17/03/2025
Newsletter March 2025
We hope you all are having a great summer! As I write this update, things are starting to look better! We do believe the long-term future of the mountain is looking better, the signs are starting to look good, and there will definitely be skiing at Mt Ruapehu and for us at Whakapapa this year!
Key announcement: Work Party 29th & Sunday 30th of March
Looking ahead to this season
Firstly, Whakapapa Holdings are in the stages of finalising a concession to operate Whakapapa Ski field for the next 10 years. It will be all go this season! The Season Pass offering will be on the Wakapapa website in April for the 2025 season. Please keep an eye out for when they go on sale as it will be only for a limited time.
So why buy a season pass?
Firstly, if you ski on day passes at weekends for a family of four (2 adults and 2 kids) you will burn $600 on adult day passes and $300 on kids passes alone. So, the season pass makes sense if you intend to ski more than two weekends over the entire season, July till October.
Lastly, there is a very strong desire for Mt Ruapehu to be successful in the winter season, as it draws more than $100 million annually to the local economy and provides over 650 full time jobs across the industry and the central North Island. Season pass holders deliver a critical spend which support these communities, from the local gas station to the clubs on the mountain.
Life Pass Holders, can transfer your life pass to a 3 season pass (2055, 2027 & 2027) for $999 or you can transfer your life pass rights to someone for free!
If you have a life pass and no longer wish to use it, please give the transfer rights to the club (it is free) and we will find someone who will take up the pass offer for 3 seasons at $999. Any life pass holder can transfer their rights to another person to purchase a 3 season pass for $999 or only $333 per year for three seasons! You pay half this year and the balance next year and nothing in the 3rd year. So, if you no longer use your Life Pass please contact the club as we will find someone in the club or outside of the club to take up the offer. A great way to give back to the mountain and the next generation of skiers!
Working Party Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th of March
We know it is short notice, but the ski club has one working bee this year where we really need your help. We have quite a few small jobs to do to get ready for the season.
With a good turn out there will be plenty of time to explore the mountain if you wish, or just sit and relax outside the hut in the sun with a refreshing drink!
This working bee will cover general hut maintenance such as washing and cleaning the place from top to bottom to prepare for the season. We will have all the non-perishable food stores coming up as well and will be taking up a 4x4 vehicle.
Plan is to meet at 8am, at the Top of the Bruce on Saturday, load up the stores into the 4x4 and then walk up the hill from there, or you could make your way up to the ski club at your leisure.
As always, the added incentive, if you attend a work party you will get preferential access to bookings. We will open the bookings early for you to secure key dates in school holidays and
for other weekends throughout the season!
At the work party, the club will look after your accommodation, food and provide a few cold refreshments, so you just need to turn up! All the maintenance materials and equipment will be provided.
What to bring
We suggest good sturdy footwear, such as tramping boots (or similar) to walk up to the hut. The walk takes around 40-60 minutes depending on fitness levels. Work gloves, the material gloves with light rubberised palms are best, especially for those of us with office hands (Mitre 10 or Bunnings sells them). Clear safety glasses are useful, and old work clothes, a dust mask is also handy. A back pack and a sleeping bag or sheets if you are staying over and some snacks.
If you can attend, please notify us by email at, [email protected] .
Your club committee will be there at the working bee!
Subscriptions
More than ever, we need your support to keep the club going. We will be sending out the annual subs notice shortly, please go online and join the club again. The uncertainly is over and we have anew operator in the wings. Remember, the Mountain is there, the skiing and riding is awesome. So please commit to the club and the season again. It promises to the be a beauty
75th year Anniversary Celebrations 2024….so just like the Olympics it will be in 2025!
It is our clubs 75th year Anniversary (76 years) in 2025 and we are determined it will not be our last! We will be arranging a few events throughout the year, and you are more than welcome to hold your own events through the season.
Thanks to you all in advance on behalf of the committee. If you have any questions or need more information please call Gordy Horsley, Club President on 0274316348.
