Adaptive Learning Centre

Feel the Freedom

The Ruapehu Adaptive Programme provides instruction and equipment for skiers and riders with physical or intellectual disabilities.

The Ruapehu Adaptive Programme aims to assist anyone with a disability to get out and have fun and freedom on the snow. We’re here to give you whatever help you might need to achieve your skiing/boarding aspirations and to share our wonderful alpine environment.

Experienced instructors provide an opportunity for all people with disabilities to experience the freedom of skiing or boarding and enjoy the spectacular Mt Ruapehu. The programme is run in conjunction with Disabled Snowsports New Zealand (DSNZ). DSNZ members get half price lift tickets and rentals. You can join on the field.
Snowsports are a fantastic way to get exercise and meet friends at the same time and the programme works to ensure there is virtually no limit as to who can participate. With the right equipment, instruction and/or complimentary volunteer support, anyone can enjoy the thrill of the mountains regardless of ability!

• We can work with any disability at any level.
• If all you can do move is your head, we can get you enjoying the freedom of skiing.
• If your son or daughter has autism, we can enable them to learn to ski or ride.
• If you want to ski with a friend who has lost strength because of cancer, we will help you do that.
• If your buddy has problems with vision but wants to go snowboarding, no problem.
• Thinking of bringing someone up as part of a school group? Not a problem. Just let us know.

Everything, anything is possible.

Whakapapa Adaptive Centre

Travis Thiele is the adaptive programme coordinator at Whakapapa. He can be contacted at

Adaptive Learning Centre
Whakapapa Ski Area
Mt Ruapehu
Ph: 07 892 3410 ext 7848
Fax: 07 892 3732
Email: adaptive.whakapapa@mtruapehu.com

Turoa Adaptive Centre

Bob Williams is the adaptive programme coordinator at Turoa. He can be contacted at

Adaptive Learning Centre
Turoa Ski Area
Mt Ruapehu
Ph: 06 385 8456 ext 5670
Fax: 06 385 8992
Email: adaptive.turoa@mtruapehu.com

Adaptive Lessons

A variety of lessons are available from instructors for all levels from beginners to more experienced athletes who would like to try competition skiing or riding. Our instructors specialise in adaptive instruction.

It is important you book in advance, so we can ensure you get the best instructor for you and prepare any equipment you may need in advance so you can get quickly onto the snow

Lesson duration	Price
1 hour	$99
3 hours	$180

Lesson prices are based on one person. Extra people are charged at $20 per person per hour. Maximum four people per lesson. Please contact the centre if there is more than one person.

Adaptive Rental Equipment

Adaptive equipment is available to enable everyone's participation regardless of strength or ability. Here’s a sample. Contact us for more details.

Equipment	DSNZ Member Price	Non-member Price
Sit skis (mono and bi)	$20	$40
Outriggers	$10	$20
Links	Deposit only	$10
Bibs	Deposit only	$5

Volunteers Wanted

Working on adaptive programmes is great fun and is a really great way to improve your skiing or riding! If you are interested in joining the program as a volunteer, then Travis and Bob will be pleased to hear from you. They will provide all the necessary training and equipment.

Get Disabled Snowsports (DSNZ) membership and save money !

Join DSNZ and save money. DSNZ members receive a passport that entitles them to half price lift passes (including a helper) and equipment. You can join at the skifield. Membership has other benefits too – see www.disabledsnowsports.org.nz/membership/benefits.htm

For more information about DSNZ : www.disabledsnowsports.org.nz

Stuck in Auckland??

If you are based near Auckland then you should know that Snowplanet in Albany also has an adaptive programme. Practice in a tin can and then use your skills on the bigger stuff.

www.vwsnowacademy.co.nz/adaptive.html

The adaptive coordinator is Millie Clark. You can contact her here :

Snowplanet 
91 Small Road 
Silverdale 
Auckland 

09 427 00 44 
0800 SNOWPLANET