Winter is here, snow on the way
Winter fun is about to get underway on the Central Plateau. Photo / Tūroa Ski Area
Winter is arriving on cue with snow forecast for next week and skifields opening for business.
By Dan Hutchinson
Whakapapa opens on Friday this week, with Tūroa opening a day later. Both are offering snow play, and sight seeing, with skiers and snow boarders anxiously awaiting possible snow from early next week.
The MetService is forecasting snow and drizzle at Tūroa from Sunday, and snow early next week too.
The two ski fields are now under new, separate management and will be hoping for good winter snow to boost their respective businesses.
Tūroa chief executive Jono Dean says the new Tūroa HQ in Ohakune will open this week too, offering season passes, mountain information, and essential winter gear.
They have also invested in a new 600-horsepower snow groomer that will boost slope preparation and ensure top-quality conditions once natural snow cover increases.
“The mountain looks spectacular, and although we’re waiting on more snow, our team has worked incredibly hard over the off-season to prepare for a fantastic winter ahead.”
He says the new HQ in Ohakune, refreshed and “locally-driven” menu at Freddie’s Tasting Room, and the new snow groomer will all enhance the guest experience on and off the mountain.
Updates on snow conditions, lift operations, and mountain access are available through Tūroa’s website and social media channels.
In a social media update, Whakapapa announced its opening weekend celebration from May 30-June 1 will feature Sky Waka gondola sightseeing, sledding in Happy Valley, and two snow play zones made for “first-touch snow moments”.
Across the long weekend, there will be breakfast from 9–11am, music, shared spaces, giveaways, and warm treats.
Whakapapa is offering season passes until June 8.
Whakapapa’s medium-term future was only decided earlier this month with Department of Conservation Director-General, Penny Nelson, granting Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL) a 10-year concession to operate Whakapapa ski field.
Tūroa was granted a 10-year concession a year earlier.
The future of both ski fields had been uncertain since the former operator of both sides of the mountain Ruapehu Alpine Lifts was placed into receivership in October 2023.