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Newsletter February 2024
Whanganui Ski and Snowboard Club
Hut Phone: 07 892 3870
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We hope you all are having a great summer! As I write this update, things are starting to look better! While I don't have any perfect news about the long-term future of the mountain, the signs are starting to look good, and there will be skiing at Mt Ruapehu and for us at Whakapapa this year!
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Key announcement: Work Party Sat 9th & Sun 10th of March
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Looking ahead to this season
Firstly, at Whakapapa, RAL is operating under receivers and will continue to operate until the new operator is found. The word on the street is that RAL will be offering seasons passes around April for the 2024 season. These will be available through their website, please keep an eye out for when they go on sale as it will be only for a limited time.
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The season pass purchases will help determine the future of the 2024 season and beyond. We don’t know the final price yet, but I would be budgeting around $600 for adults and $400 for kids (students and super) these prices are compatible with similar products at other ski areas in NZ at this early purchase stage.
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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 close to $600 on adult day passes and $300 on kids passes over two weekends alone. So, the season pass makes sense if you intend to ski more than two weekends over 4 months while the mountain is open, July till October.
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Crucially, we are in the second year of an El Nino weather cycle which suits Mt Ruapehu perfectly. El Nino drives south westerly weather patterns that dump snow on Whakapapa and Turoa. The likelihood of a solid snow season like last year exponentially increases the further we get into this climate cycle which holds on average for 7-8 years.
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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.
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On the Life pass holder options, we don’t have any news, but we understand these can still be used at Whakapapa.
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The economic indicators of a ski field closure show a catastrophic collapse of the surrounding rural communities due to seasonality factors. The winter trade is the glue that holds a lot of these businesses together. It is this trade that ensures they survive for the real summer trading opportunities when they can really make the hay. It is these communities that the current government pride themselves on.
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Working Party: Sat 9th & Sun 10th 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, and as we all know many hands make light work! We have been coordinating the firewood delivery by helicopter, with other works in the area to keep the cost down and it has just been flown to the front door!
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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!
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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 be stacking firewood under the hut and in the wood room, as we purchased 14 cubic metres of wood, which is enough for the next two seasons. We will have all the non-perishable food stores coming up as well and will be taking up a 4x4 vehicle.
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We need around 15-20 people, the plan is to meet Saturday 8am, at the Top of the Bruce, load up the stores in to the 4x4 and then walk up the hill from there, or you could make your way up to the ski club.at your leisure.
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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!
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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.
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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. Or you could take the Sky Waka up, and walk down. 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. Your club committee will be there at the working bee!
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If you can attend, click the button below to email and tell us you're coming, or just email committee@wssc.co.nz
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Membership Subscriptions
We are sending out annual sub’s for the season in the next month! So please keep an eye on your inbox. You can make your payment online through the website. Some members may see a $50 invoice for those who couldn’t attend one of the work parties, this payment is completely voluntary in lieu of attending a work party. We all know every little bit helps, so please be generous if you can!
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75th Year Club Anniversary 2024
It is our clubs 75th year Anniversary in 2024 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.
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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.
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