Conditions at Tūroa on July 21. | Image: Tūroa Facebook
After a slow start to the season, things at Tūroa Ski Area, New Zealand, are finally looking up. The resort was slated to open for skiing on June 28 this season in time for the school holidays, but was only able to open the beginner area at Alpine Meadow. After some decent snowfalls in mid-July, the resort was able to open more terrain, with Park Lane, Movenpick, and the Giant chairlifts running from July 19. After another decent snowfall, the resort has announced the opening of the High Noon Express for this coming weekend, giving access to full top-to-bottom skiing on Mt Ruapehu.
The opening of the High Noon Express represents a significant milestone for Tūroa, providing access to the mountain’s flagship terrain and offering skiers and snowboarders the full mountain experience they’ve been waiting for. “We are thrilled to be able to offer guests top to bottom skiing for the first time this winter on Tūroa’s premier terrain,” said Jono Dean, Tūroa Chief Executive.
The High Noon Express chair will be opening this weekend. | Image: supplied by Tūroa
“The weather for Saturday is looking mint so we’re preparing for a busy weekend up the mountain. We encourage guests to pre-purchase their passes online or at Tūroa HQ in Ohakune, which means there’s more time to enjoy a hearty breakfast in Freddie’s prior to hitting the slopes for a big day of riding.”
— Jono Dean, CEO, Tūroa
Alongside the terrain opening, key mountain facilities will come online to support the increased capacity. The Giant Café and Snowflake Big Mountain Burgers will be operational, providing more dining options for visitors throughout the day. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, The Giant Café will feature a DJ on Saturday, creating the perfect après-ski vibe for the season opener.
With strong interest expected for the first full weekend of operations, Tūroa is encouraging advance planning to make the most of the mountain experience. Tūroa HQ on the corner of Ayr and Goldfinch Street in Ohakune remains open for pass purchases and mountain information, while online purchasing continues to be the most convenient option for securing lift passes ahead of arrival.
Tūroa is one of two ski areas located on Mt Ruapehu on New Zealand’s north island. Whakapapa and Tūroa were divided again after Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), a public benefit entity that operated both ski fields for 70 years, went into voluntary administration. Despite receiving approximately NZD 50 million (USD 30 million) in government funding to stay afloat following several poor seasons and Covid-pandemic-related closures, RAL could not regain profitability. RAL ultimately filed for bankruptcy in June 2023. The Tūroa operations were taken over by Pure Tūroa Limited, a company founded by developers Cam Robertson and Greg Hickman.
The first lift at Mt Ruapehu was famously opened in 1954 by none other than Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb Mount Everest together with Sherpa Tensing Norgay. Today, the resort boasts a total of nine lifts, including the High Noon Express six‑seater chairlift and several quads and platter lifts.Tūroa’s ski area is situated between 1,600 meters (5,249 feet) and 2,322 meters (7,618 feet) and offers Oceania’s largest vertical descent of approximately 722 meters (2,362 feet). The 1,235‑acre (500 ha) terrain caters to all levels, from beginner runs in the Alpine Meadow to expert chutes, natural half‑pipes, and lift‑accessed backcountry zones like Solitude and Organ Pipes.
Tuora Trail Map 2024. | Image: Pure Turoa Website