Adventure #238

Ruapehu - is it the end of an era
There has been a lot of talk in the media
about Ruapehu and skiing on its slopes this
season, or any season, in fact. Many of us
grew up skiing those windblown, icy slopes,
yet, on reflection, we recount days of
perfect uncrowded snow, of sunshine and
fun. But this year, 2023, as we go to print,
there is still a cloud of uncertainty hanging
over the North Island winter ski season.
Like looking up from the Desert Road to
the mighty Maunga, a shroud of cloud is
hanging over the very existence of what we
know as Whakapapa and Turoa.
Sure, there are groups of those willing
to accept the challenge of running the
ski fields; there are overseas investors,
private buyers, community groups, and
even government buyouts, but all that
possibility seems to be only fed by rumours
and speculation. But the simple truth is
there is a lack of clarification, will there be
a ski season in 2023 in the North Island, or
will this be the year the mountain closes,
possibly the more significant question will it
ever re-open?
What happens to a community that
has a strong foundation in snow sport
tourism; accommodation, stores, cafes,
and restaurants? It would be like telling
Whangamata you can no longer swim in
the sea, or telling Kaikoura the whales
are not to be watched. Sure, the Central
Plateau has a huge amount to offer apart
from skiing, but there is a lot built around
the activity. Regardless of the issues that
RAL (Ruapehu Alpine Lifts) faces, whether
internal or external, there is no denying
the impact of covid, tourism (or lack of
it), climate change, DoC and Iwi, each of
these factors weigh in on the possibility
of its continuance of Ruapehu as a ski
destination.
Over the last three years of constant
worldwide effects and what seems like
constant change outside of our control, the
concept of no more skiing on Ruapehu now
seems a possibility, it’s not likely, but it is
possible.
We need to enjoy every moment of what
we have when we have it. Do not waste a
moment, for tomorrow it may be gone or at
best, be in jeopardy.
For those of us who complained about the
difficult car parking at Ruapehu, or the price
of pies, or the 20-minute queue times, oh
how we now long for those snow beers in
the sun, in the car park, after a good day
skiing, looking up at those slopes in the
afternoon light, knowing we can do it all
again tomorrow. But maybe, just maybe,
those days are gone.
So, make the most out of this winter
wherever you are, whatever your activity,
enjoy every second, and when the wind is
a little strong, or the temperature a little too
cold, the queue a little longer or the car park
a little full, remember how quickly things
can change.
Steve Dickinson - Editor
Longing for those snow beers
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