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Skiers and snowboarders at Mt. Ruapehu can look forward to improved facilities with the announcement of a $30 million investment plan.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), operator of the Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas, said the $30 million figure is the largest single ski area investment in New Zealand. The two-year plan will include three new high speed chairlifts and a major snowmaking upgrade at Turoa.

To help fund the development, RAL is offering two limited edition ski passes. The company will sell up to 7,000 Mt Ruapehu Life Passes for $3,875, and will also market a Life Plus Pass for $4,995, which can be transferred to another person before June 2016.

Mt Ruapehu marketing manager, Mike Smith, said he expects the Life Pass offer will help raise much of the capital required.

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"In the last five years since RAL purchased the Turoa Ski Resort, we've reinvested more than $15m into the facilities on both sides of the mountain, from improving car parks, through to upgrading snowmaking facilities," said Smith.

"Ruapehu Alpine Lifts' constitution requires that all profits generated go directly into upgrading the mountain's facilities," Smith said.

RAL said the development plans are subject to consultation and consent processes with a number of parties, including the Department of Conservation.

The new high speed chairlifts will be located on both sides of Mt Ruapehu. The 1.4km six seat High Noon Express on Turoa will be able to transport more than 3,200 people per hour, and have a top speed of 5 metres per second.

The six seat Valley Express (1.05km) and four seat Tennants Express (900m) chairlifts at Whakapapa will transport 3,200 and 2,800 people per hour respectively, and also have a top speed of 5 metres per second