The Ski Resort
A small family-run business, Ohau Snow Fields is located in the foothills of New Zealand's Southern Alps, close to the shore of the lake of the same name, 4 hours south of Christchurch and 3 hours north of Dunedin. The region around Lake Ohau is endowed with reliable snow in winter and long daylight hours in summer. Catering for all skills and levels of skiing and snowboarding, Ohau Snow Fields' wide flat slopes enable most skiers to cruise down comfortably and at ease.
Lifts and Terrain
Ohau boasts 20% beginner terrain, 50% intermediate terrain and another 30% terrain for advanced skiers and riders, a vertical drop of 400m, and a total lift capacity of 2,295 people per hour. A platter lift, a chairlift, and a magic carpet will get you up the mountain in like no time. The local snow school offers skiing and snowboarding instruction programs. Friendly instructors will be happy to help to learn how to speed down the slopes. Two terrain parks, one for newbies, one for intermediate/advanced skiers and boarders, make for great variety after a day on the slopes.
Interesting facts
- The vertical drop from summit to base is 400 m. The average difference in altitude between base and summit of Ski Resorts in New Zealand is 471 m. The high point of the ski resort is located at an elevation of 1,825 m.
- Snow coverage is usually best during August, offering an average snow depth of 120 cm at summit elevation and 68 cm at the base.
- Ohau Snowfields features 19 sunny days on average per season. The average for all ski Resorts in New Zealand is 20 sunny days. August is the sunniest month with an average of 10 sunny days.
Snow Safety & Snowmaking
Videos
Infrastructure & Rental
Skischools
Number of Ski Rental
Getting here
Ohau Snow Fields is 320km south of Christchurch and 275km north of Dunedin. Turn off the main highway 8 between Twizel and Omarama. The Lake Ohau Lodge at the mountain base 30 minutes from Twizel/Omarama; the Snow Field is another 15 minutes from the Lodge.
