Gateway to Turoa & Whakapapa Ski Fields, Mt Ruapehu

Welcome to Ruapehu Mountain Accommodation - gateway to your Turoa and Whakapapa Ski Field skiing and snowboarding adventure.

Our Location

Ruapehu Mountain Accommodation is ideally situated in Ohakune at the beginning of the mountain road to Turoa Ski Field on Mt Ruapehu.

We are a short 15-minute drive away from putting on your skis at Turoa.
(17 km up the Mountain Road).

We are only a 30-minute drive to Whakapapa Ski Field.

The Ski Fields

Turoa and Whakapapa are New Zealand’s two largest ski fields. Turoa ski field has the largest vertical drop in the Southern Hemisphere - 722metres Whakapapa is NZ’s largest ski area, with over 30 trails and with 675 metres of vertical drop.

The ski season is from late June to early November depending on snow and weather conditions. The fields are open 9am-4pm Monday to Sunday. There are beginner areas, and many intermediate and advanced skiing trails at both Turoa and Whakapapa.

Turoa lifts are capable of taking up to 11,300 people per hour on a busy day, including a new high-speed six-seater chairlift. ‘Happy Valley’ is a big beginner area at Whakapapa and is considered one of the best in the country.

Sight seeing trips can also be purchased at both ski fields. Both ski areas have extensive snowmaking to ensure top to bottom skiing and boarding throughout the season, with average natural snowfalls of 2 – 3m.

Transport

Both ski fields are accessible by private vehicle on 2-lane, sealed roadways. Turoa mountain road winds up through spectacular native forest before breaking out above the tree line and finishes at a complex of car parks below the bottom chairlift.

If chains are required a chain hire and fitting bay is operated on the road at the required point. Cost approx $30/vehicle. Shuttle bus tickets can be purchased from our reception, with door-to-door pick up and return.

Child $15 - $20 and Adult $25 or call 0800 462 824 Matai Shuttles.

Weather

Weather conditions can be changeable over the day, and mountain visitors are advised to be prepared and carry basic survival equipment.

Snow reports for both ski fields can be viewed on www.mtruapehu.com. Reports are available from approx 7.00am on a daily basis and are updated throughout the day as required.

Lift/Season/Hireage Tickets

Turoa and Whakapapa are both owned by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL).

The two are operated together, with a combined lift ticket for both fields.

See www.mtruapehu.com for more information on ticket, lesson and hire prices and options including beginner packages and 3 – 5 day any time passes.

Ski and snowboarding equipment hire, including ski clothing, and ticket purchase can also be obtained from a number of outlets in Ohakune.

We recommend www.SLR.co.nz for all your hire needs.