Ohau Snowfields, New Zealand Report: Sun-Kissed Cloud Surfing

Paulie | | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions Report
Send-y โ€™cause itโ€™s sunny at Ohau Snowfields. Photo: P.M.Fadden

Report from September 8th & 9th, 2023

Brilliant conditions have been the backdrop to recent stunner days at beautiful Ohau Snowfields in New Zealandโ€™s Southern Alps.

Sky has been clear, with winds placid as you please, equating to a soft sun-kissed snowpack from one end of Ohau to the other. And as a result, the rippinโ€™ has been super grand.

For the motivated, thereโ€™s always more waiting in the mighty Southern Alps. Photo: P.M.Fadden
New Zealandโ€™s swarthy maritime snowpack can turn on a slope with a splash. Photo: P.M.Fadden

Naturally, with warm sun and zero wind comes an increase in the โ€˜sharkโ€™ population, but frankly, thatโ€™s part โ€˜nโ€™ parcel with the technical thrill of a shred day at Ohau Snowfields. Here, the mountains (and their seasons) are moody. And they breed fast-reaction athletes who ski or snowboard as feisty as the hills they slide.

And as always, the scenery at Ohau is the frosting on the cake because thereโ€™s simply no shortage of double-take vistas.

Ridge hike, anyone? Photo: P.M.Fadden
A birdโ€™s eye view of Ohauโ€™s playground in the clouds. Photo: P.M.Fadden

As this report is typed, a mighty northerly-marching front is expected to enter the region, meaning the likelihood of strong windโ€“but perhaps too a splash of snow up-high at Ohau Snowfields (fingers crossed there.)

The timeless Canteen at Ohau; great coffee, stimulating conversationโ€ฆand rascally company. Photo: P.M.Fadden

For now, weโ€™re kicked back on a spitfire ride through whatโ€™s shaping-up to be a classic squall in New Zealandโ€™s Southern Alps. Cheers!

Extended Outlook


Related Articles

Got an opinion? Let us know...