Cold delays skiing but brings great snow

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 543, 5 July 1994, Page 3

Cold delays skiing but brings great snow

Strong winds delayed the opening of both Whakapapa and Turoa on Saturday and Sunday but once open, very cold temperatures ensured great snow conditions. Whakapapa' s Scott Lee said Whakapapa opened at 9am on Saturday and Ilam on Sunday, once winds dropped. He said the snow was in magnificent condition with a good snow base - with skiing through the waterfalls. Lifts operating included the Valley, Knoll Ridge, Waterfall, Cinder Track and Waterfall T Bars, the Hut Flat and Happy Valley tows with skiing down to the bottom of the second chair. The West Ridge Quad and the Far West T Bar should be operating by the end of the week, he said, once storm damage is repaired. About 2000 people visited Whakapapa each day of the weekend. Turoa Turoa had good weather both days with a combined total of between 3500 and 4000 people visiting the slopes on the two days. Temperatures as low as -10°C made for excellent snow, although the wind-chill factor was keen. There was packed powder on groomed slopes with windblown powder off trail. The field opened at 1 1am on Saturday and about 10am on Sunday. Monday conditions had eased and there was a five knot easterly blowing with -2°C and 'heaps of people", according to spokesperson Lee Anne Dennis. Lifts operating on the weekend were the High Noon T Bar, the new quad chair, the Giant, the Movenpick, Wintergarden Platter One and the Alpine Meadow platters. Other lifts did not operate due to low demand.