Take it to the next level
Development programmes

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 academy

An academy programme for absolute beginners to all mountain rippers. Our youth academy runs across 5 weekends, alternating between two groups, or across a whole 10 weeks. Kids are matched with an experienced instructor, based on age and ability, to build solid techniques, and have a whole lot of fun, over the course of the season.

Open to skiers aged 6-16, and snowboarders aged 8-16, the Academy programme runs 6 hours per day on mountain.

Join high performance squad

The High Performance Squad (previously known as the Development Squad) is designed for those riders working towards higher, more competitive goals.
The squad will be more focused, aiming to further their technique and performance at every opportunity. It's a great opportunity to work and train towards a competitive goal in the future, and an awesome stepping stone towards joining Team Ruapehu.
If you are looking for a more focused step up from Academy then this is the programme for you!

Join development weekends

Our Adult Development Weekends are an awesome programme for anyone who would like to progress their skiing to the next level over the course of the season.
We aim to have groups from beginner levels, to all-mountain skiers. You will ski with one of our highly qualified instructors and create a perfect learning environment to achieve group goals, improve your technique and keep ahead of our younger shredders.

Join development weeks

This week long programme is designed for your personal development alongside some fun, social, activities. This programme is the perfect way to break bad habits and increase your confidence on the snow.

Open to women aged 16 and over for all ability levels between 1-6. 20 hours on snow coaching over the course of 5 days.