Got chatting with one of the resort managers on Captain’s chair on Monday. It was quite windy and we were saying how exposed the three main lifts were. That’s when we got the quick download on the Cardrona 10-year plan. Already a couple of years into the plan with the new Doogs Chondola (only in NZ?). Re-purpose the old Doogs chair below Captains, to open up more advanced terrain - its sheltered and holds snow longer than anywhere else (his words). Already permitted and to be installed for 2019. Done the deal with Darby for Soho. Cardrona will own and operate the lift infrastucture only. Darby retains rights for accommodation, restauraunts, etc. Have to re-apply to Council for development approval for Soho lifts. Aim is to have two lifts operating for 2021 season. Later development to inlude on-mountain accommodation, restaurants and services on Soho side. Also hopeful, of combined TC-Cardrona lift ticket returning...
Well Cardrona is the miracle resort Holds snow on both sides of the mountain obviously-Soho and Pringles
One of the big reasons they wanted Soho is because it's a south facing slope- (I'm trying to think of another one in Otago @Red_switch ?) To say Pringles holds snow well is a bit odd I suspect what they mean is it holds snow "better" because it's more Easterly facing and has a lot of rock features and gullies that act as natural snow fences but at the end of the day anything below Captains's and the return trail is subject to variable conditions
All of Coronet Peak (more or less). Doolans. Doolans is probably the best "accessible" basin in the Southern Lakes for skiing.
Darby’s keeping that bit. Other than that he’s quit the snow business. There’s more money in golf and real estate.
Which is why i find it laughable when people dont think the sale of TC to Cardrona is part of the soho deal.. Still it was a big investment building that new road up there..
Heard someone in the queue at Cardies talking about a 'new' lift going into Willow Basin next year. Anyone else know more about this?
