Paul Fadden

An avid husband, father, skier, and friend, Paulie writes by the light of a vagabond moon. He appreciates fresh perspective, fine literature, and strong drink.

Southern Alps, South Island, New Zealand; Caving-In To Night

By: P.M. ‘Paulie’ Fadden, February 2026 Nothing’s ever happening until everything’s happening at once.  Life is like that, missions too. And this one is no exception. Idle pieces of a vague puzzle had been on the drawing board for awhile; a glacier, highly skilled humans (not me) and an enticing overnight among New Zealand’s brooding Southern Alps. Some assembly required. […]
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Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand, Report: Winter’s Finale For Alps Icon

Report from 5 October, 2025 Skiers and Snowboarders of New Zealand’s Southern Alps waved a fond “Chur Bro” to the closing day of another epic season at Cardrona Alpine Resort. Set among New Zealand’s majestic Southern Alps, overlooking picturesque Lake Wanaka, Cardrona (or Cardy’s to its crew) is a world-class ski destination with a hometown touch. Savvy seasonnaires straight-thru to […]
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Ohau Snowfields, New Zealand Report: Fresh Foot Fiesta At Closing

Report from 26-27 September, 2025 Sing it to the rafters, never count New Zealand out. Ohau Snowfields and Mackenzie Southern Alps, generally, rollicked amongst more than a foot of fresh powder snow—to conclude their commercial operations for the season. The extended forecast had painted the picture. Mother Nature delivered. Locals rocked up in giddy droves to ride the proverbial wave. […]
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Roundhill Ski Area, New Zealand, Report: Community, Comradery, Sun Tan Carves

Southern Alps Winter 2025 An absolutely brilliant sunrise affirms the optimism already percolating in our ski-happy hearts. This will be a choice day in the stunning mountains of Roundhill Ski Area. Related: Lindsey Vonn Joins U.S. Ski Team Training Camp in Roundhill, New Zealand Nestled within the majestic high country of Lake Tekapo, Roundhill is a gem of ski culture […]
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[PHOTOS] Ohau Snowfields, New Zealand: Stoke and Snow Abide

Photos from 11-15 August, 2025 Ohau Snowfields, and New Zealand winter generally, are waiting for their big moment. Aside from the odd (welcome) top-up, fresh snow has been fickle this month of August. The same went for July, just before. As a result, it’s been classically-spirited skiing and snowboarding at Ohau. Much like the notorious, flip-a-switch weather which commonly whips the Ohau section […]
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Ohau Snowfields, New Zealand, Report: Chalk Slash and Sun Tan

Report from 21 thru 24 July Ohau Snowfields, within the majesty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, is basking under a blissful week of positively brilliant conditions. Full sun, sporadic cloud, and a mere whisper of wind have been making for memorable skiing and snowboarding. Brisk day temperatures—and nights colder still—keep the consistency of the Ohau snowpack in reasonably good nick. […]
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Ohau Snowfields, New Zealand, Report: Wild, Wet & Wonderful

Report from 11 & 12 July 2025 A full spectrum of precipitation is sweeping across Ohau Snowfields and the Southern Alps of New Zealand. It’s been ski days ranging from freshies to slushies with full-blown tempest in-between. And Ohau’s slopes—and this rugged stretch of the Southern Alps—are reveling in every slashing, wind-whipped moment. The communal opinion shared by Ohau rippers is […]
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South Island, New Zealand, Report: Ohau Season Opener Oh-So-Good

Report from 21-22 June, 2025 The ‘hoots’ and ‘hollers’ you’ve been hearing on the breeze are because Ohau Snowfields, New Zealand, is open for skiing and snowboarding. The weekend just past offered up all that is classic and good about shredding the Southern Alps of New Zealand, and Ohau especially. Saturday was picture-perfect under full sun, with little to no wind, and […]
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South Island, New Zealand – A Compass, A Track, And A Puzzle Named ‘TWALK’

April, 2025 Soon, on an autumn date in late April when pre-dawn cold is really flexing its devilish charm, a rogue throng will be massing in an otherwise empty carpark. Comprising students to retirees to ultra-running human cannonballs, the mass will form ranks as a free brigade of outdoor frolickers–or terminal optimists–convened at the University of Canterbury to undertake one […]
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