A steady snowfall this week coinciding with the beginning of school holidays in Mt Ruapehu has delighted holidaymakers with ski fields being full swing.
With more snow in the forecast and another pending week of school holidays, parents and children heading towards Mt Ruapehu are bound to have lots of fun.
While those who have yet not made any plans during this school holidays will have more incentive for planning a last-minute dash to Mt Ruapehu.
“Thousands have already headed up the mountain to ski, snowboard, toboggan and sightsee. The holidays kicked off with a great weekend of steady snowfall that has continued during the week – and there’s more snow in the forecast,” a press release from the office of the Whakapapa and Turoalower ski fields said.
“Whakapapa’s Happy Valley is open, and the Rangatira Express chairlift opened yesterday. Although there isn’t enough snow yet for the upper mountain slopes to open for skiing and riding, the Sky Waka gondolas operating for sightseeing,” the press release said.
Thousands of visitors have already experienced the brand new Sky Waka, taking a look around at the newly refurbished Knoll Ridge Chalet after disembarking the gondola at the top, and enjoying panoramic views and delicious food offerings.
The Pinnacles restaurant opened for buffet dinner for the first time on Saturday and will be open every evening during the school holidays, weather dependent.
The fun continues next week at Whakapapa with the Mini X Games, a free annual event for children aged 5-12 on Monday and Tuesday.
Around at Turoa, the Giant chairlift opened for the first time yesterday, with the Movenpick and Parklane chairs also spinning.
Beginner skiers and snowboarders can hone their skills in the Alpine Meadow with two of the top instructors running Free Tips and Tricks Sessions for all abilities, every weekend.
There’s plenty of activities on the go at Whakapapa & Turoa throughout the holidays including scavenger hunts, park skills, face painting and skiing with Yeti and Koha the kiwi and also school holiday skiing programmes.