jads

Hi Everyone

Were thinking of booking a few nights to try our hand (and Legs!) at skiing or snowboarding (or just sliding down on our arse).
We have never done this before so we basically need to know where to stay (with snow slopes for amateurs)
Also the accommodation is more expensive in the school holidays, are there any school holidays in August, if so do you know the dates?
Also is it expensive to hire the clothing and equipment?
It has also got to be child friendly!!!!

Cheers guys
Jads

Andrew Cross

I didn't know they had snow fields in the North Island...

Good luck though and happy skiing

happynz

There's a small town called National Park that's not far from the Whakapapa ski-fields.

P2L

Here's your ski fields throughout NZ

http://www.metservice.com/default/index.php?alias=nzski

nero

Try this site:

We stayed at Discovery Lodge during the summer, it was basic, but clean and very friendly and you can see the mountain from the cabins. Not sure how warm these cabins would be in the winter.

I also believe there is a shuttle from Auckland that provides ski packages and accomodation. But unfortunately I have lost the link.

Have fun

Kippers

Ohakune.
Small town on the south-side of Mt Ruapehu.
http://www.ohakune.info/


Kip

Ash1

Hi Jads,


Whakapapa and Turoa are the 2 ski fields on Mount Ruapehu. Apparently Whakapapa is better for skiers and Turoa for boarders. Whakapapa has an area dedicated to beginners called Happy Valley. You can hire everything there including skiis boots and even clothes!! I believe that Happy Valley is opening this weekend.
The nearest places to stay are The Chateau or Skotel for Whakapapa( about 10 mins drive). Okahuna is the nearest to Turoa and has a wide assortment of accommodation. The national park village is about 25 mins from both and again has lots of various accommodation. There are also some camp sites bbbrrrrrr.
It is all a very scenic 1 hour drive from Taupo. The isolation once you hit the mountains is scary but well worth it. We went a few weeks ago for a recce and go back during school holidays. We have only skied once and the kids not at all so we are all very excited.
If you need any more info then fire away or if you want me to check anything out whilst I`m there.

Ash

hazeandsteve

You can get a half days lessons, gear rental and lift pass for under a hundred bucks. It puts the European prices to shame.
We're driving down for a look this weekend to try out the roads now there's a bit of dodgy weather.

Winnie

We went to Whakapapa last year, first time skiing, and had a fantastic time. We stopped at the Discovery Lodge which met all our needs and have heaters which are more than adequate. The hosts are very friendly and helpful too.
We hired all our equipment, including waterproofs, got a 2hour lesson and a lift pass for the Happy Valley (also includes a tourist pass for one ride further up the slopes) all for about $100.............fantastic value! They cater really well for kids too. We'll be off again soon to see if we can improve (can't get any worse). Go for it, its a right laugh!!

Colin in the middle

My wife I used to work on the Ski Areas of Mt Ruapehu. My wife now works in the National Park Hotel where she is the Breakfast Chef. Good accomodation at $25 for Backpackers room and $35 for a Hotel room.
You may see me driving a Bus in the area as well most likely on the Whakapapa side

We have lived in the area for 4 years and I fell in love with the place in 1996 during the Volcanoes active phase Ski on Mt Ruapehu and earn yourself bragging rights for sking an active volcanoe

School Holidays are out of the way now until late september, but depends on the snow and weather as to how busy it gers. Would suggest booking in advance if you want to stay in August.

Any questions We are local and can find out what you want.