Whakapapa’s Happy Valley ski field is now open and we’re only a few weeks away from enjoying the full mountain. With the success of the many Whakapapa events last year, we’ll see the return of all the favourites this ski season.
From Mini X Games in Happy Valley to the epic Whakapapa Cup – Banked Slalom, Whakapapa events are catered to people of all ages and skill levels.
The events calendar is chock-a-block full of exciting activities. The only thing you need to do is get amongst it!
Winterfest Christmas Feast at the Snow
While we wouldn’t change our summer Christmases for anything, the thought of a winter wonderland at Christmas time is like something out of a fairy tale.
Thanks to the Winterfest Christmas Feast, we can have the best of both worlds.
The evening begins at 6 pm with a ride in the brand new $25 million Sky Waka Gondola which will take you straight to the newly-renovated Knoll Ridge Chalet. Waiting for you will be a Christmas-themed buffet loaded with exceptional local produce at the new Pinnacles “Nga Tohu” Restaurant.
When: Wednesday, July 10 at 6 pm
Where: Pinnacles “Nga Tohu” Restaurant.
Mini X Games
This free Whakapapa event celebrates its 19th year at Happy Valley ski field this year. The Mini X Games offer the perfect opportunity for young skiers and snowboarders to enter their first competitive event on the ski field. What a great way for them to show off their skills!
Kids aged 5-12 years are welcome and the event encourages all abilities. Event organisers set up a mini race course that all levels can enjoy. The team at Mount Ruapehu have some great prizes up for grabs so get up there with the family for a great day on the snow.
When: Monday, July 15 and Tuesday, July 16
Where: Happy Valley ski field
The Masters Champs
Things are taken up a notch at the Masters’ Champs ski race. This event is created for skiers with a competitive streak aged 30 and up.
On Saturday 21 September, the Knoll Ridge Chalet will be buzzing with skilled skiers registering for the Masters Champs. As registrations don’t open until 9 am that day, you’ll want to get up there early to avoid the queues as the race is set to start at 10:30 am.
Competitors get two runs off the slopes. There are great prizes to be had for the winners (as well as bragging rights, of course).
Where: Register at Knoll Ridge Chalet, race Whakapapa ski field
When: Registration 9 am Saturday, 21 September, race 10:30 am
Whakapapa Cup – Banked Slalom
This one is just for the snowboarders among us. The Whakapapa Cup – Banked Slalom is brought to you by the fabulous teams at Mt Ruapehu and RPM Clothing. It’s an epic day of great boarding, good vibes and competitive spirit. The five competitor categories include:
U16 Men
U16 Women
Open Men (16+)
Open Women (16+)
Veterans (40+)
There are great prizes up for grabs from RPM and other quality NZ brands. There’ll also be a few spot prizes here and there. The excitement of this event is for both competitors and spectators to get up to the slopes and be part of the action.
When: Registration 9 am to 11 am. Saturday, 28 September
Where: Snow Sports Knoll Ridge Chalet
Enjoy the Whakapapa events on New Zealand’s largest ski field
This year, the Whakapapa ski season is going to be one that makes history. With the opening of the new 1.8km Sky Waka gondola, we can explore Whakapapa on a whole new level.
The state-of-the-art Sky Waka gondola will transport visitors to the award-winning Knoll Ridge Chalet where the floor-to-ceiling windows allow for uninterrupted views of Tongariro National Park and beyond.
Thanks to the new gondola, Whakapapa can be enjoyed by skiers, snowboarders, spectators and those who simply want to experience New Zealand’s highest restaurant.
Whatever the day of the week, Whakapapa is alive with happy snow-goers looking for adventure.
This coming ski season, Whakapapa will be where it’s at.
Excitement levels are high here at The Park Hotel. With a thick coating of snow, the mountains have never looked so glorious.
Our bookings are ramping up now that the ski fields are set to be fully open in just a few weeks’ time. If you’re planning a trip to Tongariro National Park this season, line it up with one of the Whakapapa events and take part in the fun on the slopes.
Don’t miss your chance to get the winter holiday of a lifetime. With the new Sky Waka Gondola, oodles of fresh snow and fantastic Whakapapa events, this year’s ski season is going to be a cracker. Call us today to book your accommodation.