|
NZ's largest ski and snowboard area
Centrally located in the middle of the North Island, New Zealand's biggest volcano is home to two commercial ski areas – Turoa and Whakapapa. Both can be accessed off of the same lift ticket and these two ski areas are not only the largest in New Zealand, but offer the longest vertical descent in Australasia.
Mt Ruapehu is home to the most awesome natural skiing and snowboarding terrain in the country: huge snow filled basins, steep chutes, drop-offs and secret powder stashes. Mt Ruapehu offers something for everyone: fantastic learners' facilities, terrain parks for snowboarders and freeskiers of all abilities, and the best spring skiing in New Zealand.
The Resorts
|
Whakapapa
Whakapapa is located 6 kms from the Whakapapa Village and is New Zealand's largest developed ski area with 11 main lifts and three learners' lifts. Intermediate skiers and snowboarders can roam over 30 groomed trails, while experts can explore the steep chutes and couloirs that the mountain is famous for. There is a halfpipe and a beginner to intermediate terrain park to keep boarders and free skiers entertained. The ski area has plenty of off-piste terrain, in particular the picturesque Far West area. An entirely separate beginner's area in Happy Valley is an ideal, safe environment to learn to ski or snowboard.
|
| Resort Information |
| Highest lifted point: |
2300 metres |
| Vertical: |
675 metres |
| Skiable area: |
550 hectares |
| Number of lifts: |
14
|
| Beginners: |
25% |
| Intermediates: |
50% |
| Advanced: |
25% |
| Season: |
June - October |
| Operating hours: |
9 am - 4 pm |
| Longest run: |
3.5 km |
|
|
|
Turoa
Turoa is located 17kms from Ohakune and is the highest ski area in New Zealand and has the biggest vertical drop (720m) of any ski area in Australasia. There are six main lifts and two beginner platter lifts. The resort covers 1,235 acres of expansive terrain with long runs and particularly good spring snow conditions. A well designed and maintained terrain park provides challenges for freestylers. A walk to the Crater Lake takes just over an hour and provides unbelievable views. Note Turoa is a south facing ski area and open to prevailing weather patterns.
|
| Resort Information |
| Highest lifted point: |
2322 metres |
| Vertical: |
722 metres |
| Skiable area: |
500 hectares |
| Number of lifts: |
8
|
| Beginners: |
20% |
| Intermediates: |
55% |
| Advanced: |
25% |
| Season: |
June - October |
| Operating hours: |
9 am - 4 pm |
| Longest run: |
4 km |
|
 |
|
3 Star Accommodations
4 Star Accommodations
5 Star Accommodations
|
|
|
