Mt Ruapehu is home to the north island's only two commercial ski areas, Whakapapa and Turoa, and provides a unique skiing experience in that it is an active volcano and part of a dual World Heritage Area. Both ski areas have fully sealed access roads and world class facilities, including licensed cafes, retail stores, equipment hire and ski schools. The terrain at both ski areas is varied and vast, making them suitable for all ability levels and you can access both ski areas with one lift pass.

Whakapapa

Whakapapa Ski Area on the north-western slopes is New Zealand's largest ski area, with more than 65 trails across 1050 hectares.

Whakapapa is home to New Zealand's premiere beginners' area. Happy Valley is a complete learner’s area that is separate to the main ski area so beginners can progress without the worry of faster skiers putting them off. It has its own cafe, rental complex and ski school meeting area. The gentle slope is long enough for you really get the hang of your new sport and there is a slow-moving chairlift that takes beginners to the top of the slope while giving them a chance to rest their legs.

There are 30 groomed trails and a huge variety of off-piste areas that intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders will love. The pinnacles backcountry area is a lift accessed double black diamond area at Whakapapa and is used for the increasingly popular Extreme Competition each September. 

Turoa

Turoa Ski Area on the south-western slopes holds the title of Australasia's longest vertical drop and New Zealand's highest lift. 

Like Whakapapa, the beginner area at Turoa (Alpine Meadow) is separate to the main ski area, so beginners can learn in a safe environment. However, strong skiers and boarders aren’t neglected….we have a huge variety of terrain, from open runs to gullies and cliffs. If you want to get off the groomers, Turoa has 2 lift-accessed off-piste areas that strong skiers and riders love. And if you want to turn your legs into jelly, we have a run that is 4kms long!

Over the 2006/07 summer Turoa underwent New Zealand's biggest ever ski area upgrade, with $19 million being spent on 3 major projects.

• A new 1.4km long 6-seat high-speed chairlift with padded seats and footrests was built
• The snowmaking system was tripled in size and a 55 milion litre water resevoir was created to feed future expansion of snowmaking
• The base area cafe and retail complex was doubled in size and now seats 400 people.