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Cracker season ahead for snow lovers, experts predict

Friday 1 April 2011, 9:04AM

By Mt Ruapehu

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CENTRAL PLATEAU

Mt Ruapehu is gearing up for a stellar snow season in light of the latest predictions for the winter period from NIWA National Climate Centre.

A weakening La Nina throughout autumn with an almost neutral winter mirrors the weather patterns for 2008, which saw a record snow base of 501cm at Turoa and some of the best snow conditions in well over a decade.

The February Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) is sitting at 2.23, the highest since records began in 1876, and is most similar to 2008’s weather patterns which resulted in a prime snow season.

“After some poor weather and lower than average snowfall in 2010, skiers and holiday-makers will be thrilled to have a promising season ahead. It’s early days but preparations are well underway at Mt Ruapheu for a potentially very busy winter,” says Mike Smith, Marketing Manager of Mt Ruapehu.

“Mt Ruapehu Early Bird Season Passes are on sale this month and we are expecting a positive response to the forecast NIWA has announced.”

Early Bird Season Passes can be purchased up until 5pm 30 April 2011 at www.mtruapehu.com, or by phoning 0508 Ruapehu (782 734) from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. New purchase prices are $415 for adults and $250 for youth (under 18 years of age).