Spring skiing is our favourite time of year
Don’t get us wrong, we still love winter conditions, powder and all. But that said, we do have a soft spot for spring skiing at Mt Ruapehu.
Fine weather, longer days and a more relaxed atmosphere all make spring a great time to head up the mountain. Add in softening snow, sunny afternoons and the chance of some classic spring corn snow, and there is still plenty to enjoy once September arrives.
Here’s what we think you will love about skiing on Mt Ruapehu this spring.
Longer days on the mountain
An unexpected benefit of spring skiing is simply having more daylight.
The mornings can still be cold, particularly higher up the mountain, but once the sun gets onto the slopes the snow begins to soften and the whole character of the day changes.
There is less of that mid-winter rush to get everything done before the light starts disappearing. You can take your time, stop for lunch, enjoy the views and make the most of the warmer afternoon conditions.
Spring snow can be very good, but it is different from mid-winter snow. Overnight temperatures can firm the snow surface, particularly after a clear night. As the sun warms the slopes through the morning, that firm surface gradually softens.
Get the timing right and you can find smooth, forgiving “corn” snow that is great fun to ski.
What is corn snow?
Corn snow develops through repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles, creating small, rounded snow crystals. Once it softens in the sun, the snow becomes soft and forgiving. You sink slightly into it, and turning seems to become easier.
On untouched runs, it can almost feel like you are skiing powder.
Corn snow is one of those things that can make spring skiing addictive.
Whakapapa in spring
Whakapapa’s north-facing position helps during spring, as it gets the sun earlier, allowing the snow to soften more quickly.
Each run receives the sun at different times of the day, which means conditions can change considerably as you move around the mountain. Avoid the shady parts of the run, it could still be icy.
Higher terrain can remain firm while lower or more sun-exposed slopes begin to soften, especially in the valleys. Ski those first in the morning, then venture higher as the snow softens!
Whakapapa has plenty of terrain to explore, and spring often provides some of the best days of the season.
Tūroa in spring
On the southern side of Mt Ruapehu, Tūroa really is quite magical for spring skiing.
Its wide-open slopes and higher elevation mean there can still be plenty of snow around well into the later parts of the season.
On sunny days, the snow gradually softens across the mountain, creating long runs on spring corn snow without the cold you experience during the winter season. A single light jacket works a treat at this time of year.
And when the weather is fine, the views from the upper mountain across to Mt Taranaki and the Central Plateau are hard to beat.
Spring also feels different
We are still there to ski, but there is less urgency about it.
Have a few runs, stop for something to eat, head back out when the snow softens, and enjoy being on the mountain. It is a much more relaxed style of skiing.
That is one of the reasons to go spring skiing at Mt Ruapehu. It might not always have the excitement of a big winter powder day, but when the sun is out and the snow has softened, spring can provide some of the most enjoyable skiing of the season.
