Ski field opening delayed as Mt Ruapehu awaits snowmtruapehu.com A webcam shot, taken on July 13, 2016, of the lower slopes of the Turoa skifield on Mt Ruapehu show the lack of mid-winter snow. Mt Ruapehu season pass holders are at a standoff with mother nature as lack of snowfall on the upper mountain delays their fun. Snow making machines were out in force on Mt Ruapehu to ensure Happy Valley could open in time for the school holidays. "We are expecting good snowfall tonight, and all going well if we get good snowfall we will be assessing when we can open," Mt Ruapehu spokeswoman Anna McLaren said. As well as Ruapehu, Treble Cone and Porters skifields delayed their openings this year due to a lack of snow.

Source: Stuff July 13, 2016 03:08 UTC