Ohau
Ski Ohau NZ Ohau Snow Fields is a fun little NZ ski area that is somewhat of a hidden gem. With an absence of crowds, powderhounds can enjoy plenty of freshies, so the usual saying of “no friends on powder days” does not apply. In any case the Ohau vibe is so sociable that everyone becomes an instant friend.
Considering the atmosphere of the ski field you could be forgiven for thinking that Ohau is a club field even though it’s a commercial ski field.
The ski field name originates from the nearby Lake Ohau. Ohau means “windy place”, and whilst the Ohau ski area is occasionally afflicted by some blustery weather, the much more obvious characteristic of the area is the gorgeous views of the turquoise lake and the surrounding mountains.
Ohau Ski and Snowboard Terrain The ski area is contained within one valley and is reasonably petite at only 125 hectares. However the skier to hectare ratio is also incredibly small so you don’t have to share the powder with the crowds. Sweet as!
The Ohau terrain is incredibly interesting with lots of rocks to huck off and different nooks and crannies in which to play. There are a few groomed runs, but most of the terrain is off-piste.
The ability level split is 20% beginner, 50% intermediate and 30% advanced terrain. Novices have two dedicated areas whilst intermediates can cruise down a couple of groomers or test themselves on various off-piste runs. Advanced riders can hit the fringes of the ski area, although a degree of traversing is required for the short but sweet runs. Or those happy to earn their turns can hike (or tramp as the kiwis call it!) up to the top of the Ridge Run. If you’re gasping for air at the top you can stop and pretend to take in the spectacular views of the Southern Alps.
Ohau has a fixed grip double chairlift that services most of the terrain, a magic carpet for the first-timers, and a platter lift for the other dedicated beginners’ area.
Other reasonably new additions to the Ohau infrastructure include snow-making cannons and grooming for the main trails, and a small terrain park.
Where is Ohau Snow Fields Located? Ohau ski area is located in the Mackenzie District near the southwest shore of Lake Ohau. Ohau is 320 km (3.5 hours) southwest of Christchurch and not far from the
Mt Cook region.
The turn off the main highway to Ohau is between the small towns of Omarama and Twizel (13km from Twizel). The Lake Ohau Lodge is 22km (15 mins) from the turn-off on a sealed road, and then the actual ski area is a further 9.6km (15 mins) up the mountain on a hairy yet well maintained gravel (metal) road. For those without the nerve to self-drive, there’s a bus that leaves from the lodge at 9:15am and returns at the end of the day.
Ohau Accommodation A highlight of an Ohau ski experience is to stay at the
Lake Ohau Lodge near the shores of the lake. Definitely don’t conjure up images of the lodge being like a NZ club field lodge with very basic accommodation standards and chores to be completed each day. Even though it has the
incredibly friendly culture of a ski lodge, the Lake Ohau Lodge is more like a large hotel with great facilities, exceptional hospitality, and upscale restaurant meals.
The lodge has different standards of accommodation including standard hotel rooms, family suites and luxury queen rooms. Features of the lodge include a vibrant bar, a really social atmosphere, great food, hot tubs, and views of the lake and
Aoraki Mt Cook. See our
Ohau Lodge page for more information.
It’s also possible to stay in Twizel,
Lake Tekapo hotels or the
Mt Cook village, but you’ll have long commutes and miss out on the Ohau Lodge skiwi experience!
Ski Field Facilities The ski field facilities and services are somewhat basic, but more than adequate for the essentials. The small day lodge has a canteen (including the all important espresso coffee maker!) and a great deck. Ohau also provides very inexpensive ski and snowboard lessons, and ski and snowboard hire.
Why Ski or Snowboard at Ohau? Oh how you’ll love Ohau, especially if you stay at the Ohau lodge. It’s a great inexpensive alternative to the big commercial ski resorts, is popular with families, and the slopes are uncrowded.
Hosted Packages & Tours
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7 - Day Lake Tekapo Adventure
Ski 4 of NZ's hidden gems; Ohau, Round Hill, Mt Dobson & Fox Peaks. Includes accommodation, transfers, lift tickets, daily b/fasts & more..
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14 Days (10 days riding) - South Island Safari
Visit up to 10 resorts (Canterbury & Southern Lakes areas) on this adventure of a lifetime! Includes breakfasts, accommodation, lift passes, transfers & guiding on / off the mountain.
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