We are Family

Cardrona has a big reputation as a family-friendly ski area. Something a lot of people don’t know is that this extends behind the scenes – at Cardrona our kids come to work with us!

You’ll find them in our offices before the mountain opens, in Ski Kindy meeting new friends, or honing their skills in local kids’ programmes, Parks Squad or the Cardrona Alpine Ski Team.

We got their parents to interview them to see what they really think about life at Cardrona, what Mum &/or Dad really does for a job & more!

DYLAN HEDLEY-DUNBAR (3)

Mum: Laura Hedley, Cardrona People & Performance Manager / Dad: Graham “Spy” Dunbar, Cardrona GoldX Events Manager

Dylan

What do you think Mum & Dad do for work? Mum plays & Dad jumps & drives his snowmobile.

What do you like best about Cardrona?I like the skiing. That was the awesome bit.What do you like best about skiing?Jumping & I like my instructor Caleb. We shoot aliens.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Firefighter / Spider-Man. Who’s your favourite – Pengi or Frosty? The new Pengi. Who do you want on your team in a snowball fight? Dad & Mum & Goosy & Zuzu [Legnavsky]. What’s your favourite thing to eat at Cardrona? Pizza!

GUSTAV (12) & ZORA (7) LEGNAVSKY

Mum: Bridget Legnavsky, Cardrona General Manager / Dad: Pete Legnavsky, Cardrona Parks Squad Programme Director

Gustav

What do you think Mum & Dad do for work? Gustav: Mum keeps the whanau together & makes things as cool as they can be. Dad looks at the future & helps kids achieve their dreams. Zora: Mum basically skis down the mountain & helps everyone. For short she keeps everything in balance. Dad coaches kids to be the best they can be.

What do you want to be when you grow up?Gustav: A professional freestyle skier. Zora: I want to work at Cardrona & have a shop with ski fashion.

If your mum/dad didn’t work at Cardrona, where would you want them to work?Gustav: Can’t think about it. It would be hell. Zora: Zara. Dad can work in the men’s department.

Who’s your favourite staff member at Cardrona?Gustav: Tom Campbell…. & the ginger ninja in lifts with the pit vipers. Zora: Carol. She brings light to my day.

Zora

OLIVER (12) & MIA (10) COHEN

Dad: Wes Cohen, Cardrona Ski Instructor

Oliver

What do you think Dad does for work? Oliver & Mia: Dad is a ski instructor.

What do you like best about skiing or snowboarding?Oliver: Being in the snow. Mia: I like to ski & snowboard because I like to play in the snow & I like to challenge myself in different terrain.

What do you want to be when you grow up?Oliver: A animal airport employee in London. Mia: A dance teacher or a skiing instructor.

What’s your favourite thing to eat at Cardrona?Oliver & Mia: Polenta fries & pizza at Captain’s & noodles from the Noodle Bar.

If your dad didn’t work at Cardrona, where would you want him to work?Oliver: If Dad did not work at Cardrona I would like Dad to work at Patagonia the ice cream shop. Mia: At Base 2.

Mia

KATE (12), ANGUS (10) & ARCHIE (3) BEATON

Mum: Fritha Beaton, Cardrona Nursery & Ski Kindy Supervisor

Kate and Angus

What do you think Mum does for work? Kate: She makes sure that the Kindy is running smoothly & she’s in charge of all the teachers, & she’s pretty awesome. Angus: Teacher. Archie: Mountain work.

What do you like best about Cardrona?Kate: I like its attitude & how it’s fun. Angus: Park & the chairlifts are comfy. Archie: Lyn (one of the Kindy teachers).

What do you want to be when you grow up?Kate: A doctor… maybe I could be a medic up the mountain.

Angus: A snowboard instructor. Archie: I don’t want to do any work.

Who’s your favourite – Pengi or Frosty?Kate: I can’t choose because it would hurt one of their feelings… but maybe Frosty because he snowboards. Angus: Pengi. Archie: Frosty because I love making snowmen.

Who’s your favourite staff member at Cardrona?Kate: The funny Scottish guy on the snow phone. Angus: T but I think he’s called Tiare. Archie: Mum, actually I mean Lyn.

Archie