2026 - here we come....

2026 Work Party - new dates

Work party dates are confirmed as:

·     Whakapapa   in Friday 10, to Sunday 12 April

·     Ohakune        in Friday 17, to Sunday 19 April

We encourage all new & existing members to do a work party, they are fun weekend!  A weekend booking credit applies for all participants.  Please email admin@iwikau.com if interested.

Summer lodge use

Reminder that Whakapapa and Ohakune properties are available for use – see October 2025 newsletter.  Ohakune is a useful cheap stop over enroute south. 

Northern hemisphere reports

For certain members, the wait for winter was too lengthy, prompting them to seek colder climates. Some traveled to Canada, while others ventured to Europe. The snow coverage was excellent; regions in Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany experienced significant snowfalls in February, with some snow bases doubling in size. North America also enjoyed substantial snowfalls, though some occurred later in the season.

Ski field news

Whakapapa

https://www.whakapapa.com/report 

Summer: Stunning alpine, tussock and forest environment, for hiking, cycling, and gondola to Knoll Ridge cafe.

Season passes for winter 2026:  Early Bird Anytime season passes until 30 April:

·     Adult 18-64, $300 off = $699

·     Youth 11-17, $150 off = $349

·     Child 5-10, free if claimed by 30 April, then $499

·     Full-time tertiary student, $400 off = $499

·     Senior 65-74, $100 off = $499

·     Super senior 75+ = free

Anytime season passes include 4 Buddy Passes (excl. Child/Infant/Super)

Parallel Pass - 10 days across 2026 & 2027 seasons

Snowmaking increases - last year WHL added 10 of the latest TechnoAlpin TT10 automated snow guns and repositioned existing snow guns.  These cover the full length of the gondola skiing from Knoll café down the Rockgarden, and the adjacent Tennants Valley. 

Turoa

https://www.pureturoa.nz 

Season passes for winter 2026:

·     Adult 17-64, $699

·     Youth 6-16, $299

·     Child <6, free but pass required

·     Student 17-64, $549

·     Senior 65-74, $599

·     Senior+ 75+ = free but pass required

Payment plans and perks available

FIS Racing & Winter Olympics

The big news this north hemisphere ski racing season was #3 all-time greatest racer Lindsey Vonn’s astonishing return to racing at age 41, nearly 6 years after she retired – due to too many injuries!  Yes, some of us are slow to learn, and skiing is life! 

Lindsey - "If there's anything I know to do, it's skiing"

https://youtube.com/shorts/QpmVB-eVafA?si=6RdrLAMKYdcmgs81

She won 2 races, podiumed in 7, in FIS DH & SG.  Despite her torn ACL she was 3rd fastest in Olympics DH training so if not for crash #2 could’ve medalled.

Also stunning was 35-year-old Italian ace Federica Brignone’s two Olympic gold medals, in GS and SG, despite struggling in earlier races following multiple legs fractures in April 2025.  Some skiers won’t quit and can improve with age!

Alice Robinson has 3 wins, for 6 podiums, in FIS GS and SG (up to 7 March)

In FIS Men’s Freeski Park & Pipe overall Kiwis Finley Mellvile Ives & Luca Harrington are 1^st & 3^rd in points

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott won a silver medal in the Olympics Snowboard Big Air, after an injury lay-off

Cardrona must have something in the water!

Don't talk - just ski

Perfect corduroy with Valentina Baetz (short):

https://youtube.com/shorts/EAANtQhdD4U?si=giBlHqLerWNBDA2E

A bit more rad than Pinnacles “Backstage” (3 mins)!

https://youtu.be/02DSBgT1ZPA?si=o1xcKZLp2q7P0cIg

How to REALLY scare mum & dad (17 min):

Best Overall Action Award Winner – Dream Factory Film Festival 2025 | Watch L’Experience Magnifique

https://youtu.be/_caIhFLNhrY?si=toZuVKx9pQgHb06U

The mountains are exhilarating, fun, and a great leveller, but potentially dangerous with unwise choices!  A fundamental of back country avalanche avoidance is decision making, choosing to back off from uncertain slopes and snow conditions (golden rule of avalanches – they’re not always predictable and detectable!).

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