Mount Ruapehu ski area operators launch season passes

Mount Ruapehu’s ski area operators have each announced the launch of their season passes.

Split into two entities after Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) - the long-standing operator of both ski areas - was forced into voluntary administration in late 2022, the operator on the Tūroa side of Mount Ruapehu on New Zealand’s north island launched its 2024 winter passes last week, and has been followed by the Whakapapa Ski Area sharing its plans for 2024.

Whakapapa advised that it is “focused on its mission to provide more kiwi kids with affordable and accessible opportunities to develop their love of snow sports. The 2024 season will see ‘tamariki’ (Maori for ‘kids’) aged 10 and under ski and snowboard for free with the ‘purchase’ of a child season pass before Wednesday 15th May 2024.

Anytime season passes are on sale for $649 while weekday passes sell for $399. In addition, Season+ and SeasonFlexi passes cover holders in case of unexpected injury, illness, or a change in priorities, with a partial or full refund.

Looking forward to the winter season, Whakapapa Chief Executive, Travis Donoghue commented “we’re ready to bring the magic of the maunga to snow lovers of all ages this winter.

“Over its history, Whakapapa has created more new beginner skiers and snowboarders than anywhere else in the New Zealand industry, and we will continue to do so.

“As we kick off 2024, we are looking back to that legacy with a high focus on growing the sport into the future, so we are putting our priority with our future guests by offering free season passes to kids under 1o.

“We also plan to reinvigorate our snow school learn-to programs and look forward to progressing the sport via the return of more alpine ski racing events like the North Island Primary School Ski Champs (NIPS), for the first time since 2019.”

Donoghue added “all indicators are pointing to a great season at Whakapapa.

“Our on-mountain maintenance has not stopped, our recruitment has come together, so stay tuned … for updates on our opening plans.”

Alliances
Benefits for Whakapapa season pass holders sees then benefits from 50% discounts at Auckland indoor snow park SnowPlanet and those who want ski in the northern hemisphere receiving three free days skiing and snowboarding at participating Powder Alliance resorts in the USA and Canada thanks to Whakapapa’s membership in its global resort affiliate program.

New Zealand Government says 2024 bailout is the last
Announcing $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead at Mount Ruapehu last month, the New Zealand Government has told the operator RAL it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers.

The New Zealand Cabinet also agreed to provide $3.05 million in equity and loan funding to support the sale of Tūroa ski field assets to Pure Tūroa Ltd (PTL).

Advising that the decision provides more certainty for Tūroa, and a final opportunity for RAL to find a commercially viable solution for Whakapapa, on the other side of Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand Regional Development Minister, Shane Jones stated “the Government cannot indefinitely sustain the ski fields. That is why Cabinet is signalling a clear end point. If no acceptable commercially led solution can be found within the next year, there will be no additional government funding for RAL's Whakapapa ski operations."

The New Zealand Cabinet's agreement to provide Pure Tūroa with $3.05 million to buy Tūroa's ski field assets relies on Pure Tūroa obtaining a concession from the Department of Conservation (DOC). If successful, PTL will continue to operate Tūroa's ski fields commercially.

New Zealand Conservation Minister, Tama Potaka commented noted "the concession process for Tūroa ski field is underway. If the concession is granted, PTL will operate Tūroa ski field commercially."

Noting that the ski fields of Mount Ruapehu contribute significantly to the central North Island economy, Minister Jones added “the support announced today provides certainty to local operators and communities that the 2024 ski season will run on both sides of the mountain.

 "Snow tourism is a large employer in the region, supporting an estimated 880 full-time equivalent jobs and a regional visitor spend of about $100 million each year.

Images: Skiing on the Whakapapa side of Mount Ruapehu (top) and the Sky Waka gondola on the Whakapapa side of Mount Ruapehu (below). Credit: Whakapapa.