A recent dusting of snow on Mt Ruapehu has signalled winter is on its way, and 2017 is set to be a bumper ski season with new snowmakers opening the ski fields a month earlier than usual.
This season there will be double the snowmaking on Whakapapa lower mountain, allweather snowmaking technology on Happy Valley and more snowmaking at Turoa.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) which operates the skifields said this was thanks to a $4 million investment in new snow making technology, and would see the ski season open earlier than ever before at Happy Valley on June 3, Queen's Birthday long weekend.
RAL said another big 2017 season highlight was the re-launch of night skiing on Happy Valley and Whakapapa lower mountain until 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
Workers were also transforming the iconic Happy Valley ski area into a new "snow park" concept complete with carpet style surface lifts, new access elevators and a dedicated snow play area for non-skiers.
The skifield operator is $21m into a $100m redevelopment plan for the mountain and this project will see the addition of three brand new surface lifts into the Happy Valley Snow Park. Two of these surface lifts will feature covers to keep skiers dry and sheltered.
Happy Valley's access elevator. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
RAL chief executive Ross Copland said the work was pretty much on schedule to open on time - albeit with a few challenges along the way.
"The Happy Valley carpet lifts have been delayed in Singapore and will arrive in mid May so it will be all hands on deck to get them operational by June 3.
"At this stage we expect the elevators to open late June so the nostalgic among us will have a few weeks to take one last ride on the double chair before it is removed for good."
Mr Copland said the early skiing would be fantastic and encouraged everyone to buy an earlybird season pass before the end of the month.
"There's also a new shuttle service from Ohakune to Turoa and National Park to Whakapapa, both free for season pass holders, as well as a bus service from Taupo and Turangi to Whakapapa, making it easier than ever before to get to and from the ski areas."
The season pass caters for all ages with 0 - 4 years and 70 plus free, 19 - 69 years $515, 5 - 18 years $309 and 5 - 10 years $59 (with an adult season pass).
