Mt Ruapehu's Happy Valley to be transformed

The new ski area will open Queens Birthday weekend - a month earlier than the usual ski season start. Photo/Supplied

Mt Ruapehu's Happy Valley ski area is being transformed into a new 'Snow Park' concept complete with 'carpet' style surface lifts, new access elevators, and a longer ski season thanks to new high tech snowmaking gear.

The new ski area will open on Queens Birthday weekend next year- a month earlier than the usual ski season start.

Whakapapa general manager Steve McGill said they had listened to their customers who said it was awkward getting to Happy Valley on the access chairlift.

"To kick things off we're replacing that chairlift with two 26 person high-speed Schindler elevators to make that transition from the carpark to snow a whole lot easier and faster."

Skifield operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts' $11 million summer project will see the additon of three brand new surface lifts into the Happy Valley Snow Park. Two of these surface lifts will feature covers to keep guests dry and sheltered while they move in style.

The existing 'Double Happy' lift will remain as a transition for those who wish to learn to ride a chairlift before moving higher up the mountain to the brand-new Rangitira Express Quad on Whakapapa Ski Area.

The addition of these new lifts is expected to eliminate queues and vastly improve guest comfort and safety.

The snow park will also feature a dedicated snow play zone with its own covered surface lift well away from the skiing and boarding public.

"We're positioning Happy Valley as the place for families to come for their first snow experience, whether that's learning to ski with our snow school, or ripping down the slope on a sled. The bonus is we can now guarantee great snow conditions and big smiles over a longer season regardless of the weather," said Mr McGill.

The longer ski season is thanks to a $4 million investment in new snow making technology at Happy Valley, Whakapapa and Turoa.