Mount Ruapehu, seen from the road leading up to the Whakapapa Village Photo: RNZ / Alison Ballance
Businesses in the ski towns of Ohakune and National Park say recent snowfalls have been a lifesaver - they've gone from worrying about going under, to being busier than last year, and they're stoked about it.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts which ran the Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas, went into liquidation in June, owing tens of millions of dollars, after a two bids to buy the ski areas failed.
The government stepped in just before the July school holidays, with a five-million-dollar loan to the liquidators to allow the season to go ahead, but negotiations about who will ultimately own the two ski areas continue.
Central North Island iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa has reportedly confirmed it is also now in the bidding to buy RAL and is conducting due diligence.
A decision on the ski fields' long-term future could be months away. Meanwhile the snow's been falling and visitors have been pouring in.
Susie speaks with Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton, and James Bell, a bootfitter with TCB ski rentals in Ohakune.
