A "significant avalanche" has been triggered at Mt Ruapehu on Monday morning, damaging a chairlift and closing the upper mountain ski areas.
"During routine avalanche control work a significant avalanche has been triggered," the skifield warned on Facebook.
"At approximately 0830 a number of start zones responded simultaneously with a large flow through 'Gliding Gladys'."
No one was injured and all staff are accounted for, however the High Noon Express chairlift has suffered damage.
"The upper mountain is closed at both ski areas today, keep an eye on our website snow report for latest details," the Facebook post says.
"All backcountry tourers are urged to check the latest avalanche advisory before venturing into the back country at www.avalanche.net.nz."
Newshub.
