Whakapapa

Area Profile

Whakapapa, New Zealand's largest ski area since joining with Turoa Ski Resort, is part of Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's oldest national park and a world heritage area. Whakapapa is operated under a licence issued by the Department of Conservation and is owned and run by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Ltd. There are 43 trails with terrain for all ability levels; including off-piste expert terrain. The ski area can be broken into three areas: Happy Valley (a self contained beginners area), the "east" side (where the majority of lifts & services are located), and the "west" side (highlighted by the lift accessed backcountry terrain).

Lodging Profile

There are 1,500 bunks on mountain. Nearby accomodations include hotels, motels and backpacker facilities.

Services Profile

Ski hire, ski shops, snow groomers, instructors, ski school for adults and children.

Area Recreation Profile

Nearby towns of Whakapapa Village, National Park Village, Tokaanu, Turangi, Ohakune, Taupo. Taverns, restaurants, nightclub and more.

Snowboarding Profile

Freeriding allowed on all open terrain. Halfpipe in the Te Heu Heu Valley cut with Piston-Bully Pipe Master. Ampitheater Terrain Park is a natural formation.

Common Misspellings

mt ruapehu, ruapehu

Important Dates

Projected Days Open: N/A

Days Open Last Year: N/A

Years Open: 8

Average Snowfall: N/A

Terrain Type

Beginner Runs: 25%

Intermediate Runs: 50%

Advanced Runs: 0%

Expert Runs: 0%

Lifts

Total Number Of Lifts: 14

Gondolas & Trams: N/A

High Speed Sixes: N/A

High Speed Quads: N/A

Quad Chairs: 2

Triple Chairs: N/A

Double Chairs: 5

Surface Lifts: 7

Elevation

Top: 2300 ft.

Bottom: 1630 ft.

Vertical Drop: 675 ft.

Longest Run: N/A

Skiable Terrain: 1359 acres

Snow Making: N/A