Skiing at Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand

Mount Ruapehu, 2797m high, has the largest ski area in New Zealand. There are two main ski areas: Whakapapa and Turoa. Whakapapa has 900 hectares skiable area, 14 lifts and tows, and longest run 3.8km; Turoa has also around 900 hectares skiable area, 9 lifts and tows, and longest run 4km. Both ski areas are available in late June till mid-November. Cafes, ski or snowboard rental, retail outlet and medical facilities may also found in these two areas.

Whakapapa and Turoa are both operated by RAL (Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Ltd) a public non-profit company. An advantage of this is that ski tickets are interchangeable between the two resorts, allowing skiers to buy a multi-day pass and choose which ski area to go to on each day.

Skiing is one of the recreational activities and competition sports. Skiing that available at Mt Ruapehu is alpine skiing, also called downhill skiing, a sport involving sliding down at the ski area with skis attached to each foot.

For people who never skied or snowboarded before, beginner package (http://www.mtruapehu.com/winter/package-deals/) is available at Mt Ruapehu. The webpage also shares lots of information about preparation before skiing. A special package also provided to kid called Club Penguin Discover Snow Packages.

However, Skiing could be very dangerous activity. The weather also changeable in the extreme. Hence, tourist must done well preparation or visit the page (http://www.mtruapehu.com/winter/tips-for-your-visit/) for useful tips. 

Reference:

http://www.statravel.co.nz/mt-ruapehu-ski-snowboard.htm

http://wikiski.com/wiki/index.php/Whakapapa,_Mount_Ruapehu

http://www.mtruapehu.com/

http://wikitravel.org/en/Alpine_skiing