Winter is here which means the Ruapehu 2022 ski season is here too!
After an uncertain two years, we’re excited to be underway and welcome back kiwis and tourists to the stunning sites of Mt Ruapehu.
Now is the time to buckle up your snow boots and get your ski jackets ready for that well-deserved mid-year break and go on a winter adventure with your family or friends.
With lots of winter sports on offer to keep you and your loved ones entertained including, skiing, snowboarding, to building your very own snowman – there are also lots of other activities and sights to indulge in if the snow doesn’t tickle your fancy.
If you haven’t visited New Zealand’s largest commercial ski field at Mt Ruapehu, then the Ruapehu 2022 snow season is your opportunity to experience a magical winter you’ll remember forever.
Find out everything you need to know about the Ruapehu 2022 snow season!
How long is the NZ ski season?
For the first time in two years, this could be the first uninterrupted ski season across New Zealand’s snow fields since 2019. The Mt Ruapehu ski season in New Zealand generally runs from late June to late October. However, this may vary widely depending on each ski field and is dictated by the snow conditions and the staffing.
Mt Ruapehu ski season dates 2022
Happy Valley ski field ski season dates 2022
Happy Valley is a popular choice for a fun day in the snow and is known as New Zealand’s premier ski and snowboarding beginner’s facility – making it the perfect area to test out your footwork on skis or a snowboard! Everything from ski rentals to lessons – with an area dedicated to those just starting out is found at Happy Valley.
- Opening date: 03 June 2022
- Closing date: 24 October 2022
Whakapapa ski area ski season dates 2022
The Whakapapa snow season is bundles of fun and this ski field is an excellent choice for first-timers and skiers at an intermediate level. The Sky Waka and Happy Valley are located here too, along with gondolas, a ski school, and a delicious café.
- Opening date: 08 July 2022
- Closing date: 24 October 2022
Turoa ski field ski season dates 2022
The Turoa ski area is perfect for more experienced boarders and skiers or just for the spectacular views! It’s generally a bit more of a quieter ski field than Whakapapa.
- Opening date: 08 July 2022
- Closing date: 24 October 2022
What time of the year is best to ski in New Zealand?
If you’re planning a trip to the snow, chances are you’ll want to know the best time of the season to go, so you can maximise what the ski slopes have to offer. Every month has its advantages; the best time to go will depend on what you want to get out of it.
Best time for guaranteed snow?
If you’re looking for deep snow with wide coverage and regular snowfalls, then between mid-August and mid-September is a good time to go as a great snow cover has almost always been built up by August which will guarantee you some quality snow time!
Best time for families to visit the snow?
July is a great time to take your family to the snow. There’s nothing better than a family ski holiday, whether it’s seeing the kids take their first turns, making snow angels, or spending some quality time on the mountain.
The school holidays are in early July, which can mean hectic ski fields, but it also means getting into the holiday spirit and lively atmosphere! The school holidays also come with some great ski programs for your kids.
Best time for quieter skiing?
If you want to enjoy the snow when there are fewer crowds and enjoy the wet snow conditions, then September is the time to visit. September also still has great snow cover if we don’t experience warmer weather than usual.
Ski season passes in 2022
Whether you’re an experienced skier or snowboard rider or you just want to take advantage of the whole ski season at Mt Ruapehu, then the any-time season pass is for you. Plus, infants between 0-4 years and seniors over 70 are free!
Any time season pass prices:
Adult: $949.00
Youth: (5-17yrs) $549.00
If you’re looking at taking advantage of the snow fields during the weekends, then the weekend season pass is an excellent choice.
Weekend season pass prices:
Adult: $549
Youth: $449
If you’re planning on experiencing the Mt Ruapehu snow season for one day, then grab yourself a day pass!
Weekday day pass prices:
Adult: $84
Youth: (5-17yrs) $54
Weekend day pass prices:
Unlimited access to all operating ski & ride facilities on the mountain, all day. This pass can be used at either Whakapapa or Tūroa Ski Area, Saturday, or Sunday.
If you only require access to Happy Valley or Alpine Meadow on the weekends, then it’s best to purchase a Weekend Beginner Area Pass.
Adult: $149
Youth: (5-17yrs) $99
Weekend pass prices:
Adult: $249
Youth: (5-17yrs) $149
Take advantage of discounted prices and additional season pass perks by booking your snow adventure before the 29th of July 2022.
What are some activities if you’re not into skiing?
There’s plenty to see and do in Ruapehu all year-round even if you’re not a snow bunny! It’s home to Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park, two New Zealand Great Walks, and the largest ski area in NZ at Mt Ruapehu. What you choose to do is only limited to your imagination, but to give you some inspiration we’ve come up with some activities that don’t involve the snow.
The Sky Waka Gondola, Mt Ruapehu
The Sky Waka Gondola is New Zealand’s most unique gondola that will take your breath away as you journey up the mountain and up into the clouds. Ride over waterfalls and ancient lava flows to take in the majestic scenery of Mt Ruapehu and its neighbouring volcanoes within the dual world heritage Tongariro National Park.
Ruapehu Golf
Play Waimarino golf club’s par 72 championship parkland course in the heart of Ruapehu. The parkland course is set up for all players from beginners to casual to low handicap golfers.
Pick your tee time and wander around the picturesque surroundings, and farmland views while enjoying the backdrop of Mt Ruapehu.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Widely considered New Zealand’s greatest one-day walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 6-8 hours of breath-taking alpine scenery. Experiencing this majestic Tongariro National Park is a must-do! Feel the crisp mountain air as you follow your expert guide across the Tongariro Alpine Crossing while you soak in the beautiful scenery and learn the secrets and history of the landscape around you.
Ruapehu Adventure Rides
Get ready for the ride of your life with Ruapehu Adventure Rides! They offer guided quad bike tours on 200 acres of farmland that overlooks the Tongariro National Park. With great riding in all conditions and all rides are catered to your ability from inexperienced to experienced riders. This is an exhilarating off-road experience not to be missed.
To find out more about Ruapehu’s winter activities start here!
Where to stay during Ruapehu ski season 2022?
If you want a convenient location on the main road in National Park Village with great views of Mountains Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, then look no further than the Park Hotel Ruapehu.
The shuttle bus stops at the Ruapehu Park Hotel with multiple stops during the day for your convenience to and from Mount Ruapehu – Whakapapa and Happy Valley.
After a long day exploring our great outdoors come enjoy a hot meal or a celebratory drink at the Spiral Restaurant that’s warmed by a big log fire. In addition, you can relax in our crystal-clear hot tubs or snuggle up in our cosy rooms.
Wind down after your outdoor adventures during ski season with us and experience the magic that’s right on your back doorstep.
You can book a room online or call us at the Ruapehu Park Hotel to find out more. We have a wide range of accommodation options for families, friends, or couples wanting a cosy winter getaway!