Ohau Ski Field NZ
Ohau Snow Fields is a fun little NZ ski area that is somewhat of a hidden gem. With an absence of crowds at the Ohau Ski Field, powder hounds can enjoy plenty of freshies, so the usual saying of “no friends on powder days” does not apply. And the vibe is so sociable, especially at the Lake Ohau Lodge, that everyone becomes an instant friend. Considering the friendly atmosphere of the Ohau ski field, you could be forgiven for thinking that it 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.
Pros and Cons of Ohau NZ
Pros
- Oh how you’ll love Ohau, especially if you stay at the Lake Ohau Lodge. It’s a pretty magical place with a friendly vibe and amazing views.
- The ski field also offers fantastic views across Lake Ohau.
- It’s a great inexpensive alternative to the big commercial ski resorts. The never-ever and development packages that include lift, equipment hire, and lesson are particularly cheap.
- Ohau is rather family oriented.
- With the possible exception of the school holidays, the slopes are very uncrowded.
- The chairlift is luxurious compared to the nutcrackers or T-bars found at comparable ski fields.
- The snow making facilities increase the reliability of the snow field in early season.
- For those willing to earn their turns, there is some great sidecountry/backcountry.
Cons
Many of the cons are shared by most other NZ ski fields:
- There is no on-mountain accommodation necessitating a drive up the mountain each day.
- The Ohau ski field has an unpaved access road minus any safety barriers that may keep your knuckles white the whole way up and down.
- Major inconsistency with regards to the snow quality
- Lack of trees so there’s potential for impaired visibility and exposure to the weather
- Small terrain size is common across the South Island of NZ, but Ohau is particularly petite.
- Most of the terrain is ungroomed so if the snow conditions turn sour, the skiable terrain becomes very small.
Ohau Ski and Snowboard Terrain
The Ohau 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 ski field 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 of the trails 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.
The Ohau infrastructure includes snow-making cannons and grooming for a few main trails.
Where is Ohau Snow Fields?
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 NZ 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.
Lake Ohau Lodge
A highlight of an Ohau ski experience is to stay at the
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. The Lake Ohau Lodge is sooooo much better. It is more like a large hotel with great facilities, exceptional hospitality, and upscale restaurant meals, yet it has the incredibly friendly culture of a ski lodge.
The Lake Ohau Lodge has different standards of accommodation including standard hotel rooms, family suites and deluxe 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.
Otherwise you can stay in the nearby town of Twizel which offers a range of inexpensive accommodation.
Twizel Accommodation Listings
Ohau Ski Field Facilities
The Ohau ski resort 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 machine!) and a great deck to take in the views. Ohau also provides very inexpensive ski and snowboard lessons, and ski and snowboard hire.
