The platter tow, a motorised system for pulling skiers and snowboarders uphill, was "fantastic news" for athletes and would improve the skifield's reputation as a top training facility, Cardrona sales and marketing manager Nadia Ellis said.
"It's going to mean superfast laps and no more hiking for these guys, as well as reducing queues on McDougall and the Whitestar chairlifts," she said.
The ski halfpipe was recently included as an event for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Wanaka's Jossi Wells is the 2010 world champion freeskier and trains at Cardrona. He and his three younger brothers, Byron, Beau James and Jackson, who also compete internationally, were expected to make good use of the halfpipes this season, Ms Ellis said.
Snowsports coach Bruce Wells said the tow would speed up turnaround time, meaning athletes could do more training laps each day.
"Having a tow lift to service the Olympic superpipe is exciting news for our boys and the rest of the New Zealand halfpipe competitors. It will also be a big draw card for international athletes," Mr Wells said.
Beginner skiers are also benefiting from redevelopment in the learners' area, increased novice terrain and a new Sunkid surface conveyor lift.
Cardrona is scheduled to open on June 24.
