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Newsletter July 2026
Whanganui Ski and Snowboard Club
Hut Phone: 07 892 3870
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The snow is dumping! Winters here! The Rangitira Chair is operating and the Sky Waka Gondola is on tomorrow. The club is open for skiing and riding. Snow is still falling to low levels and the and Chateau is covered with snow! 50cm of fresh snow has transformed the maunga and it’s looking seriously good out there. And it’s not done yet, with more snow expected later this week! The WHL crew is flat out getting everything ready, clearing snow, building trails, servicing facilities and carrying out safety work as they assess conditions and work towards opening more terrain.
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Sky Waka Gondola opening today!
The Sky Waka Gondola is opening today for skiing and riding (Monday 27th July). The rest of the mountain will follow with another dump of snow!
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Rangatira Access
Once again we have access to the club via the Rangatira Chair Lift at no charge for access if you don’t have a pass. Obviously this not for ski riding, it is for getting stores, rubbish runs, getting kids to happy valley, taking yourself and your gear to the lodge. You just need to turn at the bottom check in with the lifties and say you staying at the Whanganui Ski Club and you can catch a ride up or down. If coming down remember to lift your feet so you don’t accidentally trip the emergency stop! Dave Taylor still owes the crew a box of beers for not lifting his feet and tripping the emergency wire!
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Driving to the mountain
Ride share! If you are coming to the mountain let others know your plans, and share a ride if suitable.
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Mountain Access Road
The previous fine weekend was incredibly busy with long queues on the access road and it was closed to up hill traffic for a time. On potentially busy weekends with a clear forecast the best option to avoid the problem is to arrive either the night before and walk up. Arrive early afternoon and catch the Rangitira to the hut or in the morning you need to be driving past the DOC Information around 7.30am -7.45am to beet the rush.
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Big mountain clean up opening weekend
The event was very successful, we had a 120 people attend the event, with an array of items collected, from bricks, to ski boot heals, the odd broken ski poles and some glass, but the ski glove clips the most commonly found item. Olivia Gilberd kicked the event off with a beautiful Karakia. What was good, was the lack of rubbish across the field. Clearly showing the love and care we all have for the mountain. Sam from New World Ohakune sponsored the BBQ and Travis from WHL sponsored a few drinks to celebrate.
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Travis Donoghue WHL CEO
Travis is unfortunately leaving Whakapapa after years of excellent committed service working his way up through the organisation to hold the CEO position. He has done an incredible job, he’s built wonderful team of excellent young people who are committed to the clubs and maunga. We will miss Travis and his leadership and are forever grateful what he done for all the clubs, refocusing WHL business to all users groups, and from upper mountain clubs for resolving our access issues. We welcome Dave Mazey who will provide a steady hand as the interim CEO.
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Season Calendar events this year
- Lodge is open for skiing and riding!!!
- University Ski Week One 17 -21 August
- AGM at the Lodge 22nd August 5pm.
- University Ski Week Two 24th to 28th August.
- NIPS Sunday, 30 August – Wednesday, 2 September 2026
- Fundraising Dinner Party at the Lodge book now Saturday 12th September.
- Skis Boards and DJs Party at the Lodge (date TBC)
- Hut Flat Open, Chip & Putt Golf Tournament, hosted by the Club: 9 holes around hut flat, yellow and orange golf balls mandatory!
- September School Holidays. 26th September to 11th October
- Labour Weekend Season Closes.
Dinner Party! Saturday 12th September, book your place now!!
Our French chef Yann and English Chef Richard, comes to us with a world of experience. Yann and Richard are again preparing our wonderful dinner of four superb courses, matched with wines from Clearview Estate. We will raise a cocktail to celebrate 76 years since the club was founded, it will be an evening of fine food, great wines and excellent company!
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Your weekend includes lunch Saturday, welcome cocktail at the dinner, a four course dinner with matching wines, accommodation Saturday night, breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Book now email committee@wssc.co.nz
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Forecast
This week we have a fine forecast until Thursday. On Thursday and Friday there is more snow coming! Get the gear out, wax the board and skis, and we will see you up the mountain!!!
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If you need to get in touch email committee@wssc.co.nz or call Bill for bookings on 021 390 480 or call Gordy Club President on 027 431 6348.
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