Skiing 2011, Snow powder

How often did you ski on Ruapehu in real snow powder conditions ?

Myself only once. On 16th August right after a great snowfall caused by this first Antarctic "big chill" of winter 2011.

Helsinki, Christmas time (Big Chills of 2011)

Yes, finaly winter skiing capital Ohakune looks like it should be.

Mangawhero river walk

Mangawhero (Red Stream in Maori) river runs from Turoa ski fields along Mountain road down to Ohakune. Walking along the stream is full of nice sceneries, tempting bathing spots and observations of beautiful mountain flora. Be careful though not to harm fragile alpine vegetation nor yourself (as not everywhere passes are easy) on the way.

Skiing 2010a, bad weather

What if all fields are closed and weather conditions are pretty miserable ?

Plenty of options: sledging, skiing with no lifts (nice physical exercise too), track walks, ...

Skiing sceneries 2007

This day Turoa forecast was not promising and we made wise decision to go Whakapapa.

Few beautiful scenery pictures from there.

Cycling around Ruapehu 2008

Leisure warming up for the Ruapehu Classic Race.

Crater lake in January 2011

It is never boring to climb to the Ruapehu crater and adore, once again, views of the lake. Even if this happens in N-th time already. Well, sure, none of the sequential climbs can be compared with the excitement of the very first one, but ... yes, it is always nice. After all, you can always pick up an alternative route, do it in different season/weather, try to walk Whakapapa-Turoa-Tukino in any combination or even do a loop around for a challenge (plan it wisely though).

Beauty!