Take it to the next level
Development programmes
15% discount!
All our programmes are discounted during our Season Pass campaign, from the 15th April to 15th May. Don't miss out!

Expert instructors, a supportive environment, and a whānau feel. Our development programmes are a step up in commitment, on a path to becoming a more competent or expert skier or snowboarder. Development programmes run at Whakapapa, and are tailored to the needs of both junior and adult riders.

Join Whakapapa holiday crew

Introducing our Holiday Crew – the ultimate adventure for young snow enthusiasts! Running Monday through Friday during every week of the New Zealand School Holidays, our program promises a thrilling journey on the slopes.

Each child is paired with a seasoned instructor, guaranteeing personalised guidance tailored to their age and skill level. Whether they're beginners or seasoned pros, our focus is on building technique, confidence, and mountain knowledge.

Join us for an unforgettable experience where every turn is a chance to learn, grow, and most importantly, having a blast with new ski buddies!

Ski - July Week 1 - Monday 8th to Friday 12th
Ski - July Week 2 - Monday 15th to Friday 19th
Ski - October Week 1 - Monday 30th Sept to Friday 4th Oct
Ski - October Week 2 - Monday 7th to Friday 11th
Snowboard - July Week 1 - Monday 8th to Friday 12th
Snowboard - July Week 2 - Monday 15th to Friday 19th
Snowboard - October Week 1 - Monday 30th Sept to Friday 4th Oct

Join academy

Introducing our Youth Academy Programme, designed to ignite the passion for mountain adventure in absolute beginners and seasoned all-mountain rippers alike! Embark on an unforgettable season spanning five weekends, or dive into the full immersion experience spanning a 10-week adventure.

At our academy, every child is paired with a seasoned instructor, ensuring tailored guidance that caters to their age and skill level. Participants will master the fundamentals while honing their techniques, laying down a solid foundation for a lifetime of skiing or snowboarding enjoyment.

Ski - Locals academy 10 days - every Sunday starting 28th July
Ski - Academy 10 days - alternate weekends starting 27/28th July
Ski - Academy 10 days - alternate weekends from 3/4th August
Ski - Academy 20 days - every weekend starting 27/28th July
Snowboard - Academy 10 days - alternate weekends from 27/28th July

Join high performance squad

Our High Performance Squad is aimed around setting our future stars along the start of their pathway into competitive snow sports. Open to both Freeride/Freestyle and Race athletes.

With an emphasis on the fundamentals, our HPS strives to create an environment that is fun, supportive, and conducive to learning. The ultimate goal of the program is to develop resilient athletes who go on to achieve success in competition.

If you seek a refined progression beyond the Academy, and feel you would benefit from the additional goal setting, off-snow training and structured programme, this program stands as the ideal pathway for your ambitions.

High Performance Squad - Freestyle/Freeride
High Performance Squad - Race
High Performance Squad - Drop-in

Join adult weekend programmes

Our Adult Development Weekends aim to take your skiing prowess to the next level over the course of the season.

Whether you're a novice seeking to master the fundamentals or an all-mountain enthusiast aiming to refine your skills, our group sessions, capped at six participants, ensure personalised attention from our expert instructors.

Together, we'll carve pathways to success, fostering a dynamic learning environment where group objectives are met, techniques are honed, and you stay steps ahead of the competition, regardless of age.

Ski - Development weekends - alternate weekends from 27/28th july
Snowboard - Development weekends - alternate weekends from 27/28th july
High Performance Clinic

Join development week

Our Women's Weeks are tailored to your personal growth, blending personal riding development with social activities.

Our programme offers the ideal platform to shed old habits and amplify your confidence on increasingly challenging terrain.

Women's Week is open to women aged 16 and above, regardless of skill level, the programme spans five days, featuring a total of 20 hours of expert coaching on the snow. Join us as we hone your technique's amidst a group of like-minded women.

Ski - Women's week 1 - Monday 19th to Friday 23rd August
Ski - Women's week 2 - Monday 26th to Friday 30th August
Snowboard - Women's week 1 - Monday 19th to Friday 23rd August

Join our instructor training programmes

Are you gearing up to conquer your Instructor exams? Join us for an intensive week-long preparation course designed to equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence needed to excel.

Our trainers will guide you through what to expect, provide invaluable tips for effective preparation, and hone your skills to ensure you're prepared to tackle the challenges ahead. Don't just aim to pass – aim to excel. Join us and pave the way for your success in the world of instruction.

Ski - Instructor Training Pre Course
Snowboard - Instructor Training Pre Course