Last Friday, June 27, we launched the first-ever Party Slopes, and despite the mountain throwing us a curveball with snow and less-than-ideal visibility, the day was a certified success.

The morning kicked off early at 6:30 am, with a solid pre-snow feed thanks to the legends at Bacon Bros and Supreme Coffee at UCSA. After fueling up, a well-fed crew also loaded onto a bus bound for Mt Hutt.

Up the maunga, the conditions were far from perfect, but through it all, the energy was top-tier. Whether you were carving clean lines, learning how to stand up, or just soaking in the views from the chill zone, it was all about showing up. In the rush of uni life, moments like Party Slopes remind us that connection matters more than perfection, that taking time to laugh, try new things, and just be with your mates is what makes it all worthwhile.

The soundtrack for the day? Unreal.
A massive shoutout to the epic DJs, Ryan Moore and Baillie, who brought the vibes and kept the beats rolling. 

Between DJ sets and coordinating the crew, we caught up with Ryan from Lads. The guy who helped pull the whole thing together, for a quick-fire chat:

Q: What’s your go-to excuse when you fall over?
Ryan: Ice! Definitely, lots of ice underfoot.

Q: Describe your style on the slopes in three words.
Ryan: Messy, fun and skill-less!

Q: If your skis had a personality, what would it be like?
Ryan: Triangular – they like doing pizzas!

Q: Would you rather faceplant in front of a ski lift line or lose a ski halfway down a run?
Ryan: Definitely lose a ski halfway down a run. Can’t be falling over in front of the chairlift!

Q: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve found in your jacket pocket from last season?
Ryan: I found this half-melted, half-open Moro bar on my first day up this year. That wasn’t very fun!

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Lastly, to everyone who braved the cold, helped out, or gave skiing a go for the first time, thank you, and of course, to the Mt Hutt Crew for allowing us to be a part of their locals day. Those cheap rentals and passes were epic. The weather may have been wild, but the community made it unforgettable.

From the tunes to the chairlift chats, the first-ever Party Slopes proved that good vibes can thrive even when the visibility doesn’t.

Here’s to more Lads Without Labels adventures ahead!

Ngā mihi nui,

The Lads whānau!

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