Our Location
Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge is ideally situated in Ohakune at the beginning of the mountain road to Turoa Ski FieldonMt Ruapehu. We are a short 20-minute drive away from the top of the road and putting on your skis at Turoa. It is 17 km drive up the Mountain Road. We are only a 30-minute drive to Whakapapa Ski Field.
The Ski Fields
Turoa and Whakapapa are New Zealand’ s two largest ski fields. The ski season is from late June to early November depending on snow and weather conditions. The fields are open (weather permitting) from 9am-4pm every day of the season. There are beginner areas, and many intermediate and advanced skiing trails at both Turoa and Whakapapa.
Turoa ski field has the largest vertical drop in the Southern Hemisphere –722 metres of uninterrupted sliding joy. Whakapapa is NZ’ s biggest ski area, with over 30 trails. Turoa lifts are capable of taking up to 11,300 people per hour on a busy day, including a new high-speed six-seater chairlift. ‘ Happy Valley’ is a big beginner area at Whakapapa and is considered one of the best in the country. Both ski areas have extensive snowmaking to ensure top to bottom skiing and boarding throughout the season, with average natural snowfalls of 2 – 3m. Sightseeing trips can also be purchased at both ski fields which include a ride up the chairlifts to the top cafes. Or you can enjoy sledging and just playing in the snow with the family on the special areas set aside for this.
PHOTO opportunities of you and this wonderful playground are limitless.
Food Outlets: There are a number of cafes and shelters situated on the ski field situated from the carpark level to the top of the giant chair.