New freestyle dry slope in Cardrona, New Zealand to open in June 2025
New freestyle dry slope in Cardrona, New Zealand to open in June 2025
Published : 06-May-2025 07:56
A new dry slope facility that will allow elite freestyle athletes to train all year round is nearing completion.
Located in the Cardrona Valley near Cardrona Alpine Resort, the location means skiers and snowboarders can perfect their jumps on to air bags or snow depending on the season.
Created by Cook Brothers Construction, the earthworks and foundations are complete, and the dry slope material has now been attached to the run in.
Testing is due to start later this month followed by an official opening in June 2025.
The facility will further secure Cardrona's position as the go-to freestyle destination in the southern hemisphere, as the resort already has the only full size Olympic super pipe in the south.
The plan is that the new slope will mean NZ athletes can train more in their home country and the air bag minimises the risk of injury.
Snow Sports NZ is anticipating 160 training sessions per year on the air bag, an increase on the current 20 sessions per year when the air bag is above the snow line.
"The Snow Sports NZ Dry Slope Facility has been a labour of love from so many passionate people and organisations who have believed in our vision and our athletes"
Nic Cavanagh, Snow Sports NZ CEO
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