Storm damage to roads across the Ruapehu District isn't expected to hinder those heading to the mountains for the beginning of the ski season this weekend.
Pipiriki-Raetihi Rd near the Wanganui River is closed following last weekend's rough weather and other roads in the district are down to one lane.
The damage wouldn't have any impact on the ski season due to start this weekend or Ohakune's Mardi Gras tomorrow as the main highways were fine to travel on, Ruapehu District Council (RDC) communications manager Paul Wheatcroft said.
RDC land transport and economic development manager Warren Furner said health and safety concerns would mean the Pipiriki-Raetihi Rd was not expected to be open to unrestricted public vehicles for at least two weeks.
He estimated it would be open for four wheel drive emergency and supply vehicles in three to seven days.
Council currently had three 20 tonne diggers working on reopening the road.
"The work is very slow going as the digger drivers need to be very wary of what may still come down as they clear away slip material."
Although Ruapehu got off lightly compared to its southern neighbours there was still a lot of road and other infrastructure work to do around the district, he said.
Council's road engineering contractor was working with council staff to identify and map every slip and other road damage across the district.
"The goal is to produce a detailed overview of all road infrastructure damage across Ruapehu."
It would be some time before all slips and other road damage was attended to due to the scale of the event, Mr Furner said.
"Most roads are open around Ruapehu however motorists should anticipate that in many places they will be down to one lane," he said.