Report from June 25, 202
An absolute legend among New Zealand ski areas, Ohau Snow Fields is a cultural fixture of Kiwi high country and is known widely for outstanding winter terrain.
About the skiing and snowboarding, specifically, Ohau impresses with a savvy blend of top-tier amenities and family ski club feel, making the snow field as a ‘must-hit’ locale in the majestic Southern Alps of Aotearoa New Zealand.
For this 2024 winter season, Ohau Snow Fields is on pace to fire up operations this Saturday, June 29.
Ohau sports 125 hectares of skiable area serviced by three lifts: a carpet and platter beside its base area, plus a two-seater chairlift accessing the upper mountain.
By the numbers, thirty percent of the inbounds area is rated advanced, fifty percent intermediate, plus twenty percent beginner ability level–which adds up to a 100% rad experience. The snow field has been skier-voted the best in the nation on several prior seasons. And Ohau’s state-of-the-art snowmaking is a game changer for the snowpack.
As for the range’s stunning ridge line, it tops out at a panoramic 6300 ft of elevation. Awesomely, this summit is achieved the old-fashioned way–bootpack peppered with gumption. And at the top floor, the terrain as well as vistas are enough to curl the toes (in a happy way).
This gem-of-a-snow field resides about ten miles deep into the folds of the Southern Alps, equidistant in-between the high country communities of Twizel (pronounced with a strong ‘I’) and Omarama (which happens to be globally famed for non-motorized flight).
Once within the Ohau Valley itself, one can decompress at the historic Lake Ōhau Lodge, which is five-wings of accommodation plus restaurant/bar and stands as a proud hub point for all things lovely and awesome about this alpine wilderness area–and under the same ownership as the Snow Field. Said simply; it’s a rustic redoubt of warmth and hilarity which waits in the foothills below the snow field proper. Its dyed-in-the-wool charm is thanks in huge part to the pirate characters who have called ‘The Lodge’ home.
(And…if Michelin stars were handed out for nacho platters, Ohau’s wonderful kitchen would be a multiple award recipient. Pro tip: they are best when shared.)
Turning to the calendar, seasonal skiing and snowboarding at Ohau Snow Fields commonly span late June through early October, give or take. And yes, New Zealand’s winter is a fickle beast. But that catch-me-if-you-can quality is also a big factor in the truly special experience of skiing and snowboarding at Ohau.
The goods are out there for the keen. Chasing them deep into the Southern Alps forever changes the skiing perspective. And memories made at Ohau are absolutely ‘all time’.
