Find good lines, good people, and an amazing vibe at the Desert Alpine Club (DAC) – an incredibly unique experience where human ingenuity, friendship and a touch of alcohol combine to make for a cocktail of magic memories on snow.

DAC is one of two dedicated skiing/boarding clubs operating the Tukino ski field, at an altitude of 1684 meters on Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand’s North Island. The club was founded in 1962 and is still thriving today, with members of all ages and abilities.

Helping you enjoy your alpine experience

DAC is run by passionate clubbies, who rather than see soaring profits, prefer the rush of the wind in their hair and white stuff sliding beneath their planks.

We aim to keep the good times sustainable and affordable for all our members, particularly families. To help achieve this the club has recently installed the largest solar array system on the mountain, which keeps the lights on and the lodge warm, without burning diesel in our generators (there are no power lines at Tukino).

Adult and Junior Member rates for the winter season are just $32 and $17 per night respectively which includes all your meals! And the prices have been that way for many years now!

The reason for this is because the club functions as more of a community or an extended family rather than just a bunch of individuals staying in a disconnected commercial hostel. Members work, ski, board and socialise together, united in their enjoyment of this unique slice of New Zealand alpine culture.

Go to theĀ  Stay & Play section of the website to find our about our great accommodation rates and a make a booking through our online booking platform.