Fresh snow on both sides of the mountain mean the season can run into November

Mount Ruapehu’s winter season is being extended to make it the longest season in the Southern Hemisphere.

The recent storm which lashed the country has seen an extra dumping of snow on both sides of the mountain – keeping Turoa open until November 7th.

Marketing Manager Mike Smith says it’s the third year in a row they’ve extended the season. “We’re calling it ‘Snovember’ now” He told Newstalk ZB, “it’s an extra couple of weeks so if people have a season pass or a spring pass they get a nice little bonus”.

Whakapapa’s upper mountain facilities will remain open until Labour Day, with Happy Valley beginners’ area open until October 10th.