Influx of skiers expected at Mt Ruapehu as weather clears

Mt Ruapehu is expecting an influx of skiers this week as the latest storm cycle clears, leaving behind an additional metre of fresh snow.


 
After two big snow falls, yesterday and over the weekend, the upper mountain bases are sitting at a healthy 181cm (Turoa) and 212cm (Whakapapa).
 
Dave Mazey, CEO of RAL, says more than 15cm of fresh snow fell in the last 24 hours at Turoa and 10cm at Whakapapa, this is on top of the metre which fell over the last four to five days.
 
“It’s great to see the mountain now fully covered with snow, especially with clear days forecast this weekend at Turoa and Whakapapa,” says Mazey.
 
“Turoa opened with light south east winds and blue skies this morning. Most facilities including the freestyle terrain parks are now open. We hope to open the Nga Wai Heke just after midday, once de-icing and avalanche control work has been completed.
 
“At Whakapapa, Happy Valley and the Rangatira Express are open today, with the upper mountain on-hold due to strong winds and de-icing.


 
“This latest snowfall has provided us with a lot of snow to work with and will provide some superb skiing and riding for our visitors.
 
“The grooming fleet will be will working around the clock to get more trails and park features open over the coming days,” says Mazey.
 
For real-time snow progress, live webcams at both Whakapapa and Turoa show up-to-the minute updates. For more information, visit www.mtruapehu.com.