Tūroa Ski Area is officially open for business 2025. Photo / Pure Tūroa
Tūroa Ski Field is ready to open the 2025 winter season this weekend.
After uncertainty in recent years, the ski area on Mt Ruapehu will welcome visitors from Saturday May 31.
While the Tūroa team awaits further snowfall to unlock the mountain’s full terrain, early-season visitors can enjoy alpine views and snow-based activities.
Tūroa chief executive Jono Dean said the team was thrilled to welcome everyone back.
“The mountain looks spectacular, and although we’re waiting on more snow, our team has worked incredibly hard over the off-season to prepare for a fantastic winter ahead.”
During the off-season, mountain staff carried out essential maintenance and upgrades, including to on-mountain operations.
Tūroa invested in a 600-horsepower snow groomer to boost slope preparation capabilities at the ski area.
Freddies Tasting Room also received attention and now has a new menu inspired by local ingredients and regional flavours. At weekends, there will be live music.
In line with ski and snowboard and other on-mountain operations, retail hub Tūroa HQ in Ohakune will open, offering season passes, mountain information and winter gear.
Updates on snow conditions, lift operations and mountain access are available through Tūroa’s official website and social media channels at turoa.com.
Tūroa Ski Area is located on the southwestern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, a three-hour drive from Hamilton, and offers a skiing and snowboarding experience for all levels with gear rentals and lessons on site.
Renowned for its varied terrain, Tūroa features striking volcanic landscapes, including New Zealand’s longest vertical descent at 722 metres.
The opening of the 2025 winter season brings a period of uncertainty to an end.
In 2023, original operators of the Tūroa and Whakapapa ski fields, 70-year-old Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, went into liquidation, putting the future of North Island skiing in doubt.
Last year, Pure Tūroa was granted a 10-year concession to operate the Tūroa ski field.
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