Ohau Snowfields, New Zealand Report: When Fresh Snow and Sunshine Align

Paulie | | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions Report
Fresh tracks, thanks to fresh snow. Photo: P.M.Fadden

Report from August 21, 2023

From the start, word from the โ€˜weather watchโ€™ camps around Ohau Snowfields had been promising: fresh snow expected, clear sky to follow.

Itโ€™s worth recognizing the power of those seven little words. In this case, they packed a joy punch that was off the charts.

The โ€˜joy-punchโ€™ Photo: P.M.Fadden

We arrived at picturesque Ohau Snowfields at the pace of a morning coffee: prepped with care, presented with love, and enjoyed to the very last drop. The lasting effects of that goodness would ripple through the whole day.

The prior dayโ€™s fresh snow had closed access to Ohauโ€™s Ridgeline; until now. A wall of fresh snow, as wide as a head can rotate, lay waiting.

The ridge at Ohau Snowfields; a crystal treasure if ever there was one. Photo: P.M.Fadden

Chalk it up to eager anticipation, but the ascending hike up Ohauโ€™s steep ridge felt relatively short this morning. It seemed as though we were up there in a blink.

Below us unfurled a long carpet of soft, shimmering white.

Time slowed down for this one; it was a treat from top-to-bottom. Photo: P.M.Fadden

Vertical lanes of gentle wind accumulation skied like a dream. It was evenly textured, delightful to look upon, and infinitely ripple.

Photo Highlight

These days highlight the unique nature of a ski experience at Ohau Snowfields. We are lucky to be present when fresh snow and sunshine align.

Extended Forecast


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