Mt Ruapehu confirms early opening this Saturday

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, operator of Mt Ruapehu, has confirmed it will be opening Turoa’s Alpine Meadow beginners’ area this Saturday (6 June), two weeks earlier than planned.

Good weather following the weekend’s snowfall has ensured perfect snowmaking conditions on both sides of Mt Ruapehu, but this will be the first time Turoa has opened this early in its history. Turoa will open further upper mountain lifts as scheduled on 20 June, including the High Noon Express, and expects to be able to offer top-to-bottom skiing from day one. Whakapapa is on schedule to open on 27 June.

Mike Smith, Mt Ruapehu marketing manager, says it’s a rarity for the upper mountain to open this early so it will be the first time the High Noon Express will open on the first day.

“Since we opened the High Noon Express in 2007, we haven’t had the base to support opening the upper mountain, so we are going to make the most of this opportunity,” says Mr Smith.

“We would open the Ski Area earlier if we could, but logistically there’s a lot to organise. We’ve got 250 new staff starting their induction and training week on 15 June, and it’s impossible to change that around. It’s great to know though that we are able to get Alpine Meadow up and going so that the early starters can get a flavour for what the season will hopefully bring.”

All Turoa rental facilities, snow school, the Vertical Retail store and Alpine Cafe will also be open for business this Saturday.