Whakapapa is preparing to welcome many young and first-time skiers to its slopes, following a successful season pass campaign for children under 10. Thousands of free season passes have been given to kids, with about 70% of these being new memberships. This indicates a return to growth for Whakapapa.
Travis Donoghue, the CEO of Whakapapa, is excited about the results. He said that the free season pass offer for children under 10 has helped families reconnect with snow sports at Whakapapa. He added that they are happy to have achieved their goal of reducing financial barriers for the next generation and ensuring the future of snow sports in New Zealand.
Revenue from season passes has also increased by over 65% compared to last year, which Donoghue sees as a sign of future success. He also mentioned that Whakapapa is ready for an extended season until late October. He encourages visitors to remember that the period from August to October is a great time to visit and to try out different activities beyond just skiing in Happy Valley.
The second school holiday break in September/October is the best time for snow adventures at Whakapapa. Activities like sledding and sightseeing have already started and will continue until October 28. The lower mountain and learning areas will open from June 28, with the upper mountain opening for skiing and snowboarding from July 13, depending on snow conditions.
Donoghue advises parents to book Snow School lessons for their kids who are new to skiing. He also suggests booking day passes in advance and securing snow equipment online to avoid disappointment. For first-time visitors, he recommends planning and booking experiences ahead of time.
Whakapapa’s website provides useful information for newcomers, including the ski area’s location, trail map, daily snow condition report, and the option to purchase everything online including Snow School lessons and rentals.
