Image: Turoa Ski Area To Open Tomorrow

16 June 2005
MT RUAPEHU'S TUROA SKI AREA TO OPEN TOMORROW

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Operators of Mt Ruapehu, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, announced today that the Turoa Ski Area will open as planned tomorrow, Friday 17 June.

The Alpine Meadow beginner's area will open tomorrow, and the High Flyer Chairlift will be operational from Saturday, weather permitting.

Turoa Ski Area Manager, Chris Thrupp, says there have been several decent snowfalls in the last few weeks and the upper mountain has a solid 70cm snow base.

"The snow cover's fairly even at the moment as we've had good snowfall mixed with light winds. We've also been snowmaking over the last few weeks, so as soon as we have another good snow storm cycle we'll be opening up new terrain on the upper mountain," says Mr Thrupp.

Mt Ruapehu is all set for the winter season ahead following significant redevelopments over the summer, including a new customer service/rentals building and 450 new car parks at Turoa, and increased snowmaking facilities at Whakapapa.

Over the next few weeks there will also be plenty of activities on Mt Ruapehu with school holiday action including the Mini-X Games to be held in mid-July at Whakapapa, and the snowboard and skier Freestyle series at Turoa in late July.

The Whakapapa Ski Area is scheduled to open next Friday, 24 June after several weeks of solid snowmaking.

Webcam image of upper mountain

www.mtruapehu.com

ENDS

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