Tūroa ski field area opens with bluebird conditions and upper mountain lifts operating

MT RUAPEHU 29 JUNE 2018: Perfect bluebird sunny conditions greeted skiiers and snowboarders heading up Mt Ruapehu this morning for Tūroa skifield's opening day.

Pic Steve Huish

Around 1,000 people were enjoying pristine conditions at both Tūroa and Whakapapa by lunchtime with the numbers steadily increasing into the afternoon.

Mt Ruapehu Marketing Manager Matt McIvor says, "It was an epic way to start the season for Tūroa with fresh snow this week followed by a stunning bluebird on Opening Day.
"The staff at Turoa are pumped to offer so much terrain & facilities from the very first day of the season, they’ve been working hard to kick winter off with a bang & we really appreciate their efforts."

Matt adds that both Whakapapa & Turoa are looking to open more lift facilities this weekend so it’s the perfect time to take advantage of amazing early season snow conditions.
Much to the delight of advanced skiers and snowboarders, Tūroa plan to open New Zealand's highest chairlift, the High Noon Express tomorrow.
Today at Tūroa the Giant, Movenpick & Parklane Chairlifts were open along with Alpine Meadow & Wintergarden beginner lifts as well as the Wintergarden terrain park.

And of course, The Alpine Café, Alpine Bar and Snowflake Café are also open at Tūroa, for skiers and snowboarders to refresh themselves.
Around at Whakapapa the Waterfall Express, Delta Quad (two upper mountain lifts), Rangatira Express & Happy Valley beginner lifts were all open. Waterfall & Delta lifts opened a day ahead of the scheduled opening date.

Whakapapa are offering a taste of their ‘first tracks’ product for lift pass holders tomorrow, opening the Rangatira Express from 8am & also scheduling an early opening for the Waterfall Express.

Shuttles were operating this morning to Turoa from Ohakune and to Whakapapa from Taupo, Turangi & National Park. The road status for both ski areas was restricted to 4WDs or 2WDs with chains after the large snow dumps this week.

More snow is forecast at the end of the weekend leading into next week but then becoming fine & clear for superb mid-week skiing before school holidays begin.

The first four people on the Movenpick Chairlift at Turoa this morning scored official “First Chair” T shirts & Icebreaker gear. Turoa’s mascot ‘Yeti’ was also out & about handing out Icebreaker gear at random for guests to celebrate Opening Day.
ENDS

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