A ski lift damaged in this morning's avalanche on the Turoa side of Mount Ruapehu could be out of action for months.
A Ruapehu chairlift after the avalanche Photo: SnowHQ
The avalanche was triggered about 8.30am by a routine control check by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, which manages the ski-field.
Its chief executive Ross Copland said the avalanche struck the top of the High Noon Express chairlift - one of eight chairlifts at the ski field.
He said it would be inoperable for at least one week.
If the haul rope was found to be damaged however, a new rope might need to be imported from Europe which could take months.
No one was injured in the avalanche and all staff were accounted for.