OVERVIEW:

HIGH COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING AT ITS BEST.
RIP INTO IT THIS WINTER.

OHAU SNOW FIELDS

From the 9.6 km access road, the views up the valley to Mount Cook and overlooking the lake are spectacular with snatched glimpses of the snow field now and again before opening up to the full panorama on arrival at the car park.

Ohau is where people are important. On skiing down to the T-bar from the car park, John the liftie will advise you where the best runs are and he will be checking on your next run to see if he was right. If you have ever had a lesson at Ohau you will know that Dave, or whoever took you for your lesson previously, will be reminding you across the slopes to keep your body facing down the mountain or to keep your hands forward as you pass by - the lesson didn't stop after you had paid for your hours instruction. Because we're small, we're a personal place.

Powder snow, sunshine, friendly people and uncrowded slopes is the combination that sets Ohau Snow Fields apart from the others Ohau, as part of the Ohau Range in the Main Divide, is endowed with reliable snowfall and fine weather. Ohau is serviced by the longest T-Bar in New Zealand, a platter, and a fixed grip lift. The main trails and learner's slopes are groomed regularly. 'The Boulevard' offers learners and intermediates an easy and fun skiing or snowboarding experience from the top of the T-bar down to the base facilities. The T-Bar also provides access to a wide variety of slopes suitably challenging for experts and exciting for intermediates. A very gentle slope, serviced by the fixed grip lift, is ideal for children and beginners. The platter lift slope is more exciting for the developing learner.

When you're ready for that well deserved rest, relax in the Day Lodge, strikingly built in New Zealand oregon, and featuring a brilliant log burner and sundeck with panoramic views of Lake Ohau and the Mackenzie Country. The Day Lodge also incorporates the souvenir shop and the cafeteria where wholesome food is served.

OHAU HISTORIC

The area was established in 1947 when Sir Harry Wigley moved the ex-Ministry of Works accommodation from Lake Pukaki to its present location. He, with the help of others, established the Lodge with thirty bedrooms, a dining room and lounge with an impressive local stone fire place, which are all part of the Lodge today.

Up the nearby mountain, he established the ski field with a rope tow. To get there was a road, some people considered only suitable for Mountain Goats, with about 14 'hairpin bends to negotiate. Chains were essential!

In 1963, Sir Harry sold the ski field and Lodge to the Eames family, who developed the Huxley and Temple Wings for further accommodation. In the late 1970's the Eames family sold the ski field, but retained the Lodge until 1983. It was however not until 1989 that the Lodge and ski field were once again owned by one group. Mike and Louise Neilson continue as Hosts and Proprietors of both, with on going improvements.

OHAU INFORMATIVE

Lake Ohau is the jewel nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, 50 kms south of Mt Cook on the edge of the Mackenzie Country. On the shores of Lake Ohau rests the Lake Ohau Lodge looking up to the grandeur of Mount Cook and the Glen Mary Glacier. The area is alpine, high country New Zealand.

The tussock grassland of the Mackenzie Country extends to the south, to the east, glacial Lake Ohau and to the north and west the snow fed rivers and streams, beech forests,. glaciers and mountains. There is an extensive network of walking tracks and huts in the Ohau Forests and mountain range. The Maitland, Temple and Huxley Forests are to the north west and Freehold Creek and Lake Dumbell to the south west. Lake Ohau, Lake Middleton and their tributary rivers and streams offer excellent fishing, jet boating and swimming. The surrounding countryside is ideally suited to walking, tramping and mountain biking.