After trialling mountain biking for 10 days last summer, the skifield will operate for four months, from December 27 - opening daily until February 14, then from Thursdays to Sundays until the end of Easter.
As well as mountan biking it is offering three-wheeled mountain carts, walking trails and overnight accommodation.
Year-round staff numbers have been bumped up from 10 to about 40.
Real Journeys chief executive Richard Lauder said the company had invested about $500,000 developing trails for summer business and will operate two chairlifts.
Two cart trails, for differing abilities, were being built with access via McDougall's chairlift.
Cardrona is also developing new downhill and cross country mountain bike trails, particularly for beginners, accessed via the Whitestar chairlift.
‘‘Like we have a ski school, there'll be a bike school,'' Mr Lauder said.
Separate walking trails are also being built, along with viewing platforms and guided walks will be offered.
‘‘Between skiers and the mountain carts and downhill bikes, we are in the more extreme end of personal activities,'' Mr Lauder said.
‘‘But we also want to be family-friendly, from super-beginners to elite athletes.''
Cardrona will also operate accommodation for up to 100 people.
‘‘We've got the highest hotel in New Zealand - I think that has some interest, being in an alpine environment,'' he said.
‘‘If we can get conference and incentive groups in the shoulder season, we can keep the hotel open year-round.
''Besides selling day passes, the mountain will offer a summer pass and also a $999 year-round pass, taking in both Cardrona's winter and summer activities, as well as three North American skifields.
-by Philip Chandler
