Snow & Ski Conditions Whakapapa

The Whakapapa snow report for Sep 17 is a 36" base depth with 2 of 8 lifts open. Please note ski conditions and snowfall at Whakapapa are sourced directly from the ski resort and are only recorded during the official ski season's opening to closing dates.
WhakapapaOpen

Recent Snowfall

      
0"0"0"0"0"0"

Mid Mountain

43"
Spring Snow

Summit

36"
Spring Snow
Snow Reporter Comments: Wed 17th Sep Morena from a clear but blustery Whakapapa. Overnight we had mostly clear conditions on the maunga. Presently it is clear from the base area to the top of the mountain, along with some strong wind gusts at the top of the T-bars. The forecast is for the weather to deteriorate later in the day. We will OPEN Happy Valley beginners, the Rangatira Chair, and the Sky Waka gondola all from 9am. The Valley T and Delta Chair will follow in behind these once they are de-iced. The Knoll T and West Ridge Chair are ON HOLD due to strong wind gusts, and they will need to be de-iced. We will have updates on progress and facilities on the live feed from 7.30am. (Please note that our weather stations are reading the constant wind speeds - presently at the top of the Knoll T we have 95kph wind gusts)
Lifts Open
2/8 open
Runs Open
10/31 open
Beginner Runs Open
2/4
Intermediate Runs Open
7/10
Advanced Runs Open
0/15
Expert Runs Open
1/2
Runs Open
32%

Resort Overview

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May 31
Projected Opening
Oct 26
Projected Closing
Whakapapa Ski Area is perched on the northwestern slopes of Mt. Ruapehu in Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand, within the UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park. As the country’s largest ski field, it spans 550 hectares (1,359 acres) and features 31 trails served by 8 lifts, including gondolas, high-speed quads, and surface lifts. With a base elevation of 1,630 meters and a summit reaching 2,300 meters, the resort offers a vertical drop of 670 meters and receives an average of 171 cm of snowfall annually.The terrain breakdown includes 13% beginner, 32% intermediate, 48% advanced, and 6% expert runs. Families will love the fully separated Happy Valley beginner zone, complete with its own lift system, snowmaking, and tubing lanes. The Sky Waka gondola provides scenic access to upper mountain trails and the Knoll Ridge Chalet, New Zealand’s highest restaurant. Freestyle riders can explore a terrain park, halfpipe, and natural volcanic features that make every run feel unique.Visitors choose Whakapapa for its dramatic alpine setting, diverse terrain, and modern lift infrastructure. Whether you're cruising the 4 km longest run or dropping into volcanic chutes, the resort delivers a high-altitude adventure with panoramic views, reliable snow coverage, and a welcoming vibe for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

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