Snow days are good days
Skiers and snowboarders are already queuing up to take advantage of early season snowfall on Mt Ruapehu.
By Dan Hutchinson
Both Tūroa and Whakapapa skifield operators have received snow over the last week, with a 40-60cm base enough to get things underway.
James Simpson, head of branded marketing at Turoa operator Pure Tūroa, says the field received about 40cm of fresh snow on the upper mountain, with the High Noon terrain opening as a result.
"Everything's open pretty much. A couple of trails coming off the top and plenty of off-trail to be had."
The car park was almost full on Tuesday this week following the snowfall late last week — a promising sign for the season ahead.
James says the mood in Ōhakune, where he is based for winter, has shifted noticeably.
"It's been a tough couple of seasons, so everyone is much more positive now. The snow's in town."
At Whakapapa, Operations Manager Jarrett Gauci reports a significant dump, with about 60cm of fresh snow accumulating on the upper mountain over the weekend.
"It's totally flipped the season for us."
He says the upper mountain terrain is going to be ready in the coming weeks and the gondola terrain is now open.
"It's a great intermediate terrain, really nice long run. The skiing is beautiful out there. It feels like we took that extra step up yesterday, and now the season feels like it's on proper."
Both fields are eyeing further snowfall.
A storm is forecast for the coming weekend with a mix of tropical precipitation and a southeasterly flow — followed by a cold Antarctic blast mid-week.
"It looks like mid next week there's one coming straight out of Antarctica," Jarrett says.
James says the snow “wasn't amazing” last year, but the start to 2026 has been phenomenal.
“It's looking like one of those seasons," he says.
Jarret agrees, saying that while July has been warmer over the past five to seven years, the field now consistently skis through to late October.
"September's the best-kept secret. If you really love your skiing, you should be here as often as you can."
Snowmaking has played a significant role in building resilience at Whakapapa and is key to the future.
The field now has a fleet of more than 50 snow guns, the majority less than five years old.
The newer guns can operate in more marginal temperatures — down to around negative one degree — where older equipment would simply produce rain.
"When the temperatures finally got cold, it took us a total of about 50 hours to go from pretty much rocks in Happy Valley, into what we opened in the school holidays," Jarrett says.
"I think Happy Valley is one of, if not the best beginner area in New Zealand if you want to learn to ski. I can't think of better facilities with the rentals, a café, a chairlift and carpet. It's a really great introduction and progression."
School groups are already making the most of it. Jarrett says more than 850 students are expected at Whakapapa this week with numbers expected to climb above 1000 per week in August.
"The schools have been really committed to us, and we're really starting to see that come back. We love having them here."
At Turoa, the off-season has brought meaningful investment. The Movenpick lift system has been fully refurbished, and Pure Tūroa has purchased SLR — described as the largest ski rental business in the country — bringing the rental fleet up to date.
James says the business is in a rebuild phase after years of uncertainty following the collapse of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts which used to operate both fields.
"Everyone's pedalling in the same waka for the same destination," he says.
Local businesses that rely on skiers have had a tough run over recent winters and are ready for a strong season.
"I can't think of tougher, more resilient people than some of our local business owners," he says.
"We're doing our best to at least meet our end of the bargain, and hopefully the snow comes and we can help support them and they can help support us."
"It is feeling like a good winter, and we certainly need it, and we're feeling really optimistic."
