Snowtime leads to showtime

Snow has blanketed the flanks of the mighty volcano Mount Ruapehu. We have seen 20cm of new snow over the last 48 hours on both sides of the mountain. This is just what the DR ordered and it's now be complimented by a very nice window. Rip it up if you can conditions are reaching the seasons best so far.

Around Sunday we are going to see a big storm come in with the precursor to it appearing on Saturday so looks like more snow is on the agenda. Excellent.

The south
New snow across the regions has boosted conditions down south get there is you can it's pretty goddam epic in places.

Methven Young free stylers light it up at Hutt

Queenstown Accessible slopes

Mackenzie - A spiritual place click the link for some good pics from a superb and beautiful place,

School holiday dates

Either helpful for avoiding the crowds or for making your bookings early.

September 25 (Saturday) finishing October 10 (Sunday)

Tell us the news or send us your pics, or email news at powderhound dot co dot nz

Turoa from 15.7 click the image for a huge version. It's 300k.

Ruapehu operational facilities summary

Turoa

All facilities are operational weather and conditions permitting

Whakapapa
All facilities are operational weather and conditions permitting

Q; So when's the next good weather window? Today - Saturday

It's showtime a nice window from later today through to Saturday. Might be a bit of cloud tomorrow.

Next weekend?
Saturday is a chance of a window. Sunday looking stormy.

Ruapehu weather forecast Oh yeh we like it

Following the nice snow falls we are expecting a good window to arrive at Mount Ruapehu some time today. This window should hang on well into Saturday before the next system arrives.

There may be a bit of cloud come in on Saturday though and also the norwest wind will begin to pickup. The wind acceleration is a precursor to the next and rather large system that will come in from the Tasman from about Sunday. This system is looking like the most energetic one we have seen so far this winter so stand by for some more snow.

After Sunday this storm cycle may well consume most of next week.

We acknowledge the New Zealand GeoNet project and its sponsors EQC and GNS Science for providing its web cam images used here. Mobile webcam at; www.powderhound.co.nz/m

How's the snow? Powderwatch

Lot's of nice new snow. Some powder to be had in places and packed powder trails!

Turoa 130cm (Giant cafe stake)
Whakapapa 92cm (Knoll Ridge Cafe)