Winter Ski Season On Mt Ruapehu Gathers Momentum

Whakapapa's Happy Valley Thursday morning blanketed under snow guns

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) will begin operating the High Flyer Quad chair lift at Turoa tomorrow, Friday 27 June and open Happy Valley on Saturday 28 June.

The High Flyer Quad chair lift will give eager skiers and boarders access to parts of the upper mountain at Turoa with a limited selection of trails initially available.

The opening of the upgraded Happy Valley beginners' area signals the on time opening of Whakapapa Ski Area for the season.

Mike Smith, Marketing Manager for RAL says the mountain has been getting regular snow falls each week, with the snow grooming teams at Turoa working hard to prepare upper mountain trails.

Turoa's Alpine Meadows receiving similar treatment Wednesday evening.

"The snow base on both sides of the mountain is building steadily and we've had all 33 snow guns in Happy Valley and Alpine Meadow working continuously at full volume since 4pm Wednesday. Clear, frosty weather down to -4ºC has provided the perfect snow making conditions."

Turoa has a snow base of 50cm on the upper mountain and Whakapapa has 35cm.

RAL will open further facilities as the snow base builds.

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For further information please contact: Mike Smith Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Mobile: 021 224 2100

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