The future of Mt Ruapehu is again shrouded in uncertainty after the group that looked set to purchase the Whakapapa ski field, walked away.
A government rescue package meant skiing could at last take place on the mountain's two slopes last winter, and there were hopes this year would provide yet more certainty.
However, with the Whakapapa deal now up in smoke, the region's tourism businesses are nervous.
Jimmy Ellingham reports.
