I was skiing in July! :-)
Granted: Mt Ruapehu is a small ski area – at least compared to European and North American fields. There are two fields on each side of the mountain: Turoa and Whakapapa. They are not networked, though. :(
Still, the mountain itself has its touch: It’s one of two peaks sticking out of the clouds for over 200km. And it’s an active volcano!
It’s a special experience to drive up through the rainforest and palm trees slowly gaining height until at about 800m the “fog” (aka cloud) gets thicker and thicker. Another 400m (vertical) and all of a sudden the sun breaks though, clouds clear and give an awesome gigantic view of the area – and the peaks of Mt. Ruapehu, Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Eggmont in 200km distance.
Palm trees huh ? Bastard :)