Downhill Ski Club
The Downhill Ski Club was founded by members of the Professional Club in Auckland in the early 1960s. The lodge was built above McMillan corner on the National Downhill Slope of Whakapapa, hence the name. Ski Services ran a nut cracker nearby and two rope tows beside the club.
The lodge had a swimming pool, the highest swimming pool in the country. There was a diesel fired boiler to heat domestic and pool water. With the oil crisis in the early 70's the pool was decommissioned in 1973. A floor was built over it and a games room made with pool table and table tennis table. The pool is used to store fire wood today.
In 1975 Ski Services replaced the nut cracker with a T bar. Ski Services sold to RAL about 1978. Until then the Downhill bought power from Ski Services. The club installed its own Lister 3 cylinder generator.
Debentures were raised in the early 1980s to fund a major revamp. The bedrooms were rebuilt, the kitchen was moved and new couches were purchased for the lounge. The drying room was enlarged and a ski work shop created. All windows were repositioned and replaced and the building was re clad and given a new roof. The lodge was fully carpeted.
In 1989 the club purchased a second lodge in National Park. This was to allow members to ski Turoa more easily and prevented the late night tramp into the mountain lodge on Friday nights. That lodge has been enlarged and renovated extensively.
In 1994 the West Ridge Quad and the Far West T bar were electrified. At this time a power cable was run past the lodge and the lodge was connected to the national grid. Now the generator is only for backup.
The club is in a strong position today. The membership is a mix of family and single memberships. The third generation is now enjoying it also.
If you know some history you think should be included or something here is wrong, please email us. Thanks!