facing slopes, Soho enjoys reliable snowfall and excellent spring snow retention. These dependable conditions make planning school snow trips more flexible, whether early season or late term.

Built for School Groups

To accommodate the growing number of school and group bookings, Cardrona is making key resort upgrades, including:

• A new T-bar lift in the Main Basin for improved access to ski training and lesson zones

• Expanded dining and retail facilities tailored for large student groups

• Upgrades to parking, snowmaking and transport access to streamline group logistics

Plan Your 2026 School Ski Trip to Cardrona With the opening of Soho Basin, Cardrona is now the premier destination for school ski trips in New Zealand. More terrain, more support for student progression and top-notch group facilities makes it the ideal choice for educational snow travel.

From first turns to freeride confidence, student progression and exploration starts here. Contact our team today!