Mt Ruapehu skifield operators Ruapehu Alpine Lifts are reporting the Happy Valley ski area is on track for a traditional Queen’s Birthday Weekend opening in early June.

Whakapapa Ski Area manager Steve Manunui said the team was confident about the upcoming winter season.

“The snow factory has been pumping out snow for the last four weeks and there’s been a couple of dustings as well. There’s also snow in the forecast over the next week, so it’s shaping up well.”

The Sky Waka gondola was also scheduled to open for winter on Saturday, June 5 with the rest of Whakapapa and Tūroa opening on July 3, weather permitting.

Maintenance on lifts was complete or in train, said Manunui, and the company was ensuring its processes were streamlined for both New Zealand and Australian visitors.

The ski season, snow permitting, would run through until October 25.

Credit: Stuff.co.nz