Now I know that most members of the VUWTC are hard as nails but for those that don't want to sleep in the snow ( or day shelters! ) etc, one of the best value places I've fouind for skiers / boarders is Slalom lodge. They have drying rooms and a Bar etc etc and it is about as cheep as you will find in the area for 4 walls and a roof ( $ 24 per night ).  I stayed there a fair bit last season and reckon you can't go past it. also only 15 min to the top-o-the-bruce ( it is near Rarimu north of National Park)

http://www.slalomlodge.co.nz/

Just so that you all have another option other than the cold!!

Heres hoping for a bumber season!!!

Cheers

Paul