Whakapapa skifield has officially closed for the season, with the winter set to kick off on Queens birthday the 5th June 2021. Sky Waka will reopen for summer sightseeing on 12th December!
Ticketing:
All ticketing is online. There's a very limited opportunity to purchase on-site but there will be no cash on the mountain for the 2020 season. Any payments will be card only in all of our outlets.
Lift Operations:
Lifts operations this 2020 winter season on Whakapapa were limited. Due to the time lost through lockdown, alongside the inability to bring in overseas expertise to work on some of our lifts, this means we were not able to open every lift this season. Our focus has been on offering top to bottom skiing at both ski areas, with a beginner offer focused at Whakapapa’s Happy Valley.
At Whakapapa, the following lifts will be in operation:
- Happy Valley Carpets
- Rangatira (Weekends and inclement weather days)
- Sky Waka
- Knoll T-Bar
Transport & Shuttles
RAL was not offering customer shuttles for this season. With the reduced capacity on the mountain, we see little need for a scheduled large capacity service, so will instead be recommending the local operators who can coordinate smaller numbers when the road is restricted. Details can be found here.
Night Skiing
Night skiing did not proceed for the 2020 winter season, however will be reviewed again for 2021.
First Tracks
First Tracks will not go ahead this season, however will be reviewed again for 2021.
The Mount Ruapehu Ohakune and Taupo Snow Depot also remain closed for the 2020 Winter season. However will be reviewed again for 2021.
Services and Facilities
Opening Times
- 9am - 4pm 7 days
- Upper Mountain | 1st July - 26th October
- Happy Valley | 1st July - 4th October
