SAM Magazine—Wrightwood, Calif., Sept. 1, 2022—The Powder Alliance has added two New Zealand resorts to its 2022-23 affiliate program lineup. The Tūroa and Whakapapa ski areas, both located on Mt. Ruapehu, the country's largest active volcano, join 19 other destinations in North America, Japan, and Canada as part of the reciprocal pass partnership. 

"The team and I are very excited to be joining the Powder Alliance and connecting guests to a community of like-minded resorts around the world," says Mt. Ruapehu COO Travis Donoghue. "We look forward to sharing a very special part of New Zealand."

Tūroa sits on the southwestern slopes of Mt. Ruapehu and is one of the country's largest ski areas. Known for ample snow, world-class terrain parks, and unique volcanic terrain, it offers the country's largest vertical drop at 2,369 feet. Its High Noon Express 6-seater chairlift accesses the highest lift-served point in New Zealand and exposes riders to a variety of gullies, drops, and natural terrain. On-mountain cafes and bars provide expansive views of the Central North Island. 

With 1,359 acres of skiable terrain and a base elevation of 5,347 feet, Whakapapa offers a balance of beginner, intermediate, and advanced riding that, like Tūroa, utilizes its natural volcanic terrain. The resort is home to New Zealand's longest gondola, the Sky Waka. The area's Knoll Ridge Chalet offers a variety of dining options with views of the famous Pinnacles geological formation.

Guests with a top-tier, unrestricted season pass at any one of the 21 Powder Alliance resorts receive three free days of skiing or riding at each of the other partner properties. Tickets are traditionally valid midweek only, Sunday-Friday, but Whakapapa and Tūroa have waived all restrictions for the 2023 season, and tickets can be utilized any day of the week. More information can be found at powderalliance.com.

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