UPDATED 12.30pm: Both beginners' areas at Mt Ruapehu skifields are open today, while the higher slopes await the snow expected later this week.

Alpine Meadow at Turoa Ski Area will opens for beginner skiing and boarding today. Visitors can also enjoy the sledding area and park riders can have a go on the rails.

The Whakapapa skifield is open for sightseeing. Photo: mtruapehu.com

Conditions have been perfect for snowmaking and with another good natural snow fall, it looks likely that the upper mountain facilities will follow. Alpine Cafe at Turoa will also open from 9.00am.

Whakapapa Ski Area opened for beginner skiing and boarding on Sunday.

'The forecast for the next week includes a low pressure system coming through on Thursday night which could bring up to 15cm of natural snow on our upper slopes,” says Ruapehu Alpine Lifts CEO, Dave Mazey.

'This will be followed by cold clear conditions through the weekend which will provide for great snowmaking on the lower slopes.

'We are optimistic this weather pattern will enable us to open beginner trails at both ski areas next week and on time for the school holidays.

'We've already had two reasonable snowfalls so we have a base on the upper mountain. We expect that with one or two more heavy snowfalls we will be able to open for intermediate and advanced skiing at both Whakapapa and Turoa.

'We understand the delayed opening of ski trails is disappointing for our customers, but the teams at both ski areas are all trained and ready to go as soon as conditions allow.”

Visitors to Whakapapa can ride the ski area's newest lift, the Rangatira Express along with the Waterfall Express lift for sightseeing to New Zealand's highest café, the award-winning Knoll Ridge Café.

The Whakapapa Ski Area opened for sightseeing from Saturday, July 2.

An all Mountain All Day Pass costs $95 per adult, plus an additional $5 refundable snow card deposit. subsequent online top up days, $90. Youth 5-18 yrs $57 plus an additional $5 refundable snow card deposit subsequent online top up days $54. Four years and under free.