Snow dance on the volcano

Chapter 6: Winter sports and winter experiences in the park

Snowboarders in the Whakapapa ski area, Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

It’s hip. It’s cool. And it’s incredibly good fun. Snowboarding! That’s why whole crowds of young New Zealanders are putting their surfboards in the garage and switching to the snow. Because in winter, dreams come true—at least for winter sports enthusiasts. Where else can you experience white powder snow dreams on an active volcano? Three ski areas are located on the slopes of Ruapehu. Tukino, the smallest of the three in the east; Turoa in the south, which has the driest powder snow and the coldest temperatures; and finally Whakapapa, New Zealand’s largest ski area. Whichever area you choose, you’ll find long runs, up to four metres of snow, a magnificent backdrop and enough cliffs to get plenty of air under your board…

Winter sports on Ruapehu have a long tradition; the first skiers arrived in 1913 and laid the foundation, and by 1931 the first ski club huts were built. It’s no wonder, as the area offers a magnificent backdrop, the best powder snow and enough cliffs to get plenty of air under your board…

Mountaineers at Red Crater in winter, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand On Tongariro, however, it’s more the ski tourers or mountaineers who find their joy. Towards spring, the firmer snowpack allows for the ascent of Ngauruhoe or the Tongariro Crossing again, which then presents a completely different character in the park’s annual cycle. The huts on Tongariro are generally open in winter too and are usually equipped with gas heating. However, hikers should be proficient with an ice axe and crampons and should check the visitor centre early for information on the external conditions and the weather.