Mt. Ruapehu marketing manager, Mike Smith says the season of five month and two days is one of the longest they’ve had.
“It’s certainly been an interesting season. Turoa recorded the biggest ever snow base in Australasia of just over five meters as well as recording over 200,000 skier visits for the first time ever,” said Smith.
Despite the warm spring conditions the snow has stayed in good condition and customer numbers continue to be strong.
“This last week has been really warm but the skiers are still coming to get their last runs for the season. We’ve enjoyed eight blue sky days in a row so it’s been a great way to end the season” Smith said.
Whakapapa Ski Area reopens for its summer business on December 20th with scenic chairlift rides and guided walks to Mt Ruapehu’s crater lake. It is also planned to open for summer skiing from December 20th to January 3rd provided the snow holds out.
Taking a cue from the early pass discounts offered by North American ski resorts, next year’s season passes go on sale Monday for two weeks at heavily reduced prices of NZD$350 for adults and NZD$180 for youths. This is the first time that a major commercial ski area in New Zealand has taken the initiative to sell a next year’s season pass at the end of the current season.
