Ruapehu New Zealand

In the centre of the North Island of New Zealand you will find three volcanoes that rise up out of the centre of the island plateau. Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand is the southern most of these three volcanos. Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand has three ski areas. The two main areas Whakapapa on the north-western side and Turoa on the southern side of the volcano join together for marketing purposes as 'Ruapehu'. These fields are found in New Zealand's Tongariro National Park.

Whakapapa is New Zealand's largest and busiest ski area. On Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand you will find unpredictable and rapidly-changing weather conditions. The field has an array of bluffs and drop offs which can be tricky in the white out conditions experienced at times on the mountain. Higher parts of the mountain have easier areas to ski on than lower level parts of the mountain.

Turoa on the south western side of the mountain shares the same lift pass as Whakapapa and has Australasia's biggest vertical drop (720m) when all parts of the field are open. Turoa can be an extremely cold place to ski. I have done most of my New Zealand skiing in the South Island and could not believe how cold it was skiing at Turoa when I went there. We had to stop at one of the chair stations going down the field to warm up going down.

There is no easy skiable access between the two fields.

French Alps - Mègeve

Mègeve is a large linked ski area with a resort atmosphere, fancy restaurants and designer hotels. You will find a sophisticated nightlife there. Megeve is generally not a destination for the younger crowd due to the cost. This is a furs resort!

The field is best for beginners, families, intermediate cruisers, ski-to-lunchers, non-skiers, cross country skiers and night owls. Mègeve is large with smooth and well-groomed slopes.

There are two snow parks: One on Mont Joux and the other is on the Combloux section. The better of the two parks is on Mont Joux, which has a manmade pipe and an on-duty pro lending shovels to the kids constantly modifying and doctoring the jumps. Advanced riders can find enough to keep busy in the two terrain parks or off piste on the Cote 2000 chairlift.

The base of the field is 850m (2788ft) and the top is 2350m (7780ft). The season is usually a short one. Mègeve is a serious contender for the most stylish resort in the French Alps...