Snow & Ski Conditions Whakapapa

The Whakapapa snow report for Oct 05 is a 24" base depth with 6 of 8 lifts open. Please note ski conditions and snowfall at Whakapapa are sourced directly from the ski resort and are only recorded during the official ski season's opening to closing dates.
WhakapapaOpen

Recent Snowfall

      
0"0"0"0"0"0"

Mid Mountain

36"
Variable Conditions

Summit

24"
Variable Conditions
Snow Reporter Comments: Last updated: 12:44pm Mon 6th Oct Morena and welcome to a mostly clear Whakapapa Ski Area. Overnight we had clear weather with the odd flurry coming through. The forecast for today is for mostly clear weather up high with cloud building from this afternoon. We are into spring snow conditions - a breakable crust on trail which will soften, and variable conditions off trail. We still have great top to bottom skiing and riding! Lift facilities will OPEN from 9.30am this morning. Please note our beginner area will remain on Carpet 3 in Happy Valley for the next few days while we finish prepping Cindertrack Carpet on the upper mountain. We have also changed to spring hours which bumps opening out to 9.30am to accommodate the general spring morning freeze.
Lifts Open
6/8 open
Runs Open
21/31 open
Beginner Runs Open
1/4
Intermediate Runs Open
10/10
Advanced Runs Open
8/15
Expert Runs Open
2/2
Runs Open
68%

Resort Overview

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May 31
Projected Opening
Oct 26
Projected Closing
Whakapapa Ski Area is perched on the northwestern slopes of Mt. Ruapehu in Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand, within the UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park. As the country’s largest ski field, it spans 550 hectares (1,359 acres) and features 31 trails served by 8 lifts, including gondolas, high-speed quads, and surface lifts. With a base elevation of 1,630 meters and a summit reaching 2,300 meters, the resort offers a vertical drop of 670 meters and receives an average of 171 cm of snowfall annually.The terrain breakdown includes 13% beginner, 32% intermediate, 48% advanced, and 6% expert runs. Families will love the fully separated Happy Valley beginner zone, complete with its own lift system, snowmaking, and tubing lanes. The Sky Waka gondola provides scenic access to upper mountain trails and the Knoll Ridge Chalet, New Zealand’s highest restaurant. Freestyle riders can explore a terrain park, halfpipe, and natural volcanic features that make every run feel unique.Visitors choose Whakapapa for its dramatic alpine setting, diverse terrain, and modern lift infrastructure. Whether you're cruising the 4 km longest run or dropping into volcanic chutes, the resort delivers a high-altitude adventure with panoramic views, reliable snow coverage, and a welcoming vibe for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

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