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WELCOME TO TUROA AT OHAKUNE & Skotel, New Zealand’s highest hotel
 In the middle of New Zealand’s North Island, the magnificent slopes of Mount Ruapehu rise dramatically from the surrounding countryside.
High on the southern slopes of this still active volcano lies Turoa Ski Resort.
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The North Island ski fields on Mt Ruapehu got more snow over the last week, especially Turoa which now has an upper mountain base of 3 metres.
"The current snow levels are the best at Whakapapa (and Turoa) in seven years. Whakapapa Ski Area now has an upper mountain snow base of 270cm.There has been a couple of 40cm plus dumps over the last week, and another 20cm last Saturday, and currently it is snowing down to low levels, with 15cm forcasted down to 700m, and it snowed in Ohakune at 600m on Sunday night. It's the biggest base at Mt Ruapehu since 1995," says Kim Manunui MARKETING COORDINATOR at Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Ltd.
Skiers and Boarders also benefit from a Multi-million Dollar Upgrade of Mt Ruapehu "$3.5NZmillion has been spent on upgrading Mt Ruapehu which is the largest single investment Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) has made on the mountain for 10 years," says Mike Smith, Mt Ruapehu Marketing Manager.
"This year marks our second season operating under the combined Mt Ruapehu brand and the $3.5 NZ million investment indicates the company's confidence in the future of the ski areas," says Smith
A "Whakapapa on Snow" package including return airfares to Auckland, 5 days car rental. 5 nights accommodation at a quintessential Kiwi ski lodge (on-snow at Whakapapa Ski Area), dinners & breakfasts, a 2 day Ski & activity Pass, Australian gov't taxes & airline charges.
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OFF-TRAIL AT TUROA
Boasting the biggest vertical drop of any ski area in Australasia.
Turoa is renowned for its expansive terrain, long runs and superb Spring skiing and boarding. With fast, open slopes leading into winding trails and tricky chutes, Turoa provides thrills aplenty for everyone.
For the adventurous, there is a giant area of untracked snow to explore off-trail, including the spectacular Mangaehuehu Glacier. Also try the walk to the crater lake, which takes just over an hour, and provides stunning views. Please check the weather and snow conditions with ski patrol before you go.
Turoa has about 400 hectares (almost 1,000 acres) of patrolled skiable terrain and almost the same amount again in off-trail skiing. There are three main off-trail areas, all accessed from the top of the Bacardi T-bar.
Taking the Bacardi T-bar, and traversing west at the top (left), you’ll find some absolutely stunning skiing: long, open slopes, wide enough so you can almost guarantee to make your own tracks. Head down the first gully on Slider or just beyond it on Layback and you can pop out the bottom to catch the Moro Race T-bar back up. You can also traverse further west to Solitude or Limit and you’ll have the slopes to yourself. The run down is magnificent with over 4km of pure thrill.
Another option is to head east (right) at the top of the Bacardi T-bar and make for the glacier entrance. After a good snowfall, you’ll find some of the best powder snow in the country in this area. For speedsters, the ‘Speedtrack’ will provide some truly heart-pumping action. The beauty of glacier skiing at Turoa is that the High Flyer quad chairlift will take skiers straight out of the bottom of the glacier and right back up to the top of the Giant. Alternatively you can carry on skiing right back down to the car parks in the base area - a perfect way to end the day!
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Skotel, New Zealand’s highest hotel
 Whakapapa Village, on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, is the centre of activity, both summer and winter, when visiting the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. The village is home to the Park Information Centre from where many walks originate.
Skotel, New Zealand’s highest hotel, is nestled in the tussock at the upper end of the village. A unique base for sport, sightseeing or relaxation.
- Deluxe and standard rooms, 5 self-contained chalets
- Licensed restaurant, house bar and conference facilities
- Spa pool, sauna and games room
- Backpackers wing with twin rooms
- 10 minutes from Whaka-papa, New Zealand’s largest skifield. Ski hire, lift tickets and mountain transport available from Skotel
- 20 minutes from the world famous Tongariro Crossing walk, horse trekking and rock climbing — return transport available
- 30 minutes from Tongariro River, famed for trout fishing, thermal pools and white water rafting
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| Spacious foyer |
Enjoy a drink on the terrace |
Friendly bar |
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Skotel has a wide range of accommodation from deluxe rooms, standard rooms and family chalets to a backpacker's wing.
Whether you are an avid skier or just love the mountains, the team at Skotel can give you a holiday you will not forget. |
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| Statistics |
| Mountain Name |
Mount Ruapehu |
Season |
June to late Oct / mid Nov |
| Summit Altitude |
2797 m |
Operating Hours |
9:00am to 4:00pm |
| Highest Lifted Point |
2322 m - Bacardi T-bar |
Skiing Area |
400 hectares |
| Vertical Drop |
720 m |
Longest Run |
Over 4 km |
| Lift Capacity |
12,600 people per hour |
Terrain Mix |
20% Beginner
55% Intermediate
25% Advanced
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