Skiing | Turoa, Mt Ruapehu
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Turoa Ski Area is located on the south-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu. Boasting the largest vertical drop of any resort in Australasia, the high altitude and south west facing slopes means plenty of dry snow from July until September and spring snow as close to perfection as you'll get during October. With breathtaking views and untarnished surroundings, Turoa provides both inspiration and exhilaration.
Turoa's terrain is Mother Nature's answer to the perfect alpine playground for both skiers and snowboarders. Vying for your attentions are extensively groomed slopes, challenging black runs and secret powder stashes, not to mention the great natural half pipes and numerous different hit lines for the adrenaline junkies.
From the purpose built Alpine Meadow beginners area through to the Mangaehuehu glacier, Turoa presents terrain for all skills and all ages. It has a safe enviroment for beginners a that is separate from the main ski area. For intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders there are plenty of groomed trails and a 3 huge off-piste areas. Turoa also boasts Australasia’s longest vertical descent at 722m, and the longest run is 4kms long.
For advanced skier's and riders the runs to the left and right of the mountain can be fantastic long runs with few people around. Whilst they lack some of the difficulty of the expert runs at Whakapapa they offer more of big mountain experience with a sense of size being prevalent.
The organ pipes to the west are huge several kilometer long natural half pipes forged by the might of the volcano.
To the east Mangahuehue glacier offers some outstanding out of bounds expert skiing and riding. Caution is required but its worth it if you are sensible. Always check in with Ski Patrol before going there. It can be very icy and should be avoided on those days. Snow boarders beware you will need to traverse to access this advanced terrain to the West and East of Turoa. Its worth it though!
When the sun begins to set over Mount Taranaki, all roads lead to Ohakune, the North Islands favourite apres snow destination. A town alive, where skiers and boarders can dine, or simply relax and relive the day's adventures.
Location
The access road starts under the railway bridge at the Ohakune Junction. The Junction is at the mountain end of Ohakune. The access road is 17km long, it assends through beech forest and open slopes and is sealed all of the way.
The Ohakune Mountain Road no longer has a loop at the top, but ends in this new turn-around area. Access to the lower carparks remains the same, with shuttle buses continuing to provide transport for skiers and boarders to the top of the road. With the return section of the loop road truncated, more area is now available for the Alpine Meadow learners’ slopes. The turning area also has pedestrian access marked out, as well as along the edge of the top car park area.
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