Turoa ‘The Giant’, towers above the central North Island, extending into glacier country below Mt Ruapehu’s summit ridge.

Turoa is located on Mt Ruapehu  along with Whakapapa, and both can claim fame to being the North Island’s only two commercial ski fields.  The field offers fabulous glacier skiing and snowboarding, and the upper limit of 2,322 metres makes it the highest ski area south of the equator. The altitude, and the southwest facing slopes usually mean heaps of glistening dry snow from July to September, and swirls of light spring powder in October.

Turoa Ski Area is located on the south-western slopes and has the longest vertical drop in Australasia and also holds the title for New Zealand’s highest lift. Wide open cruising terrain offers thrilling runs all the way down to the base. There are three main off-piste areas and one run that is 4 km long – the perfect adrenalin rush for downhill enthusiasts.

Turoa’s 400 hectares of mellow slopes have such variety that Mother Nature seems to have designed the perfect terrain park for skiing and snowboarding. The Alpine Meadow is a sheltered haven for beginners, while tricky chutes, superb natural half-pipes, and dreamlike snow structures with just the right amount of ‘vert’, challenge the expert. This is the home of North Island snowboarding with a full-time 120 metre half-pipe, boarder cross and reputedly the best terrain park in the country.

Boasting world class facilities, ski and snowboard enthusiasts will appreciate the fully sealed access road, along with the revamped base area licenced cafe and retail complex which can seat up to 400 visitors.

Snow ratings are 20% beginner, 55% intermediate and 25% advanced. The Ski Area boasts a new 1.4km long 6-seat high-speed chairlift with padded seats and footrests, excellent ‘Learn to Ski or Snowboard’ package deals with experienced instructors, including separate group lessons for the kids. Private and group lessons are also available.

The Ski and Snowboard Rental Shop is fully stocked with modern rental equipment that is regularly maintained and tuned. The rental shop not only rents out ski’s and snowboards, you can also hire snow scooters, sleds, sliding mats, helmets, jackets, pants and snow boots.

When the sun goes down follow the road to Ohakune, the après ski capital of the North Island. There you will find a wide range of accommodation, and a constant buzz of excitement in the restaurants, bars, cafés and nightclubs.

With awesome terrain parks, great powder and a pulsating party atmosphere, Turoa is the perfect place to ride or slide and let your spirit run free.