Buckle up and grab your mates because the skiing season in Spring has just started!
Although it’s been a challenging snow season, there’s plenty of fun (and snow) to be had. Whether you are a seasoned skier or snowboarder, a sightseer, or you’re looking for a family playdate in the snow.
We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about skiing in spring at Mt Ruapehu!
Why Spring skiing is so good
Late snowfall and excellent Spring skiing are what Mt Ruapehu is known for.
This may come as a surprise, but Spring represents the best part of the season for many skiers and snowboarders.
The busy peak week school holidays are gone, and the ‘die hard’ skiers have packed up as soon as the powder dried up. If you pick the right time of day, you’ll have a wide range of velvet slushy snow all to yourself. This is also ideal if you are learning to ski or snowboard.
Spring is a great time to experience what Mt Ruapehu has to offer as it brings amazing skiing weather. You can say goodbye to your heavy winter gear with the sun coming out to play most days.
Ski fields are quieter, lift lines are shorter, and the end of winter means you can take advantage of some epic spring skiing deals!
Which side is best for Spring skiing – Whakapapa or Turoa?
When it comes to skiing on New Zealand’s North Island, Mount Ruapehu is the place to be. On Mt Ruapehu, two ski fields are operated, Tūroa and Whakapapa.
Whakapapa ski field
The Whakapapa ski field is an awesome place to start, particularly for first-timers to the snow. The Sky Waka and Happy Valley are located here, too, along with gondolas, a ski school, and a café.
Whakapapa is the biggest ski field in New Zealand. With 44km of slopes, you get the most bang for your buck here. Whakapapa is closest to Auckland and Taupo, while Turoa would be closer for skiers from Wellington.
Whakapapa is a great ski field for beginners. With 30% of the slopes for beginners, 45% for intermediate and 25% for advanced skiers, Whakapapa scores highly with most visitors as it caters for all levels.
Turoa ski field
The Turoa ski area is perfect for more experienced boarders and skiers or just for the spectacular views!
Coming from Auckland, to reach Tūroa ski field, you’ll first pass National Park Village to Ohakune and drive up the mountain from there. From Wellington, the Tūroa ski field is closer than Whakapapa.
Officially, 20% of Tūroa’s slopes are for beginners, 55% for intermediate and 25% for advanced riders.
Which ski field is best for Spring skiing?
Ultimately personal preference and weather conditions on the day will be the deciding factors in your Spring skiing adventure, but both ski fields offer an unforgettable adventure.
Due to weather conditions, Turoa has been temporarily closed, and Whakapapa, Happy Valley and the Sky Waka gondola will remain operational.
The 2022 snow season has been challenging. However, much effort has been put into the Whakapapa side to build and maintain some trails on the upper fields, making Whakapapa an excellent choice this Spring.
There is snow at Happy Valley, the beginner’s choice, and the best place to learn to ski or snowboard, with a long, gentle slope, chairlift and magic carpet, its own cafe and rental facilities. Because everything is in one place, it’s super easy to get organised for your first skiing experience.
Plus, don’t forget the many other activities to enjoy, including NZ’s largest gondola ride!
Mt Ruapehu Ski areas season dates 2022
Happy Valley Ski Field Ski Season Dates 2022
Opening date: 23 June 2022
Closing date: 02 October 2022
Whakapapa Ski Area Ski Season Dates 2022
Opening date: 08 July 2022
Closing date: 24 October 2022
Check out the snow report here.
Get your NZ Spring ski pass and book your stay with us
Not only is Spring a great time to enjoy the snow, but it can also mean cheaper Mt Ruapehu ski packages.
So, get yourself a Spring ski pass and hit the slopes one last time before it’s too late!
Need comfortable and affordable accommodation?
We are conveniently located on the main road in National Park Village with great views of Mountains Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.
The shuttle bus stops at the Ruapehu Park Hotel with multiple stops during the day to and from Mount Ruapehu – Whakapapa and Happy Valley.
We’re only a 15-minute drive from the Whakapapa ski field, so it’s very easy to get going in the morning and return after a perfect day on the slopes to relax in one of our hot tubs or unwind in our cosy rooms.
Contact us today if you want to know more about the Spring skiing season or the accommodation packages we offer.
Our friendly staff will happily answer any questions you may have. Or you can book your room right now by clicking here.