October at Whakapapa ski field, Mt Ruapehu, 2023. Photo: Supplied/ Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
Ruapehu's mayor is happy with how this year's ski season is shaping up, under new operators.
Whakapapapa Holdings now manages Whakapapa ski field on Mount Ruapehu while Pure Tūroa manages Tūroa field.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) which oversaw both ski fields, went into insolvency in 2022.
Mayor Weston Kirton said while the start of the 2025 season was slow due to low snowfall, things are looking better now.
"June was a bit spasmodic but kicked in a bit more with July. So from my understanding is that they're good to go, they've got enough snow to allow people to go up there and enjoy both at the beginning level, if not in the intermediate level.
"I think it's all go, everyone's really buzzing, everyone's excited and both sides of the mountain with new ownership, but they got new ideas and I think they've had a huge number of people over the school holidays for example, both visiting and also skiing.
"So from the point of view of ski season, we're off to a pretty good start," Kirton said.
The Delta Chair is likely to open on Saturday, and Tūroa ski field is also opening its upper mountain facilities.
Kirton also reflected on the journey to secure government funding that enabled the continued operation of both Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields following the collapse of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL).
"The snow industry is critical to our economy and regional tourism. It's fantastic to see Whakapapa and Tūroa up and running again, but we must keep building on this success."
Kirton said he was hopeful for a few more snowfalls to help extend the season and encouraged people to visit the maunga [mountain] and enjoy all the experiences Ruapehu has to offer - on and off the slopes.
He also stressed the need to keep building on the economic momentum generated by the ski areas.
"Council is committed to working with government and others to complete our cycle and hiking trail networks which are turning Ruapehu into a true year-round destination while providing much-needed economic resilience."
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