Free skiing for snow bunnies

Mt Ruapehu is open for free skiing for season pass holders thanks to late season snow.

Great conditions on the upper slopes has allowed skifields operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts to keep Turoa open for an extra two weeks.

The ski season officially ended on Tuesday but Ruapehu Alpine Lifts CEO Dave Mazey said a series of recent powder dumps means Turoa will stay open until November 6.

‘‘Turoa still has a wide variety of intermediate and advanced trails open, including the Highnoon Express and the Terrain Park,’’ Mazey said.

It’s being dubbed ‘Snovember’ and the skiing will be free for keen punters who buy a 2017 season pass by October 31.

2016 season pass holders can also continue skiing for a one-off payment of $20.

Mazey said there are great spring snow conditions still to be enjoyed.

Over the other side of Ruapehu, Whakapapa Ski Area finished its ski season on Monday but its chairlifts are still in operation for sightseeing.

For October only, Adult Season Passes will cost $465, a saving of $50 on the 1 April 2016 price. A Youth Pass, currently $279, will save those aged five to eighteen years $30.

Day passes start at $29 for a Youth pass and $49 for an Adult, for keen skiiers and boarders.