Snow puts ski field ahead of the pack

Manganui Ski field on Mt Taranaki had the prestige of being the first North Island ski field to open in the 2013 season, beating the two Ruapehu fields by a week.

Following a large dump of snow on June 20, there was enough snow to be able to open, and a further fresh dumping was "the icing on the cake", according to Rob Needs of the Stratford Mountain Club.

There was a good turnout over the weekend, and that continued through the week.

Rob says if they can get some more snow, they will be able to operate right through the school holidays.

The T-bars recently underwent repair during the summer, which was completed with the help of grants from the TET and TSB trusts, and also $10,000 of club money, which they are now trying to recoup though the current season.

"If we're able to get a good turnout during the holidays, we should be able to get the money back in the club."

Rob says there are many ways to find out if the ski field is open, including calling the "snow phone" on 06 759 1119, searching for the club on Facebook, or looking online at snow.co.nz. All are usually updated by 7am each day but Rob says the best way is to learn to judge the weather.

"If it's a cold, clear night, with snow on the mountain, that's the time to get your gear ready," he says. "Most seasoned skiers will be able to tell when the best time to go up is."

The ski season on Manganui usually runs from July to September, while Ruapehu ski fields usually go to October, and even November if possible.

Kiwi Outdoors regularly runs a shuttle there, for those who want to try the learner or harder slopes on Ruapehu, and is also the only shop that hires out ski and snowboarding equipment.