NIPS is a fantastic opportunity for young skiers to experience alpine racing in a safe and supportive environment.
UNFORTUNATELY NIPS 2026 HAS BEEN CANCELLED
We’re proud to carry forward a legacy spanning more than 30 years of introducing North Island rangatahi to ski racing. As the most important event of its kind in the North Island, and with Whakapapa as its home, NIPS offers the most accessible and welcoming entry point into the world of alpine competition.
IMPORTANT UPDATE
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.
NIPS Competitor Handbook 2026
Everything you need to know before arriving at Whakapapa.
This handbook covers event schedules, registration, race rules, lift passes, team manager responsibilities, volunteer information, key contacts and what to expect throughout the week, making it an essential guide for competitors, parents, schools and team managers.
All NIPS 2025 Results
