Images: Mt Ruapehu Basks In Blanket Of White

For immediate release Monday 28 May 2001

MT RUAPEHU BASKS IN BLANKET OF WHITE

Mt Ruapehu has been transformed into a winter wonderland.

Under clear blue skies this morning the mountain revealed 42cm of snow on the snow-stake at the Whakapapa Ski Area.

Turoa has 10-15cm at the base area with an estimated 30cm on the upper mountain.

Snow fell on and off throughout the weekend with strong winds on Saturday filling up gullies at both ski areas.

At nine am this morning the temperature reading at Knoll Ridge was -5 degrees with temperatures reaching as low as -9 degrees overnight.

The first significant snowfall of the season has set the Mt Ruapehu district abuzz in anticipation of a bumper ski season.

Snow brought added excitement to the launch of the Ruapehu Marketing Group on Friday, a collective of businesses and operators working together to attract visitors to the region. The snowfall is the best news the group could have hoped for.

Whakapapa and Turoa Ski Areas will open on Friday 22nd June as planned. The opening of some facilities will be determined by weather and snow conditions.

Ends

For inquiries contact

Helena Carroll --- Kim Manunui
Marketing Co-ordinator-Turoa --- Marketing Co-ordinator-Whakapapa
ph 07 8923-410 ext 849 --- ph 07 8923-410 ext 845
Fax 07 8923-738 ---- fax 07 8923-732
Mob 025 941 529

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