Unseasonal snows set scene for summer skiing

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 467, 21 December 1992, Page 1

Unseasonal snows set scene for summer skiing

Rotten weather on Saturday was very unwelcome for most Ruapehu folk, apart from those who plan to do a spot of Christmas and New Year skiing. Fresh snow fell on the mountain on Friday afternoon and Saturday, helping to set the scene for a second successful summer ski season. Both Turoa Ski Resort and Whakapapa are gearing up for daily skiing, starting from December 19 at Whakapapa and Boxing Day on Turoa. A combination of rain and frosty evenings over the last few weeks has packed down the snow and both ski areas hace been experiencing good snow conditions. Turoa will stay open until 10 January and facilities expected to operate are the Blyth Flat rope tow for beginners, the Movenpick quad chairlift, skiable to mid-station, the Giant chairlift, skiable to mid-station, the Jumbo T-Bar, open from Tower Six, and the fully skiable High Noon T-Bar. Whakapapa closes on 4 January for skiing and is expected to operate the Centennial and Waterfall Express chairlifts for access, and the Valley, Knoll Ridge and Far West T-Bars for skiing, subject to snow and weather conditions. Whakapapa will stay open until 1 February for sightseeing. Last year 7000 people skied at Whakapapa during the summer ski season and both ski areas are expecting a good tumout this year.