Spring skiing is our favourite time of year
Don’t get us wrong, we still love winter conditions, powder and all. But saying that, 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
One of the best things about 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.
On a clear spring day, Mt Ruapehu is also a pretty spectacular place to be.
Spring snow can be very good. Spring snow is different from mid-winter snow, but when the conditions line up it can be primo (skiing term for excellent).
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.
Then there is corn snow
Corn develops through repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles, creating small rounded snow crystals. Once it softens in the sun, it can produce some of the nicest spring skiing conditions on the mountain.
It is one of those things that can make spring skiing addictive.
Whakapapa in spring
Whakapapa’s size and variety make it particularly interesting during spring.
Certain slopes receive the sun at different times of the day, which means conditions can change considerably as you move around the mountain.
Higher terrain can remain firm while lower or more sun-exposed slopes begin to soften, especially in the valleys.
Whakapapa also 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 is another ski area that really suits spring skiing.
Its wide open slopes and elevation mean there can still be plenty of snow around well into later part of the season.
On sunny days the snow gradually softens across the mountain, creating long runs on spring snow without the deep cold you might experience earlier in the season.
And when the weather is settled, the views from the upper mountain are hard to beat.
Spring also feels different.
You 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.
That is really the appeal of spring skiing at Mt Ruapehu. It might not always have the excitement of a big winter powder day, but when the sun is out, the snow has softened, spring can provide some of the most enjoyable skiing of the season.
We hope you enjoy your spring skiing experience. We always do!
