It's hoped the first big dump of the ski season at Mount Ruapehu could be just the ticket to an early opening to pull the region out of its COVID-19 wilderness.
"We are just so amped, all the locals are. We've already seen overnight hotel bookings come rolling in," said Powderhorn owner Antika Scarf.
GNS said Ruapehu's risk of erupting has now been downgraded to moderate.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts CEO Jono Dean said there's a slim chance the season could kick off earlier than the planned July 8 date, but several factors need to line up.
"The next couple of weeks will be telling for us to ensure temperatures remain low to retain this base, but certainly it's on our radar for sure," he said.
But after two dire years, businesses in towns like Ohakune need customers on their radar.
"Because everyone has managed to hang on, this winter is crucial. If we don't get it, there'll be a number of casualties," said Karl Christensen, owner of Mountain Rocks Cafe.
He's had to cut his cafe's hours by 28 a week due to staff shortages.
"Anyone wanting a job, we'd love to have you."
Down the road at the Powderhorn, they too are crying out.
"This is our second restaurant and it seats 120 and we have not been able to open it for over two years due to staffing levels and not being able to get international staff in," Scarf said.
Up the mountain, Dean estimates he's short of 60 hospitality staff to get the cafe open and the counters humming.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts has sold 18,000 season passes so far.
Of those, 4000 are mid-week and he said the work-from-home mentality fostered during the COVID-19 pandemic should help change attitudes.
"You don't even need to tell the boss. Come and work up here, sit in the cafe and use our free Wi-Fi and then head out skiing in the afternoon."
Like every ski field in New Zealand, Ruapehu needs this season to deliver.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts has confirmed it needs $25 million over the next five years to upgrade lifts and keep the machinery running.
Shareholders voted two weeks ago on a restructure.
Dean said the plan to bring in an outside investor is "ongoing and could be several years off".
The company said it's about to embark on a campaign to promote people buying $5000 life passes.
"This provides capital into the business and will help us fund much-needed infrastructure over the next few years."
But it's snow that'll ultimately drive that business.
Winter, thanks for coming.
