What’s on: Closing weekend at Cardrona!

Last updated 15 October

It’s closing weekend at Cardrona! After some marginal (and a bit soggy) weather at the start of the week, spring has delivered one last surprise with over 20cm of fresh snow in the last 24 hours, and while we don’t want to jinx it, the forecast is looking pretty good for the weekend ahead. 

For tomorrow, we're planning on opening McDougall’s, Whitestar, Captains and the Learner's platters. With all that fresh snow, the team have a bit of mahi to do first, including avalanche control and marking hazards, so keep an eye on the Snow Report, which will be updated from 7am. Thanks for your patience! 

Sunday 18 October is our final day of the season, so now’s the time to get up the hill and make the most of the fresh snow while it lasts. 

We’re wrapping up the season with a proper closing day celebration. Bikes on Snow is on, the Boom Club Blue Print Rail Jam is going down, and PDigsss will be on the tunes in the courtyard from 2pm. Come up for the turns and stay for the send-off. 

Weather

• Friday, Oct 16: Cloudy, winds up to 18km/h. High -4°C

• Saturday, Oct 17: Sunny, winds up to 14km/h. High 4°C

• Sunday, Oct 18: Windy, winds up to 21km/h. High 8°C

A cloudy and chilly start on Friday, with light winds and temps sitting around -4°C keeping that fresh snow in good shape. Saturday is looking like the pick of the weekend, with sunshine, barely a breath of wind and a high of 4°C, so get up early and make the most of it. Sunday warms up to 8°C with a bit more breeze, setting us up for some classic spring conditions to send the season off. 

Pack the sunnies, sunscreen and a few layers, and check the Snow Report before you head up so you know exactly what’s open.

Events

Boom Club Blueprint Rail Jam 

We’re bringing the park community together one last time before the season wraps up. Show off your style on the rail pad, take on the challenge rail, grab a snag and see how high you can go on the high jump. There’s cash and prizes up for grabs, and everyone is welcome. Find out more.

• When: October 18, 12pm until close

• Where: Cardrona Alpine Resort 

Bikes on Snow 

Closing day wouldn’t be complete without a wild race to send off the season. Bikes on Snow marks the end of winter and the start of summer biking, with the Cardrona Bike Park set to open in December. Racers get a look lap of the course before one final run down the gravity-cross course, finishing at the base. Find out more.

• When: October 18, one day event

• Where: Cardrona Alpine Resort 

PDigsss in the Courtyard 

Once you’ve had your last laps, head down to the courtyard and let PDigsss take care of the soundtrack. Grab a drink, catch up with the crew and celebrate the end of another epic season with us.

• When: October 18, from 2pm

• Where: Cardrona Alpine Resort, Courtyard 

Food and Beverage Highlights

• Noodle Bar: Hot, hearty and quick, a bowl of noodles is just the thing to warm you up between laps and get you back out there. 

• The Lounge: The spot to kick back after your last run. Grab a drink and a bite, swap stories from the day and toast the end of the season.

Terrain Parks 

The Parks Crew are out this afternoon digging and building after the fresh snow, so there may be some delays getting things open tomorrow. We’re aiming have both pipes and all the terrain parks open all weekend, so come up and get your final park laps in for the season.

A massive shoutout to the Cardrona Parks Team for all their mahi this season. From building features and shaping pipes to taking the setup all the way to Wānaka, they’ve put in the hard yards to keep the parks firing. We’ll see you out there for one last session!

Season Pass Pre-Release Sale 

The season might be wrapping up, but it’s never too early to lock in next winter. Our pre-release sale kicks off Monday 19 October, with prices frozen on Unlimited and Saver Season Passes, so you’ll pay the same as this season. We’re also launching the brand new All Seasons Pass, so keep an eye out for all the details on Monday. Get in early and set yourself up for another big season at NZ’s Biggest Alpine Playground. Find out more. 

More from Your Maunga  

• For all up-to-date information, including carpark and chain status, check out the Snow Report.

• How to Fit Chains - chains can feel like a mission, especially if you’ve never done it before. Watch Kay from our team show you how to fit them quickly, safely, and without freezing your fingers off.  Watch here. 

• A friendly reminder to pack in, pack out - check out Daisy's video for some easy tips on looking after our maunga. It's all part of our ten-year (and counting) journey towards less waste, from ditching plastic straws to composting at Captain's.