Skiing: Whakapapa opens for the summer

1.00pm

New Zealanders will have the chance to experience a white Christmas when a North Island skifield opens over the festive period.

Whakapapa Ski Area on Mt Ruapehu in the central North Island has a 2.5m snow base above 2000m after more snow as late as last week, and operators plan to open the skifield from December 7 until January 5.

Mt Ruapehu marketing manager Mike Smith said the last time the skifield was opened in summer was in the 1994/1995 season.

"After the difficult weather we've had throughout this winter we think there'll be a huge demand for summer skiing and with plenty of snow in good condition at this time of year, it's hard to beat," Mr Smith said in a statement.

Skiers would be able to get to fields via access lifts and the Knoll Ridge T-bar and the Valley T-bar.

- NZPA