Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand (Saturday, July 6, 2002) - Snow has been falling almost constantly since last Monday morning, transforming both Whakapapa and Turoa Ski Areas. Whakapapa has gone from an 85cm snow base on Monday to 180cm today, while Turoa has increased from 100cm to 150cm.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Ltd. (RAL) Marketing Manager, Mike Smith says, “Our snow base is as good as we’ve seen at this time of the year. We’re already ahead of the big snow years of 1992 and 1994. It’s going to be a fantastic season.”

Both ski areas now offer top to bottom skiing and boarding after grooming and maintenance staff have been working long hours to open up lift facilities.

“By Monday Whakapapa will open the West Ridge Quad Chairlift and Pinnacles Platter and we’ll be able to offer beginner facilities on Hut Flat until we complete Happy Valley later this week. Turoa is fully operational and staff will now focus on getting the two remaining T-bars, the Jumbo and Moro open as soon as the snow comes,” Mike Smith said.

Groomers were working hard at Whakapapa to pack the snow at the bottom of the Centennial Chair, as more snow continued to fall on Saturday. (Photo: Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Ltd.)

It’s still snowing at both ski areas with heavy falls predicted over the next three days. Around 5000 people are currently enjoying the excellent conditions the new snow has brought.