Whakapapa | North Island Primary and Intermediate Schools Ski Champs - CANCELLED

Kia ora,

Unfortunately, following our seven-day snow control, we have made the difficult decision to cancel NIPS 2026.

While skiing and riding conditions across Whakapapa are currently good, the season’s snow coverage has not filled in the gullies and terrain required to safely set and run the NIPS race courses. We don’t believe we can deliver the quality of racing and event that NIPS deserves, so we have made the call not to proceed this winter.

We’re gutted not to be hosting NIPS this year. It’s a special event for Whakapapa, and we’re looking forward to seeing it return to the calendar in 2027 and welcoming everyone back to the Valley.
The good news is that there is still plenty of skiing to be had. We currently have skiing and riding from Happy Valley through to the upper mountain, including the Knoll T and Valley T. We also opened terrain across the West Quad this week, and setup work continues on the Far West T bar in preparation for the next storm. We’d love to still see many of you at Whakapapa next weekend enjoying the mountain.

NIPS Event Passes

If you have already purchased a NIPS event pass, you are welcome to keep it and we will honour it for use during the remainder of the 2026 winter season.
Alternatively, if you would prefer a refund, please let SSNZ know, who will arrange a full refund for you.

Thank you for your understanding and for your continued support of NIPS. We know how much work goes into preparing for the event from competitors, families, schools and organisers, and we’re disappointed we can’t deliver the racing this year.

We look forward to welcoming NIPS back to Whakapapa in 2027.

Ngā mihi,
Whakapapa Events Team

*Weather Day – Please be prepared to race on any day that has been designated as a “Weather Day” for your age group.  

These have been designated around other races on the New Zealand Alpine calendar, and to accommodate any potential in weather OR facility challenges during the week.