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Whakapapa ski resort

Oceania

Whakapapa

36

Solid

stable

Last Snowfall

Sep 11

1d ago

Past 24 Hours

0.1cm

Reported by Whakapapa

Past 48 Hours

0.4cm

Past 10 Days

8cm

7-Day Forecast

13.2cm

Snow Depth

67cm

Resort reported (website)
🎿

Powder Days

9

2026 season

☀️

Bluebird Days

2

2026 season

☀️❄️

Bluebird Day predicted: Sun

Updated: Sep 12, 7:04 PMWeather at base: 1630m

Local Snow

SnowSure Forecaster · September 7, 2026 · How we forecast →

Snow on Monday, quiet midweek ahead

We're expecting 25cm of snow on Monday, with lighter amounts through midweek. After that, it looks like things will calm down significantly.

Short-Term Forecast

Starting with a solid 25cm on Monday, we’ll see a quieter stretch after that. Tuesday brings just a dusting of 0 to 1cm, followed by a slight increase on Wednesday with 0 to 2cm. This round wraps up after Wednesday, leaving us with a total of about 26cm over the next 72 hours.

Extended Forecast

Looking beyond midweek, the forecast quiets down significantly. The models keep things quiet after Thursday, so expect minimal snowfall. Best window: Monday.

Yesterday: Snow on the way, with a big day Monday.

SnowSure™ ScoreAI
36
Solid
stable

Good conditions - book with confidence.

Whakapapa currently has a snow depth of 67cm, which is 107% of the 5-year average for this time of year. Although there was no new snowfall in the last 48 hours, the resort received 8cm over the past week, contributing to a season total of 94cm.

AI-generated summary

Depth

67cm depth — good coverage on most runs.

Recent

No new snow in the past week, but 8cm fell over the last 7 days.

Forecast

13cm in the next 7 days.

Historic

So far this season, snow accumulation is 107% of the 5-year to-date average of 87cm.

Data updated Sat, Sep 12, 07:04 PM UTC

Current Conditions

Reported Sat, Sep 12, 07:04 PM UTC

SurfaceVariable

Terrain Open

6/12lifts
50%
1/67runs
1%

Ops signals

  • Freezing level below base — snowmaking window open

Snow Summary

2300m

Updated Sep 12, 2026 at 7:04 PM

8cm
24h
13cm
Past 10d
7-Day Forecast
8
Prev10d
0.1
Now12
1.1
S13
0.3
M14
T15
0.1
W16
2.3
T17
6.1
F18
Days 814 and every model are in Pro.Unlock with Pro
Past
Today
Forecast

Maps

Whakapapa terrain3D Mountain ViewPro
Whakapapa region snow forecast mapSnow forecast maps
Whakapapa trail mapTrail map

All maps for Whakapapa

Webcams & Proof of Powder

Whakapapa webcam — Happy ValleyHappy Valley
Whakapapa webcam — The PinnaclesThe Pinnacles
Whakapapa webcam — Far West T-BarFar West T-Bar

All webcams & Proof of Powder →

Whakapapa

About Whakapapa

Whakapapa is New Zealand’s largest ski area, located on the northwestern slopes of Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. The resort features over 550 hectares of skiable terrain, catering to all abilities with wide beginner slopes, intermediate trails, and advanced runs, as well as the renowned Sky Waka gondola offering panoramic views. Whakapapa’s amenities include a modern base area, equipment rentals, ski school, and multiple dining options, making it a versatile destination for families and adventure seekers. Its unique volcanic landscape and extensive facilities distinguish it as a premier ski destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

Read the full resort guide →

Frequently asked questions about Whakapapa

Where is Whakapapa?
Whakapapa is a ski resort in New Zealand.
How high is Whakapapa?
Whakapapa runs from a base elevation of 1,630 m (5,348 ft) to a summit of 2,300 m (7,546 ft), giving a vertical drop of 670 m (2,198 ft).
How big is Whakapapa?
Whakapapa has 1,360 acres (550 hectares) of skiable terrain, 67 marked runs and 12 lifts.
Which ski pass covers Whakapapa?
Whakapapa is on the Powder Alliance. Access terms such as blackout dates and day limits vary by pass tier, so check the pass operator for the current season.
When is ski season at Whakapapa?
Whakapapa typically operates from July to October. Exact opening and closing dates shift each year with snowfall — check the resort's current season dates before booking.
How much snow does Whakapapa get in a typical season?
Whakapapa averages 68 inches / 173 cm of snowfall in a typical season. Any individual season can run well above or below that.
How will El Niño affect Whakapapa in winter 2026?
El Niño Signal: under review — this station's record has an era discontinuity. We publish the station as under review rather than ranking a broken series.