30 Jun 2023

Ruapehu ski field ready to go for season after govt bailout

From Checkpoint, 5:16 pm on 30 June 2023

Dust off your thermal undies and sharpen your edges, we're back; that's the message from the operators of the beleagured Mt Ruapehu ski fields.

Despite financial uncertainity, a $5 million government bail-out means the mountain is able to open tomorrow for the winter season.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts that runs the Whakapapa and Turoa Ski field went into liquidation last week after creditors failed to agree on who should take over the operation.

Decision on its long term future could be months away. In the meantime, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is reopening the fields tomorrow.

Chief executive Jono Dean spoke to Lisa Owen