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