The staff at Mt Ruapehu are reporting great skiing conditions today, following an avalanche being triggered on Friday by people going outside the avalanche-controlled zones.

"Today we have passing cloud with light snow showers and winds," says a Mt Ruapehu spokesperson. 

The Alpine Meadow, Wintergarden, Movenpick, Giant and High Noon are all open. The Ohakune Mountain Road is open but all cars are required to carry chains as it has been snowing at base

"The entire Tūroa team is small today so be patient please. Parklane is on hold until we trouble shoot some electrical issues."

The road up to Whakapapa. Photo: Colin Baker.

On Friday an avalanche was triggered by skiers/snowboarders that had ignored the closures posted by Whakapapa Ski Patrol and skied into terrain that had not yet been controlled.

"We found the avalanche after it had been triggered and quickly effected a search of the debris with beacons and an avalanche dog and found that luckily, nobody was caught up in it."

Staff say the conditions outside of avalanche-controlled zones (open) are currently hazardous

"The back country avalanche danger (www.avalanche.net.nz) has been set at Considerable at all elevations. This means that ‘human triggered avalanches are likely’."

These conditions will exist outside of both ski areas' open terrain over the next 24 to 48 hours at least.

"We strongly urge all guests to stay within the ski area and to obey signage at all times.

"Anyone venturing beyond the ski area boundary should ensure that they are appropriately trained and equipped and referring to the Back-Country Avalanche Advisory forecast for the Tongariro Region before making the decision to leave the ski area."

Parking at Whakapapa. Photo: Colin Baker.

Ski Patrol teams were kept busy on Saturday doing more active avalanche control in and around the ski areas.

"It is critical that we all remain patient and stay within open terrain to allow these teams the time and space to make things safe.

To learn more about New Zealand’s operational avalanche search dog teams to go avalanchesearchdogs.co.nz. A donation button at the top right of the page provides an opportunity to support their important work.

The road up to Whakapapa. Photo: Colin Baker.

Taking care, planning ahead, and following safety instructions is the key to some great skiing over the next few days.

"There are some icy patches on the road above 11km so take care, there are also icy patches around the base area and car park, so please be careful when moving around."

"Come up and enjoy some great skiing. Ko te tūmanako, ka pai te rā."