Whakapapa Ski Area is now open for 2025
Updated: 10 August, 2025
Whakapapa gets a much-needed winter boost
Winter has finally thrown Whakapapa a bone – around 10-20cm of fresh snow has settled across the slopes, breathing new life into the mountain after a tough start to the season.
The upper slopes are looking the best they have so far this year, with a crisp layer of white. Groomers have been quick to get to work, shaping the new snow into smooth, rideable lines.
It’s a welcome change after weeks of lean conditions and limited terrain. There’s real hope this could be the turning point that brings Whakapapa closer to full winter mode.
Snow levels at the Top of the gondola 10 August, 2025
Snow levels at Delta Chair 10 August, 2025
Updated: 25 July, 2025
Whakapapa Update: top-to-bottom turns and terrain for everyone. Whakapapa’s coming into its own this week, with consistently cold temps and snowmaking giving the slopes a much-needed boost. The team’s done the groundwork – now it’s your turn.
What’s open and ready:
From top to bottom: Ride the Sky Waka gondola and carve your way down through the Terraces and Rockgarden.
Happy Valley is humming: The Double Happy chairlift and both carpets are spinning, making it the perfect zone for learners and those just finding their rhythm.
Whether you’re chasing big lines or just getting started, there’s something for everyone on the mountain this weekend. Snow coverage is solid where it counts, and the vibe? Peak winter.
Updated: 15 July, 2025
Is Whakapapa open? Yes, it’s now open for the 2025 ski season. School holidays are over, but here’s the good news: it’s finally snowing, and the mountain’s starting to show a bit of white. Good news! The Rangatira chair is very, very close. Possibly opening this weekend.
They picked up 12cm this week, and there’s more on the cards, possibly up to 23cm in the next 1-5 days. Fingers crossed! Sure, we still need a fair bit more, but the season’s starting to happen. And hey, snow is snow – we’ll take it.
The Sky Waka Gondola is open, Happy Valley is open.
Snow levels at the Top of the gondola 15 July, 2025
Snow levels at Knoll T-Bar 15 July, 2025
Updated: 7 July, 2025
Is Whakapapa open? Yes, it’s now open for the 2025 ski season. School holidays are here, and if you’re planning to head up to Whakapapa Ski Area, here’s a quick summary:
- Sightseeing on the Sky Waka Gondola is open.
- Happy Valley is open and, as you can see on the webcams, has snow.
- It’s looking like another good week on the mountain, with some possible bad weather toward the end of the week.
Get the kids together and visit Whakapapa these holidays!
Updated: 27 June, 2025
Is Whakapapa open? Yes, it’s now open for the 2025 ski season. School holidays are here, and if you are planning to head up to Whakapapa Ski Area, here’s a quick summary: The weather is not looking great for this weekend – mainly rain and sleet – but it’s forecast to improve next week. Happy Valley is open and is ideal for learning to ski.
Whakapapa offers a Snow Sports Taster package, which is perfect if it’s your first time on the slopes. I would recommend this for anyone starting out.
More snow is needed; it usually starts to arrive in July, so no need to panic. During the holidays, get the kids, explore the area, and enjoy your time up on the mountain.
Updated: 11 June, 2025
Is Whakapapa open? Yes it is now partially open for the 2025 Ski season. It is open for sledding and sightseeing only. Lifts will start to operate once more snow arrives.
Updated: 21 May, 2025
Snowmaking has officially started at Whakapapa Ski Area. They’re testing, tweaking, and laying a solid foundation – and with new snow guns arriving any day now, and the temperatures cooling down, the capacity to make snow is only going to get better. They open in 10 days – Friday 30 May. Let’s hope for some snow.
Whakapapa Web Cams 20th May 2025
According to Whakapapa’s social media, they are planning a limited opening for winter on May 30. Snowmaking will begin as soon as temperatures drop low enough, with a focus on building snow in Happy Valley.
It’s that time of year again – the time when you start to remember where you put your ski gear from last season. Is it still in good condition? And how do I explain to my partner that I might need new gear this year? It’s part of the rhythm of winter – the mountains are calling again.
