Strong Start to NZ Winter!Old man winter has come in strong in New Zealand and we can't wait to make the most of it.

Andrew Manuel


6 years ago in Destinations

Its always a bit nerve wracking in the lead up to winter while you wait for the snow to fall. As opening days approach often you can find yourself looking at the mountains and the forecast with no hope in sight. Thats definitely NOT the case this year in NZ though, lots of cold weather and big storms has left Mt Ruapehu looking whiter than usual at this time of year.

Pretty sweet conditions considering this run is not supposed to be opened yet! Photo:MtRuapehu

Typically early June each year Mt Ruapehu opens up their learners area at Whakapapa, this year we lucked out though and they were able to open up the rock garden area on the mid mountain giving us one of the best openings I have seen in recent memory.

This was today(June 6th) ITs coming down again and there is more snow on the way. photo: MtRuapehu

While Turoa is not scheduled to be open until the 29th of June they are getting hammered with snow as well. A few of the die hard locals have been hiking up to poach some early season turns as far back as April!

Turns in April, are you kidding me! Photo @left_turn_right_nz

If you every wanted to do a summer snow season it looks like this is going to be the year, luckily for you we have one more spot on both our 10 week ski and snowboard courses at Mt Ruapehu this season.

Summer shred programs!

Check out this video from Mt Ruapehu for a look at the most recent storm, turn up the volume for a quality kiwi accent!

Ruapehu Snow Report