Fresh snow dump readies Tūroa for opening

There has been large snow drifts around the base area. Photo/Supplied

A fresh 35cm snow dump on the upper slopes of Mt Ruapehu at the start of the week has Tūroa ski area primed for opening day tomorrow.

The new snow has arrived in perfect timing for the start of the Tūroa season with large drifts around the base area, building nicely on the hefty snow dumps of late May. Those conditions helped Turoa's sister field at Whakapapa off to a record opening weekend last month.

With stunning weather forecast for the next few days, Mt Ruapehu marketing manager Matt McIvor said the scene was set for another great opening day.

Bluebirds after snow dumps are just what the doctor ordered 🤣 ❄️☀️ 25cms on Whakapapa Upper Maunga & forecast is looking MINT this week! 📷: Matt Alcock & Cesar Piotto

Posted by Mt Ruapehu on Tuesday, June 26, 2018

"It's the forecast we cross our fingers for really, a grunty snow storm followed by blue-sky days. It should make for superb early season skiing and snowboarding at Tūroa."

New and returning staff at Tūroa have been undertaking the annual induction process preparing for tomorrow's opening, with the aim of having the upper mountain Giant Lift, the Parklane Lift and Alpine meadow all ready to go.

There has been large snow drifts around the base area. Photo/Supplied

The Movenpick chairlift is also looking likely over the weekend.

McIvor said a much larger section of Tūroa was opening than they were able to offer last year, thanks to good snow dumps and snowmaking.

"The Tūroa team will look at opening other lift facilities during the weekend as well, depending on conditions."

Top to Bottom Rockgarden Run, June 27

How good has Whakapapa's Rockgarden been after the storm!? Take a lap & see for yourself 🤙 We're aiming to open the Waterfall Express AND Delta Quad tomorrow, a day earlier than scheduled OH YEAH!! Tennants Valley has also opened today... it's ON 🙌 🎥 GoPro Hero 6 @goproanz #goproanz

Posted by Mt Ruapehu on Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Tūroa general manager JP Chevalier said locals were saying this winter opening was shaping up to be the best in many years.

"With great cover across the entire maunga and large accumulations of snow in the gullies after several snowfalls, Tūroa will have awesome conditions over opening weekend," he said.

Whakapapa ski area is scheduled to open more lift facilities this weekend, with night skiing scheduled to start on July 6.

"Winter's come early this year and we're stoked. It's the perfect time to learn or to just get the legs feeling good on skis or a snowboard again to set up for a long season. It's amazing to see so much snow in June, all signs are pointing to an epic start," McIvor said.