A lifeline comes as the Government offers a $5 million helping hand towards the liquidators of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.
The loan is being touted as the silver bullet to ensure the ski season can go ahead.
Meanwhile, discussions continue behind closed doors.
Bids are on the table for an iwi group to purchase the skifields against a separate bid to split operations between Pure Turoa and Whakapapa Holdings.
Liquidator John Fisk told Mike Hosking the loan allows consultation with iwi to continue before a sale.
He says this also gives them confidence to go into the winter season, meaning they don't have to rush.
LISTEN ABOVE
\xa0
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.