SAM Magazine - Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand - The New Zealand ski resorts of Turoa and Whakapapa have announced that they will extend their seasons due to exceptional conditions. The closing date for Turoa has now been set for November 16, with Whakapapa expected to close as scheduled on October 27, but is expected to reopen for Christmas skiing from Boxing Day until early January 2009.

Mt. Ruapehu marketing manager, Mike Smith, says the extension is due to fantastic conditions.

"Snow fell almost continuously from mid July to late August. A few weeks ago we announced that Turoa had the biggest snow base ever recorded at any New Zealand ski area (455cm) and we are happy to say the base has since grown even further and currently stands at 488 centimeters," says Smith.

Additional snow is forecast for both resorts this week, which should add to the record base of five meters at Turoa.

\