Snow Fest Youth Camp
Snowboarding • Skiing • Adventure • Community
Snow Fest is more than just a trip to the mountain. It is a positive community experience where young people find belonging, discover purpose, and build hope for their future.
Set amongst the stunning mountains of Tongariro National Park, Snow Fest combines snowboarding and skiing with friendship, adventure, personal growth, and opportunities to explore faith. Whether you're standing on a snowboard for the first time or already love the snow, this camp is designed to help you challenge yourself, build confidence, and create unforgettable memories.
Through shared experiences, daily reflections, team challenges, and plenty of fun, young people are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and discover the incredible potential they carry.
When: 4th - 8th October 2026
Where: SU Adventure Lodge, Rehua Place, Whakapapa Village
Who: Age 13-18
Costs:
Camp fee: $275 ($50 Deposit)
Mountain pass: up to $242 (unless you have a season pass)
Equipment: additional if required (scroll down for more info)
Transport: $20 if travelling with Youth Encounter from Paengeroa (limited seats)
Alternative activities: mountain-pass funds are used toward these if the mountain is closed; season-pass holders should allow $100.
Please note: The snow activities are weather-dependent. We will confirm three days prior whether the camp activities will proceed as planned or if alternative activities will be arranged.
Secure your place today with a registration and $50 deposit.
"I love everything about this camp. I look forward to them. The atmosphere at camp is good - it makes me want to stay here." - participant
What's Included?
✅ Accommodation provided
✅ All meals and snacks provided
✅ Transport during camp provided (transport to and from camp available from selected locations)
✅ Qualified and caring leaders
✅ A safe, supportive environment where young people can belong, grow, and have fun
✅ Snow Fest programme sessions, evening activities, and group experiences included
❄️ Please Note: Ski/snowboard passes, rentals, lessons, and other mountain activity costs are not included and are paid separately by participants.
Mountain Pass (If you have a current season pass, this will not apply to you)
Youth passes (ages 5–17) are $79 per day, plus a $5 Snow Card fee on the first day only.
You will initially be charged for 3 days ($242 total).
After camp, you will be refunded for any unused mountain pass days or alternative activities.
Alternative Activities: If the ski field is closed, the money allocated for mountain passes will be put towards alternative activities. For those who already have a season pass, please allow $100 to cover the cost of alternative activities.
Equipment Hire: We are currently exploring a group discount for equipment hire, available only to those travelling with us. If confirmed, further information will be provided to registered campers.
You will complete a separate equipment hire form with available options and pricing.
You will be charged based on the equipment you select.
All additional gear hire must be arranged in advance.
Please arrive at camp registration with all hired equipment organised and ready to go.
Lessons: For first-time skiers or snowboarders, we strongly recommend booking a professional lesson through Whakapapa. Lessons provide a great foundation and help young people get the most out of their time on the mountain.
Transport
Transport is available from the Youth Encounter Home Base to Snow Fest and return. There will be an additional transport fee of $20 - spaces are limited, so please let us know at the time of registration if you require transport.
Weather Contingency
Snow activities are dependent on weather and mountain conditions. We will confirm final activity plans approximately three days before departure. If weather conditions prevent snow activities from operating safely, alternative adventure activities will be arranged where possible.
Safety
At Youth Encounter, safety and adventure go hand in hand. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality adventure experiences with professional safety systems, experienced leaders, and a strong culture of personal responsibility.
While activities such as snowboarding and skiing naturally involve an element of risk, participants will be briefed with the ski field regulations to help them manage risk, make good decisions, and ride safely throughout camp. For additional information on our safety compliance click here.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this camp, please contact Ethan at Youth Encounter:
📞 07 218 2113
✉️ info@youthencounter.co.nz
TBC - January 2027
TBC - July 2027
4th - 8th October 2026