A large dumping of snow this months has allowed Mount Ruapehu to open to the public a day early.

Lift passes for Happy Valley will be free today between 11pm and 2pm today to celebrate the beginning of the new season.

The decision to open a day early came after requests flooded in from the public and the opening of Turoa has not been ruled out yet as well.

Mount Ruapehu spokesperson, Matt McIvor, says they're expecting big numbers this weekend and throughout the season.

"It really helps when mother nature comes to the party and delivers this amount of snow this early in the season, it's definitely the time when people are starting to think about going skiing and snowboarding."

Donations for the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter will also be taken today on the mountain.

McIvor says they are keen to make sure the rescue chopper gets funding.

"It's not, you know, mandatory to give a donation for skiing free tomorrow but we're definitely encouraging those people who see it to help the cause out."