It's ski season, so where's the snow?
September 2024, The Editor
Here we are in September, planning our annual spring skiing trip to Mt Ruapehu, but the snow for the 2024 ski season in the North Island is in short supply; the snow line is much higher than in previous years.
The season started with promise, with several storms rolling through from the south, but unfortunately, the typical weather patterns didn’t follow. According to NIWA, this year has been the third warmest winter on record in New Zealand.
“Rainfall was below normal (50-79% of normal) in parts of southern Northland, central Waikato, the Ruapehu District, and northern Canterbury. In contrast, rainfall was above normal (120-149% of normal) about the Bay of Islands, Gisborne, Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough, the Mackenzie Basin, and eastern and central parts of Otago.”
Snow levels at Whakapapa 2023 vs 2024
Big snow would have been ideal for 2024
In 2024, Whakapapa and Pure Tūroa would have hoped for a bumper season to kick off their new ventures; however, the lack of snow is not ideal, tempering their launch. But to their credit, they have made the best of their situation and made some positive changes for 2024.
It is worth noting that Tūroa currently has better snow coverage than Whakapapa, but nothing like it has in recent years. Tukino* (eastern side of Mt Ruapehu) and Manganui* (Mt Taranaki) only opened for a few days in 2024.
Snow levels at Tūroa 2023 vs 2024
A new trend for skiing in the North Island?
The snow seems to be receding further to the higher slopes every season. Is the lack of snow becoming the new way of skiing on the North Island? We hope not! It might be a case of several years of unusual seasonal weather patterns. However, we seem to be seeing “changing weather patterns” quite a lot these days.
Depending on the snow gods, we could see a higher-than-average snowfall next season. Who knows?
If true, North Island ski fields should invest more in snowmaking for the lower slopes and tracks. These are needed to provide skiers with access to the upper mountain. As of today, the only way to access the upper slopes is by chairlift.
The days of skiing from top to bottom are becoming just memories.
After all, It's up to Mother Nature
Skiing, whether in New Zealand or other countries, relies on Mother Nature for snow. Some seasons are good, and some are not. However, every so often, they are great.
We have had some incredible skiing at Mt Ruapehu. We love the mountain for all its beauty, grandeur, and weather.
Whether there is snow or not, visiting Mt. Ruapehu is worth the trip. Wandering, riding, skiing, or tramping on a volcano will be a memory you will not quickly forget.
* The reports we follow have not stated whether these ski fields did open for the 2024 season.
