Northern New Zealand ski fields have started their 2025 winter season with Whakapapa and Tūroa on Mt Ruapehu opening for play around the King’s Birthday long weekend. Whakapapa is beginning a new era under the operation of Whakapapa Holdings Limited, which secured a 10-year concession to run the ski field, marking a significant change after Ruapehu Alpine Lifts went into receivership a few years ago.
Whakapapa Ski Area planned a limited opening starting May 30, focusing initially on areas like Happy Valley with snowmaking efforts underway to build a solid snow base. Full operations with broader terrain access are expected to develop as natural snowfall increases. Meanwhile, Tūroa Ski Field is set to open from May 31, allowing early-season visitors to enjoy alpine skiing while awaiting further snowfall to unlock more terrain.
This season marks a fresh chapter for Whakapapa, with the Department of Conservation closely monitoring activities to ensure smooth operations and respecting the cultural significance of the area to local iwi and hapū. The ski season at Mt Ruapehu generally runs from late June to early October, but early openings this year reflect favorable conditions and renewed management.
In summary, the northern ski fields are open for the season with Whakapapa entering a new operational phase and both Whakapapa and Tūroa welcoming skiers and snowboarders for early winter play as snow conditions permit.