Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Art & Entertainment | Book Reviews | Education | Entertainment Video | Health | Lifestyle | Sport | Sport Video | Search

 

Images: Mt Ruapehu Snowed To A Halt

27 May 2002


Kim Manunui (back) and Michelle McGill of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts take a slide down the road by the base area of Whakapapa.


Ruapehu Alpine Lifts staff had "no option" but to stop work and enjoy the snow.

Heavy snow drifts of up to one metre gave Ruapehu Alpine Lifts staff the excuse they were looking for today to stop work and go play in the snow.

Thanks to a cold South-West front sweeping the country, Mt Ruapehu ski area has received 40-50cms of new snow on the upper mountain and 20-30cms has blanketed the lower areas of Happy Valley on Whakapapa and Alpine Meadow on Turoa.

Further snow is expected over the next 48 hours.

Mike Smith, Marketing Manager at Ruapehu Alpine Lifts says the snowfall is setting the mountain up for a good year.

"It's almost a year to the day that we got a similar heavy snowfall which set up the 2001 season. The snow we are receiving now will pack down well and form an excellent snow base for the 2002 season.

"The snow has really set the region abuzz and we can't wait for opening day on June 21. While the storm has slowed progress on major projects such as the Giant Cafe, Happy Valley chairlift and snowmaking installations at Whakapapa, fine weather forecast mid week means work crews will be working hard to make up lost time.

"For now we just sit back, enjoy the snow and watch Mother Nature at her best."

Ends


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Auckland
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.