Is Tūroa open for 2026? The Tūroa 2026 ski season
Yes, The Tūroa 2026 ski season opened on Saturday 4 July.
24 July Update – Fresh snow, conditions will be challenging
Tūroa will get fresh snow this weekend as a cold system moves across Mt Ruapehu. Forecast totals remain uncertain, but the mountain may see between 20cm and 50cm across Saturday and Sunday.
The storm is also expected to bring strong winds, low visibility and difficult driving conditions, which may limit lift operations while it passes through. Visitors should check the latest Tūroa snow report and Ohakune Mountain Road updates before heading up. The fresh snow will be valuable once conditions improve and could help strengthen coverage across the upper mountain.
15 July Update – More terrain opens at Tūroa
Tūroa continues to expand its 2026 ski season operations, with the Wintergarden Platter open alongside the Alpine Meadow Platter and Carpet. The Parklane Chair and Movenpick Chair are also open.
The ski area has received 2cm of snow in the past 24 hours and 10cm over the past seven days. Tūroa is reporting a 90cm lower snow base and a 50cm upper snow base.
The Giant Chair remains closed, although Tūroa expects to confirm later today whether it will open on Thursday or Friday. High Noon Express also remains closed. The mountain road is open, with drivers advised to take care around frosty patches. Sledding and the terrain park are also open.
Tūroa 2026 ski season lifts operating:
| Lift | Status |
|---|---|
| Alpine Meadow Platter | Open |
| Alpine Meadow Carpet | Open |
| Wintergarden Platter | Open |
| Parklane Chair | Open |
| Movenpick Chair | Open |
| Giant Chair | Closed |
| High Noon Express | Closed |
9 July Update – Snowstorm closed Tūroa
Mother Nature is currently delivering exactly what the mountain needs, with snowfall expected to continue through till tomorrow. While that is good news for the season, conditions on the mountain were not suitable for operations today.
The Ohakune Mountain Road is closed at the 9km mark due to snow and ice. Once the weather allows, Tūroa will provide an update on how much snow has fallen and what this may mean for opening more facilities into the weekend.
The MetService forecast is currently pointing to better weather from Saturday onwards. That could make the weekend a much better window, provided the mountain can be assessed and operations are able to open.
Tūroa is not yet open for skiing and riding, but the ski area is preparing for its first planned day of operation on Saturday 4 July.
Early-season conditions are still in place on Mt Ruapehu, and snow coverage remains limited. More snow is forecast from Sunday into Monday, which could help improve coverage as the season gets underway.
Snow coverage is still limited, with the main ski area yet to open for the 2026 season.
The next cold system could bring fresh snow to Mt Ruapehu from Sunday into next week, which may help improve early-season coverage.
Anyone planning to visit Tūroa should always check the latest mountain report before travelling, as weather, road and lift conditions can change quickly on Mt Ruapehu.
