Top time for snow sports

Soft snow on Mt Ruapehu will keep skiers and snowboarders happy this weekend.

Whakapapa and Turoa both have a good base, with more snow forecast this weekend.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts marketing co-ordinator Lacey Dandy said there was soft snow on both ski fields with great spring skiing and snowboarding to be had.

She said the mountain had seen a continuous stream of people since the dumping two weeks ago and said everyone was enjoying the fresh snow.

Ms Dandy said the weather forecast for the weekend was looking fine which would be great skiing conditions.

She said people at the mountain could also check out skiers and snowboarders who are taking things to the extreme this weekend.

More than 40 of the world's best skiers and boarders will take part in the Export 33 Xtreme 2011.

The event will be held on the three best weather days between September 4-11.

The Export 33-sponsored competition will feature skiing and boarding from expert athletes who have carved their names in snow around the world.

DB Export brand manager Honor Dillon said the world's best would be "bombing down the slopes, shredding and catching air in some of the gnarliest conditions" that Mt Ruapehu had to offer. He said those at the mountain would be able to watch top-name skiers and snowboarders, including Canadian Megan Klassen, Kiwi freeskier Sam Smoothy, Kiwi pro snowboarder Will Jackways and Kiwi duo the Kuzma Sisters.

"This is the third year which the DB Export brand has been sponsoring the Export 33 Xtreme ski and snowboard event at Mt Ruapehu."

For further details or reports visit www.mtruapehu.co.nz

Ski Diary

Weather: Snow is expected on Turoa and Whakapapa on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Snow Base: Turoa - 298cm, Whakapapa - 178cm.

What's Open: Everything on both ski fields is open, except Rockgarden Chair on Whakapapa