SNOW PROGRAMME
The National Park School winter snow programmes are a favourite for our tamariki each year and we welcome enrolments from whānau keen to join us
The National Park School winter snow programmes are a favourite each year and we welcome enrolments from whānau keen to join us. If you are an outdoor person and down to earth you will never regret taking a leap of faith and spending winter with us. We even have families that came for winter and stayed much longer, becoming permanent community members.
In partnership with Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL) our programmes cater for beginners, through to children who want to be competitive with an emphasis on skills and attitudes, and understanding of place.
You do not need brand new equipment to enjoy a winter here. Many families start out hiring or using second hand gear to get going. Season rentals with a local shop or WHL are worth considering as they will exchange for skis and boards that become more complex as children advance their skills. They will also fine tune and help you out if something doesn’t feel right or you’re not sure. You’ll also need lots of warm layers - school has an annual second hand Snow Gear sale where you can pick these up at great prices. We also provide a waterproof jackets for school snow days.
RAL Local’s Academy Programme 2025
Extra curriculum
This programme is advertised via WHL & families link directly with WHL to book & organise
You can book through the Whakapapa Academy Options 2025 through Whakapapa website
NPS Programme 2025
Curriculum
This programme will be advertised via school & families can link directly with us for organisation
One full-day visit per week, lessons between 9am & 2.30pm
Consistent coaches throughout the programme
Ski & Snowboard
Minimum age for snowboarding is eight – unless WHL agrees otherwise
Term 3 for six Thursdays starting 24 July 2025
Groups average seven tamariki from the school
No cost: this programme involves the delivery of our school curriculum. Missing lessons should be avoided
Note: a minimum of four students per group is required otherwise, lesson time could be reduced
NPS The Final Four
2025
Extra Curriculum
This programme will be advertised via school & families can link directly with us for organisation
One full-day per week – lessons between 9am and 2.30pm
Consistent coaches throughout the programme
Ski & Snowboard
Minimum age for snowboarding is eight – unless WHL agrees otherwise
Note: Groups must average seven tamariki with a minimum of four students per group is required otherwise, lesson time could be reduced
Joining us for Winter?
It is very easy to transfer between schools, we would suggest a conversation with your base school first and then it is as easy as contacting us and completing an enrolment form. We will link with your child’s school to gain understanding about their progress and achievement to ease the mid year transition.
With National Park’s proximity to Raurimu and Whakapapa there are a range of accommodation options if you look early enough. School can also help with this as we can use our local networks to help connect you.
Our families are welcoming and it’s easy to establish social networks through mid-week skiing and snowboarding, volunteering and children’s friendships at school. There are various clubs and events too.
Local services include churches, a gas station and 4 square, a post shop, cafes and restaurants. There are doctors around 30-minute drive away and also an online service you can access. The Ruapehu District Council library service even visits school twice each term for children to exchange their books!