Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Desert Alpine Club

The Desert Alpine Club is one of three ski clubs operating at Tukino ski field on Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand's North Island. The club was founded in 1962 and is still going strong today, with members of all ages.

From the relaxed to the adventurous, the friends you can meet and the experiences you can have with the Desert Alpine Club can last a lifetime.

Helping you enjoy your alpine experience

The Desert Alpine Club's main purpose is to help members enjoy skiing in a friendly, uncrowded club environment. While skiing is at the heart of our activities, we also promote tramping, ski-touring and climbing.

Amazing views and location

The Desert Alpine Club's lodge is at the Tukino Ski Field Village, at an altitude of 1684m. From its position on a ridge the lodge offers views of Waiouru and a broad vista of the Kaimanawa Ranges, to Lake Taupo and Mt Ngauruhoe. Being on the eastern side of Mt Ruapehu, Tukino ski field enjoys relatively calm conditions, sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds.

Modern facilities

Our modern lodge accommodates up to 30 people. It has its own power generator and uses rain water and melted snow for its water supply. It features:

Well equipped kitchen with two large commercial gas stoves

Comfortable dining and living areas

Good showers

Bunk room accommodation, with 4-6 beds per room

Warm, social fireplace

Friendly, smoke free environment

Lodge life

The Desert Alpine Club has a welcoming and inclusive environment. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring the lodge runs efficiently day-to-day. With a 'many hands make light work' approach, duties such as meal preparation and cleaning are rostered daily and shared by members and non-members alike.

Accommodation