Updated: 9 August, 2025
Snow returns to Tūroa - winter’s on!
Snow has finally made its return to Tūroa, with 20cm of fresh powder settling on the slopes. Coverage will be deepest up top of the mountain, where the mountain’s terrain is looking at its best so far this season.
After a patchy start to winter, this fresh dump is exactly what the ski area needed. Groomers are already working to make the most of it, and riders can expect some good skiing in the coming days.
The forecast is calling for more snow right through the weekend, which could set up the first real taste of full winter at Tūroa.
Updated: 25 July, 2025
Tūroa update: All set for a big weekend on the maunga
Things are starting to click into gear up at Tūroa – and just in time for what’s shaping up to be a cracker of a weekend. If you’ve been waiting for the mountain to come alive, this might be the moment.
Here’s what you need to know:
High Noon Chairlift is set to open Saturday, giving access to upper mountain trails that have been carefully prepped by the on-mountain team. They’ve been working non-stop to get things running – and it’s paying off.
Lower mountain is already open and looking solid, especially after midweek wind settled into calmer, bluebird conditions. With snow underfoot and clear skies overhead, it’s feeling like the real start of winter up here.
Updated: 17 July, 2025
Yes, Tūroa Ski Area is open for winter 2025
Yes, Tūroa Ski Area is officially open for the season. I don’t want to say I told you so… but it’s July, and here comes the snow. Snow has arrived on Mt Ruapehu in a hurry – over 30 to 40cm in the past week alone. Great News! This Saturday the Parklane, Movenpick and Giant chairs are planned to be running. High Noon Express needs some more snow.
The forecast is looking clearer for the weekend. Winter’s finally arrived – time to grab the gear, round up the crew, and get up the mountain. Let’s go skiing!
Snow levels at the Movenpick 18 July, 2025
Snow levels at Alpine Meadows 18 July, 2025
Updated: 7 July, 2025
Is Tūroa open? Yes, Tūroa is officially open
Due to very heavy rainfall, Tūroa lost a lot of man-made snow as it was washed away. However, temperatures are set to drop this week, and snowmaking is already well underway. As you can see on the webcams below, Alpine Meadows is open and has snow – so pack up the kids and head up for some skiing!
Updated: 27 June, 2025
Is Tūroa open? Yes, Tūroa is officially open – well, partly!
At present, only Alpine Meadows is open, which is a great spot to learn to ski. For the parents, the Alpine Café and Bar is right next door – perfect for coffee. Sightseeing and snow play are open as well.
From Saturday, June 28th, skiing and snowboarding kick off in time for the school holidays. The weather is looking a bit rough for this weekend, but it’s forecast to brighten up next week, which will be great for the School Holidays.
Yes, there is more snow required, but don’t let that stop you enjoying the snow experience at Tūroa.
Updated: 18 June, 2025
Celebrate Matariki at Tūroa Ski Area: Alpine Meadow will open on Saturday 21 June
Māori New Year celebrations and alpine adventures await in Ohakune
Thousands are expected to head to Tūroa Ski Area and the Central Plateau this Matariki long weekend – combining winter fun with cultural connection in the heart of the North Island.
Up on the mountain, Tūroa will open Alpine Meadow on Saturday 21 June for beginner skiing and snowboarding, thanks to solid snowmaking conditions this week. More than 2,000 visitors are expected to enjoy the first turns of winter, with snow play and sightseeing also on offer.
Updated: 11 June, 2025
Tūroa Ski Area is open for winter 2025.
Is Tūroa open? Yes it is now partially open for the 2025 Ski season. It is open for sightseeing only. Lifts will start to operate once more snow arrives.
Updated: 29 May, 2025
Tūroa Ski Area will open 31 May
Tūroa is opening for winter 2025, this weekend. Here’s what will be operational: Freddie’s Eatery and Alpine Café opens from 31 May. Sightseeing Opens from 31 May (weather dependent).
The ski and snowboard season set to launch on Saturday 28 June.
Turoa is not currently open. The snow usually arrives at Mt Ruapehu around late June/Early July. Revisit this page for more information.
