Mount Ruapehu Snow Report and Forecast
Snow Forecast for Mount Ruapehu
When will there be fresh snow?
This is the Snow Forecast for Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand for 16 days from 9 May.
Updated 08 May 2025 19:35 PDT.
| Next Snow Expected | 18 May |
|---|---|
| Next Snow Amount | 1in |
| Next 48 Hours | - |
| Next 7 Days | - |
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For Forecast detail, see below.
For current snow depths and skiing conditions, see our Current Snow Report for Mount Ruapehu.
Forecast for today in Mount Ruapehu
Max 51°F
Min 36°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 36°F to daytime highs around 51°F
Freeze-thaw conditions up high.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Fri
09
Snow unlikely
Rain, clear sky, clear spells later.
Mount Ruapehu has no new snow forecast in the next 48 hours.
Mount Ruapehu Snow Report
Snow report from Whakapapa (near Mount Ruapehu)
| Snow Conditions | - |
|---|
Mount Ruapehu 7-Day Snow Forecast Overview
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| Fri 09 | Sat 10 | Sun 11 | Mon 12 | Tue 13 | Wed 14 | Thu 15 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | SW F3 | W F2 | SW F3 | NW F2 | W F3 | ||
| 7,546ft | 40°F
| 38°F
 | 41°F
| 38°F
| 37°F
 | 39°F
| 36°F
|
| SW F3 | NW F2 | SW F2 | NW F2 | NW F3 | |||
| 6,439ft | 47°F
| 42°F
| 44°F
| 44°F
| 43°F
| 43°F
| 42°F
|
| SW F3 | NW F2 | SW F2 | NW F2 | NW F3 | |||
| 5,331ft | 51°F
| 46°F
| 48°F
| 48°F
| 47°F
| 47°F
| 46°F
|
| Snow Line | |||||||
| Max Town | 51°F | 46°F | 48°F | 48°F | 47°F | 47°F | 46°F |
| Min Town | 36°F | 36°F | 38°F | 38°F | 39°F | 40°F | 37°F |
This table shows the average forecast snowfall, the maximum temperature, and expected general weather at resort, lower and upper mountain levels. For daily forecast details, see below.
Mount Ruapehu Medium-Range (7-Day) Snow Forecast Detail
Note :- Mountain weather is extremely dynamic; the forecast below will change. Any forecast snow may move forward or back in the forecast, and predicted snowfall depths will be revised in subsequent updates.
Max 51°F
Min 36°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 36°F to daytime highs around 51°F
Freeze-thaw conditions up high.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Fri
09
Snow unlikely
Rain, clear sky, clear spells later.
Max 46°F
Min 36°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 36°F to daytime highs around 46°F
Freeze-thaw conditions up high.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Sat
10
Snow unlikely
Clear spells first, fog then clear spells, clear sky later.
Max 48°F
Min 38°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 38°F to daytime highs around 48°F
Freeze-thaw conditions up high.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Sun
11
Snow unlikely
Clear sky.
Max 48°F
Min 38°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 38°F to daytime highs around 48°F
Freeze-thaw conditions up high.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Mon
12
Snow unlikely
Fair, clear sky, cloudy later.
Max 47°F
Min 39°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 39°F to daytime highs around 47°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Tue
13
Snow unlikely
Cloudy.
Max 47°F
Min 40°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 40°F to daytime highs around 47°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Wed
14
Snow unlikely
Cloudy first, fair then cloudy, clear spells later.
Max 46°F
Min 37°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 37°F to daytime highs around 46°F
Freeze-thaw conditions up high.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Thu
15
Snow unlikely
Cloudy first, clear spells then fair, clear spells later.
This Snow Forecast for Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand gives the predicted Snowfall and Freezing Levels for the next week.
The forecast snowfall depths given are the likely average accumulations for the Lower and Upper slopes. The actual snow depth in Mount Ruapehu, on any given trail or itinerary, may be dramatically different, particularly if the snowfall is accompanied by high winds and/or varying air temperatures.
Snow Forecasts beyond two days ahead are subject to significant change and variable reliability.
Mount Ruapehu Snow Forecast updated at 19:35 PDT, next update expected 22:00 PDT.
Understanding and predicting Snow Conditions in Mount Ruapehu
Here are our tips for making the most of a trip to Mount Ruapehu, with the help of the J2Ski Snow forecasts and reports. You can find some great skiing in Mount Ruapehu, but like any mountain, snow conditions change throughout the season, from day to day, and even from hour to hour.
Whether you’re sticking to the marked pistes or venturing off-piste, here’s what you need to know:
Pistes (Groomers) or Off-Piste
These can be a world apart, regarding snow conditions, even ignoring the difference between the natural terrain features to be found off-piste and the generally controlled surfaces and slopes of a pisted (groomed) run.
- Piste Conditions can range from fresh powder to firm, icy surfaces, particularly after warm spells or a busy day on the mountain with the passage of many skiers.
- Off-Piste Conditions are far more variable. Wind and sun can quickly transform fresh snow into wind crust or slushy layers, whilst cold weather can preserve stashes of powder many days after a snowfall.
WARNING - skiing off-piste (out-of-bounds) at Mount Ruapehu is uncontrolled and un-marked slopes are not made safe (from avalanche risk) or patrolled. Always check local advice, know the Avalanche Risk Level, ski with safety kit (and know how to use it), and never ski alone.
Analyzing Weather and Snowfall Forecasts
Whilst no forecast can tell you exactly how snow conditions in Mount Ruapehu will develop, checking the forecast regularly should give you an idea of what to expect.
New snowfall can bring fresh powder and refresh the surfaces of pisted runs. Powder can be tracked out quickly at busy times, but in less crowded and shaded areas, fresh snow can linger for days.
Changes in weather conditions, such as milder temperatures, rain or wind, can degrade snow quality. Conversely, cold, stable weather can preserve conditions for extended periods.
Predicting Future Snow Quality
Regularly check our snow and weather forecasts for Mount Ruapehu for changes that may affect snow quality. Forecast snowfall depth and recent snowfall are good indicators of what to expect.
Use historical data and recent snow reports to understand past snow conditions and anticipate future changes.