Tū roa skifield closed after trails damaged

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) has closed Tūroa skifield for the season.

In a post to its social media pages, Mt Ruapehu states that “the damage is just too extensive” to rebuild any trails after recent rain.

Although more snow is forecast this week, a representative for RAL states this will not be “enough to repair the situation”.

Previously, the team at Tūroa hoped to end the season on Sunday, with revised hours.

The premature end of the 2022 skiing season marks another chapter in a difficult few years for RAL, which is a not-for-profit entity. Covid-related border closures and traffic light settings affected operations in the winters of 2020 and 2021.

In August, the company laid off about 130 staff, largely at Tūroa, due to the lack of snow.

Reception to the news on social media has largely been conciliatory, with many expressing concern for staff or reminiscing about better days on the slopes.

Fortunes have been slightly better on the other side of the mountain with a greater depth of snow in the upper reaches of Whakapapa, as well as manufactured snow to bolster the beginners area. Intermediates have been out of luck this winter, as the upper runs in both areas are suitable for only advanced skiers and riders.

Tū roa Ski Area manager Johan Bergman paid tribute to the team’s efforts on social media.

“I am immensely proud of what the team here at Tūroa has achieved with what little snow we had,” he says.

The closure leaves Whakapapa as the North Island’s last open ski area, with an expected end to operations on Labour Day, October 24.

During that time, the upper mountain T-bar lifts will run, with daily updates on conditions shared on RAL’s website.

The Sky Waka gondola and Knoll Ridge Cafe remain open for sightseers.

RAL has warned that the snow on Happy Valley is unlikely to last long, however, with this weekend or next expected to be the end of the beginners’ area for the season