What to Expect

Arlberg Ski Club is located on Bruce Road, Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu, beside Carpark B and just a five-minute walk from the Sky Waka.

Our convenient on-mountain location means you can park the car, unload your gear, and head straight to the lodge without a long uphill walk carrying your equipment. Whether you're skiing, snowboarding or simply enjoying everything Whakapapa has to offer, you'll be perfectly positioned to make the most of your stay.

Joining Arlberg is about more than affordable accommodation on Mt Ruapehu. It's about becoming part of a welcoming community of skiers, snowboarders and families who share a passion for the mountain.

Unlike commercial accommodation, Arlberg is run by its members. Everyone plays a small part in helping the club operate, creating a friendly, affordable place to stay that's been enjoyed by generations of members. In return, you'll enjoy on-mountain accommodation just a five-minute walk from the Sky Waka, great company, and a club that many members consider their second home.

Whether you're planning regular weekends on the snow or introducing your family to skiing for the first time, here's what you can expect as an Arlberg member.

Arlberg is designed to make weekends on the mountain simple, comfortable and affordable.

During your stay you'll enjoy:

• Affordable on-mountain accommodation.
• Breakfast and dinner included during the ski season.
• Comfortable bunk rooms.
• Two drying rooms.
• Secure ski and snowboard storage.
• A spacious lounge and dining area to relax after a day on the slopes.
• A second children's lounge.
• Flat access from Carpark B and only a five-minute walk to the Sky Waka.

If you're interested in experiencing Arlberg before becoming a member, you're welcome to apply for a guest stay.

Because Arlberg is a member-owned club, all guest booking requests are reviewed by the committee. They'll check availability, existing member bookings and whether an existing member will be staying at the lodge during your requested dates before confirming your booking. This ensures there are enough beds available for members while also giving guests the opportunity to experience club life.

Before requesting a guest stay, please keep the following in mind:

• Guest bookings are subject to committee approval and availability.
• There must be at least one existing member staying at the lodge during your visit to welcome you and explain how the club operates, including health and safety procedures, emergency information, meals, member duties, how the lodge systems work, and how to safely open and secure the lodge if you're the first to arrive or the last to leave.
• Guest numbers are limited to ensure enough accommodation remains available for members.
• Larger groups can be difficult to accommodate, particularly during busy weekends, school holidays and special club events.
• During the ski season, Friday and Saturday nights must be booked together. Saturday night cannot be pre-booked on its own.
• Children must be over four years of age, except during designated Babies Weeks, which are held twice each season.
• If you're planning to stay more than once, membership is the easiest and most flexible option. Members have priority booking access, can book online without committee approval, and enjoy member accommodation rates.
• If you stay as a guest and later decide to become a member, we'll refund the additional guest accommodation charge from your first stay.

If you'd like to experience Arlberg, get in touch with your preferred dates, the number of guests in your group, and a little about yourselves. We'll review your request and let you know if we're able to accommodate you.

Request a guest stay

Pack for a comfortable stay at the lodge.

You'll need to bring:

• Warm bedding or a sleeping bag.
• Pillowcase.
• Towel and toiletries.
• Lunch, snacks and drinks.
• Ski or snowboard gear, or hire on the mountain.
• Indoor footwear is essential.

During the ski season, breakfast and dinner are provided. You'll just need to bring your own lunch, snacks and drinks.

One of the things members love most about Arlberg is the sense of community.

We don't employ staff, so members work together to help the lodge run smoothly. During your stay, you'll be allocated a small duty, such as helping prepare breakfast, serving dinner, clearing tables or assisting with cleaning.

These jobs are shared fairly, don't take long, and help keep accommodation costs affordable for everyone. It's all part of the Arlberg experience and one of the reasons so many lifelong friendships have been formed at the club.

And don't forget, the kids pitch in too! It's a great way to teach them valuable life skills, whether that's vacuuming, washing dishes, collecting firewood or simply helping out as part of the team.

Arlberg was built in 1965 and has been maintained by its members ever since. Today, that same spirit continues, with members coming together to help keep the lodge in great shape for future generations.

We typically hold two work parties each year. One prepares the lodge for the ski season, while the other focuses on end-of-season maintenance and improvements. Jobs might include repairing weatherboards, completing roof repairs, painting, deep cleaning, stock takes or tackling general maintenance around the lodge.

Work parties are also a great opportunity to meet other members, learn more about the club, and enjoy being part of the Arlberg community.

We welcome members with all kinds of skills and experience. Whether you're an accountant, builder, architect, electrician, plumber, painter, digital marketer, event organiser, or simply someone who's happy to lend a hand, there's a way for everyone to contribute. Every skill helps keep Arlberg running and ensures the lodge continues to thrive for years to come.

Every stay has a nominated Lodge Officer.

The Lodge Officer is simply another member who has been selected to oversee the smooth running of the lodge during that stay. They'll welcome new arrivals, organise member duties, help coordinate meals and ensure everyone enjoys a safe and enjoyable weekend.

They're there to help, so if you have any questions during your stay, they'll be your first point of contact.

When your booking is confirmed you'll receive everything you need before you arrive, including the access code for the door.

On arrival you'll:

• Add your name to the bunk board.
• Meet the Lodge Officer.
• Check the duty board for any jobs allocated during your stay.

Before leaving you'll simply complete your allocated duty, leave your bunk and shared areas tidy, and make sure the lodge is ready for the next members to enjoy.

Because Arlberg is owned and operated by its members, everyone helps look after it.

Members are expected to:

• Respect fellow members and guests.
• Help keep shared areas clean and tidy.
• Follow lodge safety procedures.
• Keep noise to a minimum late at night.
• Use a pillowcase on club pillows.
• Treat the lodge as they would their own home.

Small things like these help maintain the welcoming atmosphere that Arlberg is known for.

Breakfast and dinner are provided during the ski season, with meals prepared using food supplied by the club.

If you have a food allergy, intolerance or specific dietary requirement, please let us know when you make your booking. You’re welcome to bring your own food to prepare in the lodge kitchen, or use available club ingredients to make a suitable alternative meal.

As the lodge is a shared kitchen, we can’t guarantee an allergen-free environment, so please bring anything you need to manage your dietary requirements safely.

The safety of members and guests is always a priority.

The lodge has emergency procedures, fire safety equipment and clear health and safety processes in place. Lodge Officers help ensure these procedures are followed, and members receive all the information they need before arriving.

Detailed health and safety information is available to members once signed in.

The earlier the better.

Popular weekends and school holidays often get bookings well in advance, so we recommend making your bookings as soon as your plans are confirmed.

One of the benefits of membership is that your booking can be changed up to two days before your stay at no extra cost. Rather than cancelling, simply move your booking to another available date.

Yes. Senior members can sponsor up to five guests.

Weekday guest bookings can be made directly through the booking system. Weekend guest bookings require approval before they can be confirmed, as members receive priority access to accommodation.

Once approved, you'll make the booking through the online booking system using the Non Member option.

Membership is designed to make regular trips to the mountain more affordable.

As a member you'll receive:

• Access to member accommodation rates.
• Breakfast and dinner during the ski season.
• Access to all club facilities.
• The ability to sponsor guests.
• A welcoming club community.

Children under 12 are included with a Senior Membership and don't pay an annual subscription.

View our current Membership Fees and Accommodation Rates.

Many people join Arlberg because of the affordable accommodation and unbeatable location. They stay because of the friendships, shared experiences and welcoming community they've found along the way.

Whether you're introducing your children to the snow, planning regular weekends on Mt Ruapehu or simply looking for a friendly place to stay, Arlberg offers something that's becoming increasingly rare—a genuine club where everyone belongs. We'd love to welcome you.

Become a member Contact us

Arlberg is a member-run club, and creating a welcoming environment is everyone's responsibility. We ask all members and guests to treat others with respect, contribute to club life and help look after the lodge.

Read our Code of Conduct →