Whakapapa Ski Field Gets Ready for Winter
Mt Ruapehu ski area covers New Zealand’s two largest ski fields – Whakapapa on the mountain’s north-western slopes, and Turoa in the southwest.
The new Knoll Ridge Café, on the Whakapapa ski field, is due to open for the 2010 season. The Knoll Ridge facilities, which have been rebuilt after a devastating fire in February 2009, are 50m downhill from the old site, with stunning views across the ski field. There is also a new groomer shed below the Valley T- bar drive station.
Uploaded on Flickr by rengber
Whakapapa is home to New Zealand’s premiere beginners’ area, Happy Valley. It’s a big complete learner’s area in its own valley away from the worry of faster skiers/boarders putting you off. It has its own cafe, rental complex and ski school meeting area. The gentle slope is nice and long, giving you plenty of time to really get the hang of your new sport and there is a slow-moving chairlift that takes you to the top of the slope while giving your legs a rest between runs.
There are more than 30 groomed trails that intermediate skiers and boarders love. The volcanic terrain at Whakapapa gives a massive variety between trails, giving you the choice of bumps, chutes, drops, bowls or nice wide runs.
With 24 black and black diamond runs plus the lift accessed Black Magic backcountry area, there is plenty at Whakapapa to get the adrenaline pumping even for the most expert of experts. The pinnacles backcountry area is used for the increasingly popular Extreme Competition each September and provides some of the most challenging terrain you’ll find anywhere but be prepared to be watched as it’s clearly viewable from the lifts and upper mountain cafe!
Winter 2010 – NZ ski field opening dates
North Island ski areas:
Manganui – TBC
Tukino – 3 July (TBC)
Turoa – 19 June
Whakapapa – 26 June
South Island ski areas:
Cardrona – 25 June
Coronet Peak – 5 June
Craigieburn Valley – 3 July
Mt Hutt – 12 June
Ohau – 26 June
Snow Park – 25 June
The Remarkables – 19 June
Treble Cone – 24 June
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I’ve never been to ski resort but would like to. Thanks for the guide!
Cheers
I love sking and its a shame that my fund doesnt allow me go to New Zeland. I bet there are great condionts for fast skiing on that ski field. Well maybe next year:)
My funds don’t allow me to go to Aspen or Cortina d`Ampezzo
I like the program of the oncoming skiing season – I’ll do all the I can to visit these measurements!
I like the measurements of this ski field too…
Thanks for the information. I have been gathering details for all types of skiing activities lately. They got incredible potential for photography expeditions. Now all I have to do is to schedule and get packed. Thanks for the detailed write up.
.-= Haran@Wellington Photographer´s last blog ..Johanna and Matthew =-.
No Problem – KB
Great mountains! I’d be reaally glad to skiing there.
Could you provide any link to the costs at these ski areas?
Follow the link to Whakapapa Website. There is pricing there.
Skiing in summer – is it a kind of exotic entertainment!
I know nothing about skiing, but would like to learn. Thanks for the guide!!
Thanks for the guide. I am heading down to the mountain this weekend, I will want to stop at a cafe along the way that will serve great coffee, can anybody make any suggestions. Hope the weather is OK, can be a bit variable.
Cheers,
Jon.
I never skiied down under, mostly France and Austria. How is the ozone hole and global warming effecting things? Who is right about the future?
We have skied the last few year on Ruapehu and had some decent snow.
Here are some historical snow base graphs:
http://www.ruapehunz.com/index.cfm/imageeffect/effect/popup/medium/screen/libraryimageid/528/lang/en_nz/
http://www.ruapehunz.com/index.cfm/imageeffect/effect/popup/medium/screen/libraryimageid/529/lang/en_nz/
Would be great to see a historical base bar chart with an average base.