Cardrona Alpine Resort has launched a new food venture, ‘Carol’s’, named after Wānaka local and longstanding Cardrona employee Carol Little.

The food truck in Cardrona’s Courtyard features colourful lights, extravagant décor, and enthusiastic energy - reflecting Carol’s personality.

Carol has dedicated over 20 years of energy, and loyalty to Cardrona ski field, beginning her  career with its slope-side cafe.

Throughout that time, she has worked in hosting, caretaking, patrol, car parking, roading, and ticketing. She is even the mastermind behind Pengi, the beloved Cardrona mascot.

Carol with granddaughter Maggie, Cardrona’s business development executive.

Not only has Carol dedicated a significant amount of time to the place, but her two children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandsons, and granddaughter have all worked, or currently work at Cardrona. 

“It only seemed fitting to name our next endeavour after Carol,” Cardrona general manager Laura Hedley said.

“I think we all need to be more Carol sometimes. Carol could be the most memorable person we, and many guests, ever meet.”

Carol’s show-stopping hairdo is what really draws the eye.

The story behind it is that Carol was once asked to return to work with her hair wild, so she travelled to Makarora to have her hair customised with colourful fabrics, beer bottle tops and trinkets. This was 23 years ago, and since then there’s been no going back.

“What really leaves a mark is her infectious energy, humour, and pure love she has for her people and place. Besides the fun surroundings, that’s what we really wanted to honour,”  Laura said.

PHOTOS: Supplied