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Company History

This section has been made possible by the help of many skiers who made their valuable and historical photographic collections available to the researchers.  We hope you enjoy them and if you have photos, video or information that you would like to share on these pages, please contact us at info@mtruapehu.com.

Special thanks to John Ball who provided all video content. For a copy of John's DVD, Ruapehu: A Tribute to our Skiing Pioneers, contact the Vertical retail store or email John at jbproductions@ihug.co.nz.

Gift of Fire & Ice

Skiing on Ruapehu

Whakapapa & National Park Villages
The early reays of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts were difficult ones. The company had to cope with the consequences of lahars, lightening and icing. These and the financial problems which beset the company would have brought the enterprise to a halt if not for Bryan Todd. Without his enthusiasm, dedication and financial support Ruapehu Alpine Lifts would not have survived. © Todd collection

Formation of RAL

 

This vehicle, designed and built by Tom and Jim Bates, carried skiers and sightseers from the topmost lift at Whakapapa to the col above Crater Lake. © Arthur Bates

Other Commercial Operators

Turoa
Ash eruptions from the active crater of Ruapehu between August and November 1945 ruined skiing that year. The heavy ash showers completely disrupted the Chateau's water supply and the psychiatric patients that had been moved there in 1942 were evacuated. Much to the dismay of skiers, the Chateau did not reopen to the public until 1948. © Tongariro National Park collection

Volcanic History

 

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Subaru - offical vehicle of Mt Ruapehu