Major summer works are underway at Cardrona Alpine Resort as the next stage of developing the new Soho Basin terrain gets rolling - promising wider trails, earlier openings and far more varied skiing next winter. 

In a video update to skiers and boarders, resort manager Heath Richmond outlined what’s coming in stage two of the Soho project, building on the new chairlift opened for the 2025 season. 

One of the biggest changes will be the construction of a snowmaking dam, “which is going to allow us to open earlier and make our runs more reliable and wider,” Heath said. 

“It’s going to make a huge difference for everyone.” 

Crews will also begin cutting in a new blue run across the upper basin - a trail Heath said will have plenty of “character” thanks to the terrain. 

Wider trails, earlier openings, and more variety - summer work set to shore up winter skiing in Soho. Image: Facebook/Cardrona Alpine Resort

“This run’s going to be really interesting and really fun,” he said. 

The track will “swoop” through natural features, with some pitch eased and a split line routed around a large rock outcrop to add interest for intermediate skiers. 

From there, the reworked trail links into what is set to become one of Soho’s steepest groomed sections, offering a short but punchy pitch before dropping riders into wide-open snowfields.  

The intention, Heath said, is to help people easily move through the trickier top sections and out into terrain that’s ideal for off-piste turns. 

Meanwhile, a new, wide ski run will provide an easy connection back to the base of the Soho chair.  

The opening of the Soho Express chairlift for the 2025 season added 150 hectares of skiable terrain to the resort, making it New Zealand’s biggest. 

Construction will continue through the warmer months ahead of the 2026 winter season.