Ruapehu Ski Club | The Chalet (Whakapapa Village)

Join the Ruapehu Ski Club and experience the beauty and adventure of Mount Ruapehu? The club offers a unique and unparalleled accommodation experience in the heart of the stunning Whakapapa Village. With a rich history dating back to 1913, it is the nation's oldest ski club and one of the earliest in the world.

The club boasts four warm and comfortable lodges, including two true ski-in ski-out buildings right on Hut Flat, ensuring you have easy access to the slopes of Whakapapa ski field. The lodges are surrounded by freshly groomed trails, allowing you to ski right from your doorstep at 1,800 metres. After a day of exhilarating skiing or snowboarding, you can look forward to a hearty breakfast provided by our resident chefs, a warming lunch, and an evening meal beside a roaring fire.

If you prefer off-mountain adventures, the club's lodges in Whakapapa Village and Ohakune provide easy access to both sides of the mountain. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and trout fishing in the picturesque surroundings. Our full-time team is dedicated to ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, taking care of all your booking needs.

As a member of the Ruapehu Ski Club, you will be part of a friendly and welcoming community. The club prides itself on its sense of belonging, involvement, and a shared sense of responsibility. All members have a rostered duty each day to keep costs down and the club running smoothly. These duties can include various tasks such as vacuuming, food preparation, serving, and cleaning, but they are not onerous and are a great way to learn new skills and meet lifelong friends.

The club also offers ski and snowboard training squads for all ages and interests. The size of the club ensures that there is a squad to suit every requirement. Additionally, school holiday programmes are run each ski season, providing kids with the opportunity to participate in ski and board training, races, games, and competitions.

One unique aspect of the Ruapehu Ski Club is its live-in Swiss ski instructor, a tradition that has been upheld for over 40 uninterrupted years. Members have the privilege of receiving ski instruction that is not offered anywhere else in New Zealand.

By becoming a member of the Ruapehu Ski Club, you become a part of a rich heritage and have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success of the club. Join us today and experience the unparalleled beauty and adventure of Mount Ruapehu alongside a community of like-minded individuals.