Let’s be honest, the North Islands ski season last year was absolutely EPIC. However, the previous entity was strangled by huge debt and was placed in liquidation and bailed out by the previous government, who even gave 5 million to help settle the liquidation.

Can we get up the mountains, but what’s it like? And is it worth spending your hard earned money on a trip up to Turoa in Ruapehu?

All this and much more in this article.

If you’re anything like me the decision to take a risk on early bird season pass this year is a tough one, when the cost is almost a quarter of the price of a full priced season pass and unfortunately for me it was all too tempting. Now, why do I say unfortunate, well it’s pretty simple, the lack of snow in recent seasons and, unsurprisingly, the over abundance of rain. For all you people who aren’t in the know, rain on a ski field can be catastrophic. It literally washes away the snow and makes it harder for new snow to stick.

Unfortunately, this has led to pretty lackluster seasons prior to 2022. And unless you’re a true beginner or have some confidence to try the much steeper slopes you’re going to find yourself a bit out of luck. Only the bunny slopes and the top of the mountain have really been usable this season. Honestly I can say I’m pretty lucky, I’m no expert when it comes to getting on the snow, but I’m good at taking a fall, this has meant I have still been able to enjoy myself a lot! Shorter lines, more confident riders around, and just enough of a run to make it worth your while.

But let’s take a look at the nitty gritty. Having such appalling recent seasons has to have some consequences, some of which we’ve already seen. Just a year ago, Ruapehu had to sack almost 130 staff, and this has two major downsides.

Firstly, they might struggle to have the manpower to build trails and man lifts and allow for customer service.

The other thing that will take a hit is this season, firstly because of the loss Ruapehu has made over the last 3 or so years the amount of money that is missing in the tourism economy.

But then the question that lies unanswered is how is it actually on the mountain? Well, so long as you have a little confidence there’s some wonderful runs, I have really enjoyed my time up there and can confidently say I’ve still been able to improve my skills. Whether or not it’s worthwhile making your way for a day of skiing or snowboarding, honestly it’s a hard call but given the massive snow base and new owners it may be the right time to get in on the ground of a new beginning for this magic hill, with the management group Pure Turoa.

The Pure Tūroa Team will include almost all current Tūroa Staff. This will cause the minimum disruption to people’s lives and help us work toward a smooth and immediate start to the 2023 ski season. We will bring on a small number of individuals in key positions, including a highly experienced operations manager and general manager. Both have over 30 years experience in the industry.

After much consideration and financial advice Pure Tūroa have chosen not to offer a life pass product. We are dedicated to creating a long term, financially sustainable ski field operation able to develop and improve, as well as weather the challenges of variable seasons. We simply cannot see a way to achieve this while offering perpetual mountain access for a one time fee.

Pure Tūroa’s bid takes on significant deferred maintenance including a $4.3 million upgrade to current lifts this summer. Selling off future, predictable, yearly revenue reduces the investability of a company and would massively impede our ability to seek further investment to develop ski field operations in the future.

All other non secured creditors will be paid in full, with current life pass holders offered a flexible, multi year, 60% discount off the current regular season pass price for up to five seasons, with an additional year’s season pass added free of charge to anyone who bought a life pass from RAL in 2019.

Current life pass holders can choose to activate their new pass immediately for skiing in Winter 2023 or defer the start date of their multi year pass to the beginning of Winter 2024.

Pass pricing information can now be viewed on our website www.pureturoa.nz. This includes season passes and day passes.

We are a part of our local community and will continue to support local access to Tūroa. Local schools and those employed in the local area will be eligible for preferential prices on season passes, whether or not they are directly associated with the ski industry. Please contact us directly via the website for more information.

The future of snow sports in the North Island will be decided next week.

As a group of passionate skiers and snowboarders with years of dedication to Tūroa we hope you join us in building a future for this treasured maunga.

Thanks!

The Pure Tūroa Team