The Government has a challenge in front of it over what to do about the plight of the Ruapehu ski fields.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is in voluntary administration, carrying debt of $45 million. 

The Government isn't throwing anymore lifelines, leaving the business that runs the Turoa and Whakapapa ski fields staring down the barrel of liquidation.

The company's demise would cost taxpayers up to $100 million because all infrastructure would have to be removed from the mountain.

Ruapehu district mayor Weston Kirton told Mike Hosking the Government doesn't appear to realise these costly implications.

He's asking the Government to consider whether they would rather spend $20 million now to save the ski field or another $80 million to demolish the infrastructure.

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