A fire at Cardrona Alpine Resort on Saturday (August 6) morning destroyed the retail shop on the ski field.

Initial reports suggested the fire was caused by a heater but general manager of Cardrona and Treble Cone, Laura Hedley, says the cause is yet to be confirmed.

“We are working with fire and emergency inspectors to identify the cause,” she said.

“We are still assessing the damage to the building and it is closed until this can be done.”

The fire started just before 5am and the fire brigade was called as soon as alarms alerted staff.

“Our operations teams used available resources to control the fire from outside the building initially until the fire crews arrived,” Laura said.

“They [the fire brigade] were on site quickly.”

Laura said the fire was contained to the retail building and, after a slight delay to the field opening on Saturday, all lifts and the cafe are now fully operational.

The retail store at the resort will be closed until further notice.

PHOTOS: Supplied.