Summary - National Snow School 2026

Experience the thrill of the slopes at Snow School!

Every year, Scouts, Venturers, Guides and Rangers (ages 13-18) from around New Zealand take over the Ruapehu Scout Lodge to enjoy seven days of ski and snowboard instruction at the Whakapapa Ski Area.

With expert instructors guiding you, you'll improve your skills while having a blast with new friends. Whether you're carving down the hills or exploring new activities, Snow School promises endless fun and learning.

Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the snow!

Based at the Scout Lodge at the "Top of the Bruce" on Mt Ruapehu, Snow School offers Scouts and Venturers aged 13 - 18 (as of the start of the school on 27 September 2026) easy access to a world-class snowy playground with a variety of terrain for snowboarders and skiers of all abilities, including beginners.

The Snow School is led by experienced Kaiārahi/ Leaders and includes professional snowboard and ski instruction provided by Whakapapa Snow School.

A gear list will be provided once your place is confirmed. You will need to bring or hire your own ski or snowboarding gear. Helmets are mandatory. (There are further details in the application form)

Applications close on 6th September 2026, and full payment of school fees is also due by this date.

Base fee: $1150 per person

This base fee includes the costs of the Scout Lodge (accommodation and food - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks) for 7 nights and up to 3 half days of professional ski/snowboard instruction tailored to your ability. This will be supplemented by coaching provided by the Snow School.

Please note, the following are not included in the base fee:

Lift passes for the Whakapapa Ski Area
Skis / Snowboarding gear
Snow clothing
Travel to/from school

Please wait until your place in the school is confirmed before making your travel arrangements to and from Mt Ruapehu and hire gear / passes.

Please note: we strongly encourage the youth member to complete this registration with the help of a parent.

Please use the student's email address as the primary email address. Parent's email address(es) is required during the registration and both will receive emails sent out by this registration system.

There may be some answers to questions that you may not immediately know. Please return to your registration at a later date to answer those questions.

When you have completed your registration, both you and your parents will receive an email to say that you have completed your registration. Your registration will be "pending" until we approve your registration.

You can log back into your registration at any time and update your answers. You will receive a registration confirmation number, keep this number in a safe place, you will need it to log back in to update your registration. The number is also used to track your payments.

Cancellation

Scouts Aotearoa has the unilateral right to cancel or change this event or not provide the event in the manner promoted if there are reasons outside of our reasonable control (including, but not limited to, any act of god, fire, natural disaster, disease, epidemic, pandemic, or because of any government order, shut-down or regulation (each a “Force Majeure Event”)).

If a Force Majeure Event occurs or the effect of a Force Majeure Event continues, we will use reasonable efforts to provide an alternative event where possible, and we may amend or cancel your booking.

To the extent permitted by the law, Scouts Aotearoa (or any individual associated with Scouts Aotearoa or involved in running the event) will not be liable for any losses you suffer as a result of any such cancellation, postponement, change of event (including any change in requirements for participation) or any restriction on participation.

Scouts Aotearoa will continue to meet our requirements under any applicable consumer law.