Conditions Report
Report from 12-17 September, 2026
A healthy helping of winter conditions returns to Ohau Snowfields, New Zealand.
A forecast-tango of storm/sun, storm/sun brought 8 inches as recently as Thursday, with similar snowfalls in the days before.
The powder snow refresh brings wide grins to the faithful skiers and snowboarders at Ohau. Snow base at upper mountain is estimated at 3 feet, off piste.
Ohau is an epic arena for skiing a storm as it happens. And of course, the snowfield is absolute magic whenever Mother Nature sends a Bluebird.
Relaxed pace in an uncrowded place is the hallmark of Ohau Snowfields and to enjoy that amongst new snow is sugar atop the cake.
Beautiful sun is strong upon the surface of snowpack. This is great for softening things in the morning.
And a real treat remains in the lee-shadow, where whole faces of stable, wind-gathered dry powder are preserved for days.
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The delightfulness of arcing across this terrain cannot be overstated.
As this report is written, another tango-twirl of weather is dancing up and along New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Expect excellent skiing and snowboarding at Ohau Snowfields as winter seems happy to return for the Ides of September.
