Après Ski Cardrona

Après ski festivities don’t typically get too festive, in part because a lot of folks have to drive off the mountain and back to Queenstown or Wanaka.

There is a bar in the base area at Cardrona Alpine Resort where you can have a couple of bevvies.

The best place for après is at the Cardrona Hotel (est 1863), which is the heart and soul of the Cardrona Valley. This historic hotel and the adjoining annexe and general store are the only remaining buildings of the old Cardrona gold rush town. The pub has been tastefully refurbished to retain most of its rustic charm. Sit inside at the bar or in the restaurant around one of the open fires for a cosy drink. Or sit out in the garden with the lads around the fire, or at one of the tables. They’ve got the usual drinks on offer, but it seems customary to have at least one glass of their famous mulled wine. The Cardrona Hotel serves up après snacks, or you can stay for dinner for a hearty meal.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Or of course you can head to Wanaka or Queenstown where there are many options for drinking and dining.