For years, Soho Basin in New Zealand’s Southern Alps just outside of Queenstown, has only been open for private bookings, catering to those looking for the challenge of backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
Ferried around in state-of-the-art snowcats, lucky – and well-heeled – visitors can treat the 264 hectares a bit like their own private, snow-covered playground. That’s all about to change.
From winter 2025, Soho Basin is opening up to more skiers and snowboarders as it becomes part of the adjacent Cardrona Alpine Resort. But before that window of exclusivity closes, Uber has found a unique way to celebrate 10 years of being in business in New Zealand with a world-first experience.
Now as well as summoning a car to get you around town, or get food and groceries delivered to your doorstep, you can get a snowcat to take you into the backcountry for a day of skiing (or snowboarding) as well as a fine dining – and wining – lunch. Normally this exceptional day would cost $2000 but if you’re quick you can nab one of the 60 spots available from Uber for free. Nada. Nix.
The offer is open to Uber One members and you will need to get yourself to Queenstown and bring all your own gear and your skills.
This experience is aimed at competent, intermediate to advanced skiers (there are no green runs here). Securing a spot for the exclusive limited-time-only snowcat and dining experience will be possible through the Uber Eats app in New Zealand by entering your address as Queenstown and searching “Uber One Exclusive Ski Experience”.
Reservations open August 20, 2024, at midday in New Zealand (10 am AEST) for a limited period and will be subject to weather conditions.
Uber New Zealand Managing Director Emma Foley said this experience brings together the best of rides and eats, “We want to show our appreciation to the people of Aotearoa by providing a uniquely Kiwi experience that hasn’t been done anywhere else in the world,” she said.
What’s included?
The experience includes:
- Luxury transfer from Queenstown CBD to Soho Basin
- Morning refreshment
- Safety briefing
- Snowcat with dedicated guides
- Lunch by local winery Amisfield
- Apres experience at the top hut
- Luxury transfer back to Queenstown to the Rodd & Gunn lodge for a drink by Amisfield to conclude the day
The bookable experience will be exclusive to 20 guests per day for three consecutive weekends – Saturday, August 24, Saturday, August 31 and Friday, September 6.
Since launching in New Zealand in 2014, more than 2 million Kiwis have used the Uber and Uber Eats app since its arrival in New Zealand, notching up 200 million trips across both platforms.
