Media Release
11 July 2013
Mt Ruapehu is looking better than ever in time for the school holidays
MT RUAPEHU (29 June 2013) A huge snow fall overnight has left Mt Ruapehu Ski Areas with a promising outlook, just in
time for the school holidays.
The snowfall comes just in time for the beginning of next week’s school holidays with the ski area’s in good shape for
top to bottom skiing and snowboarding, and there’s no risk of it disappearing anytime soon – it’s not scheduled to stop
falling until Monday.
Chris Thrupp, General Manager – Operations, says the huge fall means wider trails for skiers and snowboarders and the
chance to open up more facilities on the mountain.
“At least 40cm of snow has fallen in the base areas at Turoa overnight, with drifts of 4 metres on the upper slopes. At
Whakapapa, high winds overnight have pushed the snow around a bit, and snow cats have begun building trails and pushing
snow on the upper mountain.”
“The prime direction of the snowfall means we have enough snow to start building trails on the Nga Wai Heke at the Turoa
Ski Area which will be a welcomed edition for the seasoned experts.
“We can only see the top of the 1.5m trail signs which will soon disappear under the snow, the wind has started to ease
so it’s all looking great for top to bottom skiing and boarding next week”,” says Mr Thrupp.
For even more school holiday fun at Mt Ruapehu, the Giro Mini X Games will be held at Whakapapa on Tuesday 23rd and
Wednesday 24th July for kids 5 to 12 years of age with lots of cool prizes up for grabs.
Mt Ruapehu really does have something for everyone - whether it’s zero to hero or becoming more of a legend than you
already are –Mt Ruapehu has a number of flexible pass options available.
For real-time snow progress, live webcams at both Whakapapa and Turoa show up-to-the minute updates. To see for
yourself, visit the Mt Ruapehu mobile app or website: www.mtruapehu.com
Ends