John and Mary Lee outside the Cardrona Hotel, which they owned for seven years in the early 1970s. Photo: ODT files / Marjorie CookThe late John Lee, a pivotal figure in the development of the Upper Clutha district through the development of the Cardrona Alpine Resort, Cardrona Hotel and the Snow Farm cross-country skiing facility, will be farewelled at a private ceremony today. The couple’s next major project, the world-class cross-country skiing facility at Waiorau, Snow Farm, opened in 1990. The Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds came to life during the development of Snow Farm in 1984. The Lees then supported their youngest son Sam in the development of freestyle skiing and snowboarding facility Snow Park, in the early 2000s.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 23, 2025 21:37 UTC