Mt Ruapehu

Mountain Signage

Our goal is to prevent as many ‘preventable’ accidents as we possibly can here at Mt Ruapehu and part of our hazard management strategy includes the use of various safety signs to convey messages to you, our customers. 

We have included some of the most common signs you will see while visiting the ski area, we recommend that you become familiar with what they look like and what they mean. It is also a great idea to talk to any children that you are bringing to the snow about these basic signs to ensure they also know what they mean.

	Ski Area Boundary The Ski Area Boundary marks the "patrolled" area. Beyond this point there are no safety services. It is marked with these type of signs. Move beyond this boundary at your own risk.
	Danger Cliff This sign is placed in the proximity of cliff hazards, if you do not want to ski or ride over a cliff, do not pass these signs. A rope may be present connecting these signs for increased clarity.
	Closed Closed to all, an explanation of why will be shown in yellow below. Do not enter any area marked by these signs. A rope will join these signs for clarity.
	Keep Out - Hazardous Area As the sign says, "keep out", these are placed in areas where specific hazards exist that cannot be eliminated such as snow making ponds or waterfall holes into which someone could fall.
	Closed - Avalanche Danger This is used when the avalanche hazard is being controlled 'actively' (using explosives etc) by Ski Patrol or being 'passively' (closed) controlled by keeping people out of the area until the snow stabilises enough to be controlled actively. Disobeying an Avalanche Closure can result in a TWO WEEK LOSS OF PASS.
	Caution Ice This will be placed to warn people of a particularly icy patch of terrain ahead. Use caution.
	Caution Rocks Warning of rocks buried in or on the trail ahead that might not be visible. Use caution.
	Caution Trails Merge Two or more trails are merging into one, use caution at this point and remember, 'The skier/rider below you has the right of way'.
	Caution Marginal Conditions  These signs warn you that the trail or trails ahead are not up to the normal high standard due to low snow levels. Expect the terrain beyond these signs to be different to normal conditions. Damage to equipment will be more likely in this area.
	Attention, Advanced Ability Only  These signs are used to inform you that this lift transports people to terrain that is only suitable for more experienced and capable riders. Find someone who is familiar with the lift for your first time if you are unsure about your ability to ride it.
	Slow Slow means slow, these are placed in areas where bottle necks occur or where a designated SLOW area is placed. Beginners frequent these areas and people travelling too fast will be asked to leave.