Mount Ruapehu Ski Resort Guide
Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand
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| Recommended For | Expert Skiers, Intermediates, Beginners, Snowboarders, Snowfall and Apres-Ski! |
|---|---|
| Highest Lift | 2,300m 7,546ft |
| Resort Height | 1,625m 5,331ft |
| Nearest Airports | Wanganui and Taupo |
Mount Ruapehu
Mount Ruapehu is a premier ski destination in New Zealand. Offering diverse terrain, it caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Summary
Mount Ruapehu features two main ski areas: Whakapapa and Turoa. Together, they provide over 1,000 hectares of skiable terrain with a variety of runs for all abilities.
The ski area of Mount Ruapehu is at an altitude of 1,625m 5,331ft .
Mount Ruapehu has direct access to 43 marked pistes, served by a total of 28 ski lifts.
The ski resort itself is at 1,625m 5,331ft , so skiing or boarding back to the resort is usually possible. With ski lifts as high as 2,300m 7,546ft , snow cover is generally reliable.
Notable Ski Runs
The longest possible descent in Mount Ruapehu is 4km 2 miles long and the most difficult run is the 'Hamilton Face'.
Partner Offers
Snow and Weather
Mount Ruapehu generally enjoys reliable snow conditions, with average snow depths ranging from 1 to 2 meters during the season. For the latest snow information, be sure to check J2Ski for updates.
When will it snow in Mount Ruapehu?
The next notable snow forecast is 1cm - , expected on 1 December.
See our long-range Snow Forecast for the latest update.
Snow this week
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ski Area Stats
Mount Ruapehu Ski Area
| Black Pistes Expert Trails | 15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pistes Intermediate Runs | 16 | |
| Blue Pistes Easy Trails | 12 | |
| Ski Lifts Number of Lifts | 28 | |
Mount Ruapehu Altitudes
| Highest Lift | 2,300m 7,546ft |
|---|---|
| Lowest Piste | 1,625m 5,331ft |
| Resort Altitude (Mount Ruapehu) | 1,625m 5,331ft |
| Max Vertical | 675m 2,215ft |
Ratings & Suitability
| Expert Skiers | |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Skiers | |
| Beginners | |
| Snowboarding | |
| Snow | |
| Apres-Ski |
Skiing
Mount Ruapehu stands at 2,797 meters, making it the highest ski area in New Zealand. Notable pistes include the iconic 'Skyline' run and the 'Happy Valley' beginner area, supplemented by lifts such as the 'Knoll Ridge' and 'Ridge Racer'.
There are a variety of pistes to suit all levels of skier ability, from Beginner to Expert.
Ski Lessons in Mount Ruapehu
To choose a Ski School, and book Group Ski Lessons or a Private Instructor, see Mount Ruapehu Ski Schools and Mount Ruapehu Ski Instructors.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding at Mount Ruapehu is enhanced by terrain parks like the 'Terrain Park' at Whakapapa, which offers jumps and features for all skill levels. The variety of slopes ensures a thrilling experience for snowboarders.
Location and Map
Where is Mount Ruapehu?
This ski resort is in Ruapehu, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand.
Map
Tap 
for Full-Screen, or see J2Ski's Resort map, showing Hotels and Ski Shops.
How to get there
By Air
The nearest airport to Mount Ruapehu is Wanganui, 112 minutes drive away.
Taupo and Palmerston North airports are all within three hours drive.
Mount Ruapehu is accessible via State Highway 47 from Taupo or Ohakune. The nearest major city is Wellington, located about 300 kilometers away, making it a convenient destination for travelers.
Infrastructure
Ski Lift Capacity
The 28 ski lifts are able to uplift 30,400 skiers and snowboarders every hour.
Snow Making
Snow-making is available, with 35 snow cannons.
Season Dates
When is Mount Ruapehu open?
We don't currently have confirmed season dates, but hope to soon.
Usual opening is Late June, and usual closing is Early Nov.
NOTE:- Ski area, lift and piste opening is subject to Current Snow Conditions.
Talking about Mount Ruapehu
Mentions in recent J2Ski News Items and Snow Reports from our users...
Aprés Ski
After a day on the slopes, enjoy après-ski at bars like the 'Pioneer Lodge' and 'The Clubhouse'. Dining options include 'The Ruapehu Restaurant', serving hearty meals to fuel your next adventure.
