SOHO INFO

THINGS TO KNOW

Safety is our number one consideration. Our team are chosen for their qualifications, experience and knowledge to ensure our operation runs safely and smoothly.

Our terrain is managed as a ski area and a safety management plan is implemented to minimise hazards and operate to industry best practice. Our cat-skiing patrollers travel and ski with our guests and provide advice and assistance to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience.

Each day begins with a comprehensive safety briefing and provision of safety equipment including transceivers. Our staff run over the safety around the snow cats, loading and unloading procedures as well as our terrain and guest safety management and how the day will run.

BOOKING

Booking dates are not confirmed until fully paid.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If you cancel your booking 31 days prior to your confirmed booking date, there is no cancellation charge. Any payment made will be refunded to you, less any credit card processing fees if applicable.

If you cancel your booking within 31 days prior to your confirmed booking date, there is no refund.

If we are unable to operate due to adverse weather or safety reasons, we may either reschedule your booking on an alternate date, subject to availability, or issue you a full refund.

REFUND POLICY

Soho Basin is an excellent location for off-piste skiing, however we have no control over the weather or snow conditions, which can change without notice. Weather conditions can restrict or delay access to the ski area.

The enjoyment and safety of all our guests is paramount. We may close off certain ski areas within Soho Basin if there are slope stability or other safety issues.

There is no guarantee on the conditions that you will encounter on your cat skiing experience and we give no refunds or rain checks if customers feel the conditions do not meet their own requirements.

A full refund will however be provided if the weather or conditions do not permit operations due to safety reasons. If your booking is cancelled, you will be contacted and advised of alternative dates available. A snow cat can operate in most types of snow and weather conditions. However, if we cannot operate our snow cat due to a mechanical issue we will provide a full refund. Under no circumstances is Soho responsible for guest’s inconvenience or travel expenses.

WHAT TO BRING

Bring your normal skiing or riding wear. Warm layered clothing is recommended along with hats, goggles/sunglasses and gloves. We also recommend our guests wear helmets. Fat skis are recommended for skiers (98-104 underfoot). We do not offer hire gear, so please bring all your gear up with you. Please remember to check your bindings correctly fit your skis/board before you arrive.

We can recommend Browns Ski Hire in Queenstown for all your hire gear. Just remember to mention when booking that you are skiing at Soho Basin, and they will match you up with the right gear for the local conditions.

HOW TO GET HERE

Follow the access road to Cardrona Alpine Resort and just before the top carpark, turn left at the Soho Basin sign. Parking is available for guests at our base area.

Helicopter access is another easy option and you can fly direct to the Soho Basin helipad. At the end of the day you can choose to fly out from the base area helipad or be picked up from the bottom of your last run.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Your day begins with a safety meeting and pastries and coffee. For lunch we serve a delicious three-course meal prepared by our chefs, followed by an afternoon break, if required. Then an après ski drinks and platters to close out the day.

Please ensure you advise us of any dietary requirements, when completing the booking form. This is most important as we do not have the chance to make changes on the day. We also have a range of Amisfield wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages and hot drinks available during lunch.

And just a reminder, we do not offer hire gear, so please bring all your gear up with you, and check your bindings correctly fit your skis/board before you arrive.

SKI GEAR RENTALS

Browns Ski Shop offers a full range of skis, boards, boots, helmets and apparel geared specifically for your Soho experience. Just tell them you’re heading to Soho.

BROWNS SKI SHOP

THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE

BOOK YOUR SOHO EXPERIENCE

MEET THE TEAM

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Simon O’Brien
Simon O’Brien is our Operations Manager. As well as ensuring the cats are running, team members are briefed and we’re all safe out on the mountain, he’s also here to ensure that all of our guests have a great day of skiing and riding. A highly respected mountain professional, Simon previously led the Ski Patrol team at NZ Ski and brings with him a wealth of experience in snow safety and first response procedures. His knowledge of our terrain is unparalleled – if you want to know where the line of the day will be, ask Simon.
SNOW SAFETY MANAGER

Steve Schreiber
Snow safety at Soho Basin is managed by Colorado’s Steve Schreiber. A highly experienced heli ski guide and avalanche forecaster, Steve has been bringing the people to the powder for most of his life. Steve is a fully qualified NZMGA ski guide; developed the NZ Mountain Safety Council’s avalanche advisory service, and also teaches avalanche safety courses for backcountry travellers.
CAT OPERATOR

Geoff Dickey
Geoff is the man who will chauffeur you to the summit in his Kassbohrer Cadillac – a 600 Series PistenBully snow cat. Geoff has driven cats longer and further than most, including at Treble Cone and up to 1,200kms into the ice of the Antarctic as part of his work with the NZ Antarctic programme. That goes some of the way to explaining how he handles the big machine with precision, style and ease.