ABOUT TONGARIRO SKI CLUB
A mountain community with nearly a century of history
WHO WE ARE
Tongariro Ski Club is a member-run community with a long history on Mt Ruapehu with a strong tradition of welcoming families, friends, and new members into the fold. Since 1932, generations of members have gathered at Mt Ruapehu to share snow days, warm lodge evenings, and a sense of belonging.
With two lodges in prime locations and a culture built on connection, adventure, and love for the mountain, the club remains one of Ruapehu's most established and enduring communities.
OUR HISTORY
Up until 1932, there were only two huts on Mt. Ruapehu: Salt Hut, just below the Loop Road and Ruapehu Ski Club, on Hutt Flat, but with skiing becoming more popular, the demand for beds on the mountain started to increase.
A group of keen Chateau staff led by ‘Shortie’ Clarkin joined forces and applied for permission to build a third hut, and so the Tongariro Ski Club era had begun. A five-room hut was built just above the Top of the Bruce, a perfect site for such a facility.
With the opening of the first chair lift in 1953, Tongariro Ski Club’s position was ideal for skiing off out the front door and over to the lift, a benefit we still enjoy today.
Additions and alterations continued for the next 43 years, but in 1995, the original club was demolished (everything except the chimney) and replaced with a modern first-class club.
With the opening of the southern side of the mountain, Ohakune village was attracting more skiers and boarders to the wide-open spaces of the Turoa ski field. In 1985, after a huge fundraising effort by many club members, a lodge was built to cater for those converted Turoa members and for our growing membership
HOW WE OPERATE
Tongariro Ski Club is guided by an elected Committee who oversee the running of the club, the lodges, and the long-term planning that keeps our facilities in great shape.
The Committee acts in the best interest of the members and works closely with volunteers and lodge staff to manage budgets, maintenance, membership processes, and club activities.
Their work ensures the club stays well organised, financially sound, and welcoming for everyone who spends time on the mountain with us.
WHY JOIN US
Membership gives you a welcoming base on both sides of Mt Ruapehu and a community that makes every winter feel easy, social, and affordable. Families enjoy comfortable lodges, chef‑prepared meals, member pricing, and a culture built around connection and time on the mountain. It is one of the most enjoyable ways to ski Ruapehu season after season.
⛷️ Ski to the door
At Whakapapa you are minutes from the lifts. No queue for parking, no long haul with the gear.
🧑🧑🧒🧒 A real community
Over 300 members, many second, third, or even fourth generation. Come for the skiing, stay for the people.
🏔️ Both sides covered
Lodges at Whakapapa and Ohakune let you chase the best snow across the whole mountain.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Find everything you need to get started:
A family ski club on Mt. Ruapehu, welcoming members since 1932.