New Zealand Ski Resort Opens Chairlift For First Time In Two Years
New Zealand — While it’s been a rough couple of years on Mt. Ruapehu after a bankruptcy filing in 2022, things are finally looking up for the two ski fields (Whakapapa and Tūroa) that were part of that scandal. Now, the two ski fields have different owners and are starting to chart paths towards future success.
After a slow start to the ski season, conditions have kicked into high gear for the second half of the winter. This has allowed Whakapapa to open a lift that hasn’t operated in years.
Last week, Whakapapa announced that the West Ridge Quad is open for the first time in two years. The West Ridge Quad is a fixed-grip quad chairlift that was installed in 1989. This chairlift services intermediate terrain.
Whakapapa & Mt. Ruapehu
Situated on the North Island of New Zealand, Whakapapa is one of the three ski fields situated on Mt. Ruapehu, an active volcano. The third one is Tukino, which wasn’t owned by the company that entered bankruptcy. The ski field features 550 hectares (1,359 acres) of inbounds skiable terrain, 12 lifts, and a lift-served vertical drop of 690 meters (2,264 feet). For people who don’t ski or ride, there’s sightseeing from the gondola, a snow play area, and sledding. Whakapapa’s scheduled closing date is October 11th.
Image/Video Credits: Whakapapa
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