New Zealand’s winter sports scene has taken a giant leap forward with the completion of the BigAir project, a state-of-the-art dry ski training facility in Cardrona Valley, Wanaka, officially finished in July 2025 after more than five years in development.

Backed by a $2.3 million investment, the centrepiece of the project is a 900m² JF needle mushroom dry slope, set at a steep 45° angle and supported by a cutting-edge air bag system. The total site spans over 2,000m², offering elite skiers and snowboarders a safe, high-performance environment to practise aerial manoeuvres and technical skills year-round, well below the snow line.

“This is a huge step forward,” said a spokesperson from Snow Sports NZ. “Until now, our athletes could only access the air bag when it was installed above the snow line, typically allowing for just 20 sessions a year. With the new dry slope, we’re anticipating up to 160 sessions annually, right here in New Zealand.”

The facility arrives at a pivotal moment, with the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina fast approaching. For New Zealand’s freestyle and park athletes, consistent home-soil training could prove decisive, reducing reliance on costly overseas camps and accelerating skill progression.

Project supervisors echoed the sentiment, calling it a “game changer” for national performance. “It’s a great ski facility that will help a lot of skiers train all year round and achieve better skill levels. We’re looking forward to seeing stronger results in the next Olympic Games.”

Beyond elite sport, the BigAir slope is expected to play a vital role in grassroots development, giving younger athletes and regional clubs access to world-class infrastructure. Already a renowned alpine hub, Cardrona Valley now cements its status as a year-round centre of excellence, blending innovation, accessibility, and ambition in one transformative project.