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Tūroa has confirmed its staged opening plans for the 2026 winter season, with activity beginning from late May ahead of wider mountain operations in July.
The season will begin with HQ Ohakune opening on selected weekends across late May and June before moving to daily operations from June 20.
Sightseeing activities and the Alpine Cafe & Bar will also begin operating on weekends from June 20 and June 27.
From July 4, Tūroa plans to open the Alpine Meadow beginner area alongside sledding, sightseeing, rentals, guest services and snow school lessons.
Freddie’s Tasting Room and the Alpine Cafe & Bar will also be operating from that date.
Upper mountain chairlifts are expected to open progressively as snow conditions allow.
Snow conditions key factor
Pure Tūroa marketing manager James Simpson says the timing and scale of the opening will continue to depend on snowfall.
“The scale and timing of Tūroa’s opening always depends on what the snow gods deliver, though it’s looking promising so far, and we’re excited to welcome guests back in stages as conditions come together,” James says.
“This gives families, sightseers, sledders, and first timers plenty of ways to reconnect with the mountain early in the season, with more terrain opening as the weather delivers.”
Located on the southwestern slopes of Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park, Tūroa is home to New Zealand’s longest vertical ski descent at 722 metres.
Season passes on sale
Tūroa says early bird season passes remain available until June 30, priced at $799 for adults and $399 for youth passes.
Children aged five and under ski free.
The operator is also promoting first-timer packages, which include lift passes, lessons and rental equipment, priced from $119 midweek and $139 on weekends.
