October News... End of season wrap

President's season wrap up

Although the season started late, it was short but sweet! There was some great skiing and plenty of fun times at the club. It was awesome to meet so many new, friendly members at the lodge this season. Their enthusiasm for the lodge and the camaraderie they brought really reinforced what the club is all about.

Everyone I spoke with said they’ll be back next season — with great eagerness and, no doubt, more friends in tow!

I also thought the new Whakapapa operators did a fantastic job running the mountain — from serious snowmaking and smooth lift operations to clear communication and reasonable season pass deals. (Especially if you managed to grab a three-year season pass for $999!)

Personally, I feel the club is in great shape and full of renewed energy on the maunga. Our future looks as bright as ever — as long as it snows! 

Adrian Bosch, President

Season Wind Up

Whakapapa WHL has announced that the last day is Sunday 26 October.  Custodian Linda Reed has been doing a great job, and is due to continue at the lodge until then (but if folks wish to spend the whole of Labour weekend there then please check with bookings@iwikau.com).

Turoa’s last day is due to be Sunday 26 October, but it should be ok to stay at the Ohakune house for the whole of Labour weekend. Unlimited days spring passes are available for last flings throughout October!

https://pureturoa-ecom.intouchelevate.com/shop/product/55

We won’t hold our usual end-of-year party this year because there aren’t race and other prizes to hand out.  Also, this will save costs.

Membership

Great news is that our membership is holding up.  The banner flag outside the lodge by the Rockgarden home run continues to attract inquiries from the public. 

New members of the club have contributed to a lively and warm atmosphere in the lodge.  Iwikau welcomes new members to the club and encourages them to share the club experience with their friends. 

Rob Sumner, Stores Officer

2026 Season Passes

Whakapapa; early purchase savings, cut-off dates:

·     14 November; $500 off adult, $250 off 11-17 years

·     15 Nov-30 Apr; $300 off adult, $150 off 11-17 years

·     5-10 years old free until 30 April 2026

https://www.whakapapa.com/passes/season-26

Turoa; sale ends 31 October, full details due 22 October but preliminary:

·     Adult, age 17 – 64; $388 (Senior, 65-74 same)

·     Youth, age 6 – 16; $88

https://www.pureturoa.nz/passes/season-passes

Summer accommodation

During the off-season Whakapapa lodge is available for a minimum of six people concurrently, requiring at least one fully financial senior member to open up & close down.  The gondola runs over summer. 

The Ohakune house is also available requiring at least one fully financial member.  Discover the new biking loop trail from near the house, and other trails! 

They’re great for summer tramping and cycling (mountain & e-bikes can be rented in Ohakune), and for just passing through Ohakune.  Summer rates apply; email bookings@iwikau.com

2026 Work Parties

A weekend booking credit applies for participants.  New members / interested in joining are encouraged and WP‘s are always fun!  Likely dates are:

·     Whakapapa   in Friday 20, to Sunday 22 March

·     Ohakune        in Friday 27, to Sunday 29 March

Summer dreaming...

Or nightmare, that you might ski something like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlXk49Mh7go

What speed did Cody hit down that crazy chute?

Or maybe this is safer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbqHK8i-HdA

At the end – the smile says he enjoyed the runs!

September News...

From on the hill (Whakapapa)

Well, we’ve had heaps of recent snow, making for great spring skiing.  From last weekend 13+14 September, snow around the lodge down to the Top of the Bruce:  

Weekends are being booked out so don’t delay your bookings.  Last weekend the lodge was full.

USE IT OR LOSE IT – reminder to financial members to use your 2 free nights before the end of the season.

Custodian Linda Reed will be absent from the lodge from Sunday 28 September returning Thursday 16 October.  According to who is present the lodge officer or other member will act in her place during that time.

Whakapapa Holdings’ intended season finish as usual is Labour Day, Monday 27 October.   

And the other side (Turoa)

The skiing at Turoa is often brilliant during spring, often with good snow falls in September to mid-October.  Indeed, Turoa often only closes after Labour Weekend due to lack of skiers, not lack of great skiing and snow. 

Our stores officer hasn’t got around to Ohakune yet so if members find essential supplies depleted, e.g. toilet paper, please buy from the supermarket & submit the invoice to admin@iwikau.com to be reimbursed.

New members join in

Following new 19 members joining in July-August, 17 more joined this month!  A number have made it down to the lodge participating in the positive vibe (the grins were before the final AB-SA test score)!

Upcoming events at Whakapapa

From https://www.whakapapa.com/events:

·     Sunset session, Saturday 20 September - Sunset laps on the Valley T-bar until 5:30 pm, a DJ on the Knoll Ridge cafe deck, drinks from The Back Bar, and views above the clouds.

·     Tongariro Juniors ski racing, Saturday 20 September, contingency Sunday 21 September

·     Warren Miller Movie “75” at Lorenz’ Bar & Café, Tuesday 23 September - powder stashes and chutes around the world

·     Way Back Wednesday, 24 September 2025 - retro vibes on the slopes! Dress up in your best throwback ski gear 50% off your day pass, prizes for the best dressed

·     Upper Mountain Big Air, Saturday 27 September - huge tricks, massive airtime - the legendary Big Air returns in 2025!

·     North Is. Adapative Festival, Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September - three-day event supported by Snow Sports NZ brings together adaptive skiers and snowboarders of all levels

·     Rogue Run, Monday 29 September 2025 - freeride race open to all ages and abilities – it’s about speed, skill, and having fun [SAFELY!]

·     Women's Freeride, Wednesday 1 October 2025 – day to gain tips with like-minded women

·     Pond Skim, Saturday 4 October 2025 

·     University of Auckland racing, 4 - 5 October

Be prepared…

And this is why carrying a spade, perhaps with a folding or telescopic handle, as well as chains, in the car is always a good idea at any time of the season:

A reminder too that AWD vehicles may also need chains whether up hill in the dark on Friday night or for the drive down.  AWD is not enough without chains when there is ice or significant snow on the road! 

Instruction corner

Never stop learning if we’re of a mind to, so:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eaBHNb7yCA&li st=PLIKCU6GPV4m2Ok9sHu0B892EydPTtVQLw&in dex=2

August 2025 - News...

From on the hill (Whakapapa)

Big shout out to Whakapapa Holdings Limited for the amazing job they have done to provide top to bottom skiing on the Sky Waka. Chris Carnall managed 25 runs on the gondola on Saturday 16 August, and noted that at the 9am start there would have only been 15 people in the line-up, and no wait during the day. Skiers right in the Valley was also in great shape, but skiers left of the Valley a little sketchy. The lodge was full and atmosphere great as always so make sure you get down to the mountain and soon. 

Snow typically builds from August through to mid-October, and spring skiing is often the best!

Upcoming events at Whakapapa

From https://www.whakapapa.com/events:

·     Ngauruhoe Trophy Race, Saturday 30 August, or contingency Sunday 31 August

·     Rangatira Trophy Race & Christiania Derby, Saturday 6 September, or contingency Sunday 7 September

·     Pond Skim, Saturday 13 September - Costumes, chaos and big laughs guaranteed!

·     Tongariro Juniors ski racing, Saturday 20 September, contingency Sunday 21 September

·     Warren Miller Movie “75” at Lorenz’ Bar & Café, Tuesday 23 September - powder stashes and chutes around the world

·     Upper Mountain Big Air, 27 September - huge tricks, massive airtime - the legendary Big Air returns in 2025!

·     North Is. Adapative Festival, Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September - three-day event supported by Snow Sports NZ brings together adaptive skiers and snowboarders of all levels

Resignation – Roger Fea

This note to the committee from Roger captures the great times being a member of the club:

I didn't renew my sub this year and what a big decision that was for me.

The club has been a hugely important part of my life - I described it as being my second home. I joined at age 48 after a marriage break up. I asked Kerry and Marilyn Jenkins [founding members] about joining. We were members of the same wine and food society. At my age I would never make it as a skier, Marilyn told me. I like to think I proved her wrong.

I am now well over 80 and I haven't skied for about three years. The last time was at Mt Hutt. In truth my legs are not up to it either.

I feel incredibly sad to part company with the club. My best friends have come from skiing and specifically the club. They are still skiing, albeit with some restrictions caused by age. AND they are 10 to 15 years younger than me!!

My membership has given me huge pleasure. Thank you, thank you Iwikau Ski Club for coming into my life!!!

Yours in skiing,

ROGER FEA

Free hand & toe warmers

Committee member John Leybourne has donated some hand warmers for those cold days up the hill. They can also be used in ski boots. Although past their usual expiry date, they will still keep your extremities warm so ask the Custodian or the lodge officer if there are any left on your next stay at the lodge.

Instruction corner

Ours is an extremely technical sport!  Of course, ski racing GOAT Mikaela Shiffrin is coached and practices endlessly.  We can even study at home:

https://youtu.be/8T3Q2l_nmzM?si=DX8DiiWKLaU1lc2A