Whakapapa Ski Resort
Whakapapa Ski Area is a popular ski resort located on the north-western slopes of Mount Ruapehu, in the Tongariro National Park, on the North Island of New Zealand. It is one of two commercial ski resorts on the mountain and is operated by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL).
The Whakapapa Ski Area has a skiable area of 550 hectares, with 30 lifts that serve 67 runs. The resort's elevation ranges from 1,620 metres to 2,322 metres above sea level, and the ski season typically runs from late June to late October. The ski area offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, including beginner slopes, challenging black runs, and off-piste terrain. Whakapapa Ski Area is also known for its stunning natural scenery, with views of Mount Ngauruhoe, which was used as the backdrop for Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The resort is located in a World Heritage Area and is surrounded by beautiful alpine landscapes, including volcanic craters, glaciers, and lakes.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Whakapapa Ski Area offers a range of other winter activities, such as tobogganing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Resorts in New Zealand are not known for villages on the mountains, and we think that maybe because it’s an active volcano it’s smart not to build a village on it, however the local towns of Ohakune and Turangi are both within an hour of the resort and offer everything any ski holiday needs with a range of accommodation options to keep everyone happy. Overall, Whakapapa Ski Area is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to enjoy skiing or snowboarding in a beautiful and unique natural setting.
Whakapapa Web Cam & Live Snow Cam
Stay up to date with the snow conditions from every corner of Whakapapa ski field. We have collected all the best views from the Whakapapa web cam so you can see what the conditions are like from all around the resort.
If you want to check out the snow depth from the latest storm, see if the sun is going to be shining or check out the weather before your next visit - check out the Whakapapa web cam below.
The Staircase Slopes
This Whakapapa web cam sits at the top of Rangatira Express Chairlift and looks up towards the Staircase ski run.
Whakapapa Lift Tickets
Skiers and Boarders at Whakapapa ski resort can enjoy competitively priced access to skiing at Mt Ruapehu through the Mt Ruapehu lift ticket system. A simple load and go system offers a seamless experience once out on the ski fields.
Whakapapa ski field is one of two on the mountain and customers can enjoy access to both resorts with a single lift ticket.
Staying a while? Save with a Multi-Day Pass or join the whanau (family) with a Season Pass for unlimited skiing PLUS discounts on-mountain, off-mountain and free skiing deals overseas at our partner resorts.
Whakapapa Lift System
Only opening in 2020 the brand new Sky Waka gondola is the first of its kind in New Zealand and can now whisk riders high up from the base to the high alpine region in comfort with closed cabins. This gondola experience has made skiing at Mt Ruapehu a more enjoyable experience.
Complementing the Sky Waka is a range of quad and double chairs which have great placement across the mountain to ensure all runs are easily accessed and riders are kept spread out to ensure limited lines at the lifts.
Whakapapa Ski Field Stats
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Seasons
OPENING AND CLOSING DATES -
The official opening and closing dates at for current and past seasons. These dates are subject to change at Ski Resort discretion based on weather and snowfall. Estimated dates are based on historical averages or advice from the resort and retrieved from the resort website.| Season | Opening | Closing |
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*Closed early due to COVID-19
Where is Whakapapa Ski Field?
Sitting within the Tongariro National Park there are very few places in the world where you can ride the slopes of an active volcano in the worlds 6th National park that now holds dual UNESCO World Heritage status for both its cultural significance to the Māori people, as well as its outstanding natural features.
Rising up from the centre of the north island is Mt Ruapehu and on the western face of the mountain is Whakapapa ski field. On the southern side of the mountain the second ski resort of Turoa can be found and both resorts can be accessed from the same lift pass.
The resort can be found 1 hours’ drive up (weather permitting) from the local kiwi town of Ohakune or Turangi which are the closet main towns for amenities. If you are coming in from overseas then chances are you will be flying into Auckland International airport and its best to rent a car and make the scenic drive down to Whakapapa ski resort. Visitors traditionally stay in Ohakune or Turangi because most New Zealand resorts do not offer overnight accommodation at the resorts.
Whakapapa Snow News
Other New Zealand resorts you might love
Despite a milder winter in the Northeast, ski resorts in the region have persevered, benefiting from late-season snowstorms. Riders, known for their resilience, continue to ski as long as the lifts are operational. Thanks to recent storms, many resorts are extending their season into mid-April and even May. A list of projected closing dates for resorts has been compiled, with some expected to remain open longer. However, these dates are subject to change, so it's advisable to check resort websites for the latest updates.