Cardrona

Getting There: Cardrona is located between Queenstown and Wanaka on New Zealand's South Island. The resort is 26 km from Wanaka.

Cardrona, Queenstown's largest ski resort, offers visitors all-around comfort. The international base facilities surround a central courtyard that includes a full licensed bar and restaurant, full rental services including workshops, licensed childcare and a medical center. There is also the famous Sno Shop, a ski and snowboard school, and apartment accommodations.

The slope facilities are a snowboarder's dreams come true. With 4 halfpipes designed to international competition specifications, a Terrain Park and Gravity Cross course, it is not surprising that the Top National and International snowboard events dominate Cardrona.

Cardrona with its wide runs and open slopes remains a definite inspiration to those seeking Heaven on Earth.

Vertical Drop: 390m/1,280'

Highest lift:  1894m/

Base:          1669m/

Lifts:         7 (1 double chair, 2 quads, 4 surface)

Terrain:       25% 55% 20%

Skiable:       320h/

Heliskiing:    Yes (back bowls)

Snowboards:    5 halfpipes

Season:        Mid-June through October

Palmer Pulse 158 cm

Ok...The boring bit; the Pulse is a new full sidewall design, which comes in 4 sizes: 154, 158, 160 and 162. Understandably, the construction is more basic than higher models but is designed to be an easy ride for those just starting out. My deck was complete with a fully laminated wood core, ABS sidewall and fluowaxed-racing base which, believe me, goes like an absolute bullet.

On the mountain, this board oozes refinement with just enough twitch to keep your balls tingling when you get up some real speed. It only discloses its base model roots when you start edging towards Mach 1, and while a top of the range board would instil a bit more confidence in the rider by drawing you into its smooth ride, this baby starts to twitch around like a frantic virgin. That said, I was mightily impressed overall especially in the park or when hitting kickers at the side of the piste. There was plenty of snap in the tail when busting out ollies on the piste or spinning in the park and aside from the rather uninspiring graphics I felt all round, that I was on a board which could conceivably retail at twice the price.