It’s all downhill for skiers from today

The change to level 2 from midnight for regions beyond Auckland has given ski operators a burst of optimism, with some snowfields vowing to be ready to go this morning.

While skiers in Tamaki Makaurau will not be able to cross city boundaries, the rest of New Zealand is free to travel domestically for tourism and recreation.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), which operates Whakapapa and Tu¯roa, maintained the ski areas in level 3 for a quick return to operation.

“Alert level 2 is a game changer for us at Mt Ruapehu as we can all return to the maunga,” says RAL boss, Jono Dean. “Although, unfortunately Aucklanders will have to wait a bit longer.”

There will still be reduced capacity on visitors under level 2 distancing requirements. This is capped at just over 2500 guests for Tu¯roa and 3000 at Whakapapa.

“While this is down on what we would consider a ‘busy’ weekend day, which can attract up to 5000 guests, these capacity limits sit comfortably above our average daily numbers,” says Dean.

In the South Island, NZSki says its three ski resorts — Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt — will be open from today, with restrictions.

NZSki’s CEO Paul Anderson welcomed the “return to a sense of normality” and looked forward to a return to the snow this week.

Scanning “gateways” on access roads for Covid Tracer apps and 50 person-caps on facilities such as cafes will be an obvious difference.

Nearby Cardrona and Treble Cone will also operate under new restrictions. While at Level 2, Cardrona is asking visitors to avoid queues at the cafes and storage areas and to ski from their cars, “use it for shelter, to rest and have a picnic” — and give plenty of space to others on the mountain.

While Ruapehu and other mountains remain off limits to Aucklanders under level 4, Northlanders will not be able to travel through the city to go ski.