Happy Valley at Whakapapa has long been one of the best places in New Zealand to learn to ski
Set in a sheltered valley just below the main ski area at Whakapapa Ski Field on Mt Ruapehu, Happy Valley is an ideal place to start your skiing journey and learn in an environment designed for beginners.
The slopes are gentle and ideal for learning to ski/snowboard. Happy Valley offers beginners a space to learn away from the faster, more advanced ski runs, allowing them to build confidence at their own pace.
As it is located in a valley, Happy Valley provides protection from the weather. Like all mountains, Mt Ruapehu can experience changeable conditions, but the valley’s geography offers shelter from the wind and gives families a more comfortable place to spend their first day on the snow. On a sunny day, it can also become a wonderful sun trap.
Everything you need is close by, including ski and snowboard lessons, rental equipment, food, toilets and the beginner slopes
With Happy Valley used only by beginners, it allows you to enjoy a magical first-time skiing experience in your own special place – and trust us, that makes a big difference.
Our daughter learnt to ski at Happy Valley, so it will always be a special place for our family. Its gentle slopes make it an ideal place for children and adults to learn, practice and gradually build confidence. Family and friends can watch their progress nearby or ski and snowboard alongside them, making it an experience everyone can share.
The carpet lifts also make learning easier. Beginners can step onto the covered carpet and ride back up the slope without needing to master a chairlift – ideal in bad weather. When they feel confident enough, the Double Happy chairlift is there as well.
Is Happy Valley a good place to learn to ski?
Yes, Happy Valley is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard. We believe it is one of the best beginner areas in New Zealand, with gentle slopes, easy conveyor lifts and a self-contained learning area separated from the main ski field.
Happy Valley is no longer only about skiing and snowboarding. The Snowland area gives families another reason to visit, particularly when not everyone wants to ski
Snowland is Happy Valley’s new snowplay area, with tubing, sledding and space to play in the snow. It is a good option for families, younger children and anyone who wants to enjoy the snow without skiing or snowboarding.
Tubes and sleds are included with the ticket (you can purchase this online), The ticket allows you to move between the different activities during your session. There is also space to build a snowman, have a snowball fight or simply spend time in the snow.
Sessions last one hour and begin every half hour. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly during weekends and school holidays.
For many North Island families, including ours, Happy Valley is their first real experience of snow
Happy Valley is accessible, sheltered and designed for people who are still finding their feet.
There are bigger slopes and longer trails elsewhere on Whakapapa, but that is not what makes Happy Valley special. The great thing is that it gives beginners and families a manageable place to start – and often provides the first step towards a lifetime of skiing.
