South Island, New Zealand

Ohau

125 hectares, 400m vertical, 15 runs. Family-run field above Lake Ohau in New Zealand's South Island Mackenzie Basin.

Season 2026

Opens

20 June 2026

Closes

27 Sept 2026

Days open

Annual snow

The Overview

Michael Fulton

Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

Ohau operates between 1425 and 1825 metres with 400 vertical metres across 125 hectares of skiable terrain. The field comprises 15 marked runs split 20 per cent beginner, 50 per cent intermediate and 30 per cent advanced, with no designated expert terrain. A 23-gun Techno Alpin snowmaking system covers the main Boulevard run, ensuring coverage from the June opening. The family-run operation has been managed by Mike and Louise Neilson since the mid-1980s, set in the Ohau Range between the Mackenzie Basin and the Main Divide.

The valley-contained layout favours off-piste riding over grooming, with only a handful of prepared runs. The Boulevard provides wide cruising from the chairlift summit to base, whilst Ridge Run demands a bootpack above the lift line to access untracked bowls. Advanced riders traverse to Escalator and the High Traverse for steeper pitches, or hike to the ridgeline for views across to Aoraki Mount Cook. Two small terrain parks service beginners and intermediates near the base and mid-mountain.

The day lodge sits steps from the car park, built from Oregon timber with a log burner, sun deck and the Avalunch Cafe. Lift queues rarely form and the skiable hectare-to-skier ratio keeps fresh snow accessible well into the afternoon. Lake Ohau Lodge, 20 minutes down the 9.6-kilometre access road, anchors the operation with 72 rooms, hot tubs, a bar and restaurant. The field's Māori name translates to windy place, though the turquoise lake views and Southern Alps panorama define the experience more than weather.

Ohau operates independently without pass affiliations, pricing adult day tickets from 135 to 160 New Zealand dollars depending on season. Lodge guests receive discounted rates and children under six ski free. The 2026 season runs 20 June to 27 September across 14 weeks. This suits families seeking uncrowded slopes, intermediates chasing consistent fall-line terrain, and advanced riders willing to hike for powder stashes beyond the single chairlift's reach.

400m

Vertical

Runs

309 acres

Skiable

Annual snow

The Terrain

15 runs across 309 acres skiable

Ohau spreads 15 runs across 309 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 50%, with 3 beginner runs to find your feet and 5 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

Terrain split

runs

15 runs across 4 grades

Beginner3 runs · 20%

Intermediate8 runs · 50%

Advanced5 runs · 30%

Expert0 runs · 0%

Time it right

When to visit Ohau

The 2026 season opens 20 June and closes 27 September, spanning 14 weeks of operation. Most South Island fields target late June openings, though Ohau's elevation and snowmaking allow earlier access when natural cover permits. Historical seasons have run from late June through early October, with closures dependent on spring snow retention. The field typically operates daily once open, with occasional wind holds affecting the exposed upper mountain.

Ohau receives approximately 2.3 metres of natural snowfall annually, modest by New Zealand standards but augmented by reliable Main Divide weather systems. The 23-gun automated snowmaking system covers the Boulevard and main descents, crucial for June and early July when base depths build. The southeast-facing aspect preserves snow quality through midday sun, and the 1425-metre base elevation sits high enough to maintain coverage into September. Early season off-piste requires caution due to rock coverage until sufficient base accumulates.

July and August deliver peak powder conditions with the most consistent natural snowfall and coldest temperatures. September offers spring corn snow, longer daylight and fewer crowds as families return to school. Midweek visits from late June through early August provide the quietest slopes, whilst weekends draw day-trippers from Christchurch and Queenstown. The field rarely reaches capacity, making powder day timing less critical than at commercial resorts further south.

The events calendar remains low-key compared to larger fields, with occasional races and community days. No night skiing operates. Lodge guests can access the daily 9.15am shuttle up the access road, returning at day's end. The season pass program offers family and loyalty discounts for those buying before early June, and Lake Ohau Lodge accommodation packages bundle lift tickets at reduced rates throughout winter.

Season 2026

20 June 2026

Opens

27 Sept 2026

Closes

Days open

2 m

Annual snow

Getting there

Getting to Ohau, and where to stay

Ohau sits in the Mackenzie High Country on the Ohau Range's eastern slopes, part of the Main Divide separating Canterbury and Otago. The field overlooks Lake Ohau's southwestern shore at 1425 metres base elevation, cradled between the Ohau Range west and Ben Ohau Range east. The glacial lake stretches below in vivid turquoise, fed by snowmelt from the surrounding peaks. Aoraki Mount Cook rises 99 kilometres northwest, visible from the ridgeline on clear days.

Twizel lies 42 kilometres north and Omarama 42 kilometres south, both 30 minutes from the Highway 8 turnoff to Lake Ohau Road. The sealed 23-kilometre approach road hugs the lakeshore before reaching Lake Ohau Lodge. From the lodge, a 9.6-kilometre unsealed alpine road climbs 15 minutes to the ski field car park, steep and narrow with no barriers but maintained throughout winter. The Mackenzie Basin's stark tussock landscape and International Dark Sky Reserve designation define the broader region.

Christchurch Airport sits 320 kilometres northeast, a 3.5 to 4-hour drive via State Highway 1 through Ashburton, then west on Highway 8 past Lake Tekapo. Queenstown Airport lies 220 kilometres southwest, roughly 3 hours via Highway 6 and 8 through Cromwell and the Lindis Pass. Dunedin Airport is 275 kilometres southeast, a 3-hour drive. No commercial airports operate closer than 90 minutes, making self-drive the primary access method.

InterCity operates one daily bus from Christchurch to the Lake Ohau turnoff on Highway 8, requiring pre-arranged pickup for the final 23 kilometres. No public transport serves the field directly. Most visitors drive rental vehicles or stay at Lake Ohau Lodge, which runs a morning shuttle to the field. Chains or four-wheel-drive capability may be required on the access road during storms, available for hire at the lodge.

Where to stay

Search all stays →

Hotels and lodges near Ohau, powered by Stay22.

From the SnowStash desk

View all news →

Ski-E-O! Is the Ski Resort Tycoon Game We Didn't Know We Needed

I'm not a gamer. I'm a skier and snowboarder who happens to have a laptop. So when a ski resort management game called Ski-E-O! landed on Steam, I wasn't expecting to lose an afternoon to it - but here we are. Real mountain terrain, a full weather system, storms that roll in and wreck your snow base, avalanche danger, and enough depth to make RollerCoaster Tycoon feel simple by comparison. Early access lands in November. Here's what a few hours in the free demo actually looks like.

23 Aug 2026

Sugar Bowl, California, Rebuilds Its Historic Village Gondola

The rumours are true: Sugar Bowl is tearing out its Emerald gondola, in place since 1983, and replacing it with a new 8-person Doppelmayr system - nearly doubling uphill capacity to 1,800 people an hour. It's the fourth generation of a gondola line that dates back to 1953, when Sugar Bowl became the first resort on the West Coast to run one at all, and it's just one piece of a $100 million overhaul touching lodges, parking and snowmaking. Here's what's changing, and what's staying the same.

23 Aug 2026

Two Confirmed Dead as Search Continues After Swiss Alps Fire

The death toll from Thursday night's fire at Restaurant Beverin in Thusis, Switzerland, has begun to firm up. One Swiss outlet, citing Graubünden Cantonal Police, reports that two of the five people initially reported missing have now been confirmed dead, leaving three unaccounted for. The building's collapsed stairwell and structural instability have slowed recovery efforts throughout. Here's what's changed since the fire broke out, and what's still unconfirmed.

22 Aug 2026

Selwyn Snow Resort Closes Early as Rain Ends Its 2026 Season

Selwyn Snow Resort has called an early end to its 2026 season, a day after Victoria's Mount Baw Baw did the same. Rain on Thursday stripped what was left of the snowpack, and the cold nights needed to rebuild it through snowmaking never arrived. It's a rough result for a resort that only just found its footing again after being burned to the ground in the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires and a multi-year rebuild. Here's how the season fell apart, and where Selwyn's been since the fire.

22 Aug 2026

Mt Baw Baw Becomes First Australian Resort to Close for 2026

Mt Baw Baw is calling time on its 2026 season this Sunday at 5pm, becoming the first Australian resort to close for the year after warm spells and rain wore through its snowpack. Lifts stop, but the resort stays open, entry fees get waived, and there's one last Bollywood Weekend before the lights go out. Fifty-seven days after opening, here's how the season ended and what it means for the rest of Australia's struggling snowpack.

21 Aug 2026

Arosa to Replace 40-Year-Old Hörnli Lifts With New Gondola and Chair

Arosa's Hörnli sector is getting its biggest overhaul in decades. The 1986 gondola and 1994 chairlift linking toward Lenzerheide are both being replaced, with capacity up, tower count down and a new base station lower on the hill. At roughly CHF 67 million, it is the largest single investment Arosa Bergbahnen has ever made - and the target opening has already slipped a year, to December 2028. Here is what is changing, and why the timeline moved.

20 Aug 2026

Sundance Mountain Resort Is Getting a New High-Speed Quad and More Back Mountain Terrain This Winter

Sundance Mountain Resort's back mountain is finally getting a proper lift. The Electric Horseman Express opens for 2026-27, unlocking a new bowl next to Bishop's Bowl and three expert gladed chutes across roughly 105 fresh acres - on top of the Storyteller ridge run that debuted in preview form last season. It's Sundance's biggest expansion since 1985, and it turns a three-lift slog into a single six-minute ride to Bearclaw Summit.

19 Aug 2026

Levi and Ruka Confirm October 2 Opening on Farmed Summer Snow

Buy pass

Half-day passes

Adult 18–64

Afternoon Pass (From 12:30pm)

NZ$94up to NZ$110 peak

Afternoon lift pass for Ohau Snow Fields from 12:30pm onwards. Perfect for late starts or combining with morning activities around Lake Ohau. Experience the afternoon light on uncrowded slopes.

Buy pass

Adult 18–64

Morning 3-Hour Pass

NZ$94up to NZ$110 peak

Morning 3-hour lift pass for Ohau Snow Fields, must be purchased before 10am. Perfect for early birds wanting to experience the best morning conditions on uncrowded slopes with spectacular Lake Ohau views.

Buy pass

Multi-day passes

Adult 18–64

Multi-Day Pass (5 of 7 Days)

NZ$500up to NZ$600 peak

Flexible 5-day pass for use within 7 days at Ohau Snow Fields, plus 10% discount on 2 additional days. Perfect for extended stays around Lake Ohau with maximum skiing flexibility and value.

Buy pass

Ohau lift tickets & passes

Ohau is currently open for the 2026 season through Sept 27, 2026. Lift tickets are available for daily and multi-day visits.

Day passes start from NZ$32, with peak rates up to NZ$230.

Lift tickets FAQ

How much does a Ohau day pass cost?

Ohau day passes range from NZ$32 to NZ$230 depending on the date and advance booking.

Can I buy Ohau lift tickets online?

Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.

Are there discounts for multi-day passes?

Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.

What is included with a Ohau lift ticket?

Full access to all lifts and trails at Ohau, including mountain safety and patrol services.

What is the difference between Ohau lift tickets and ski passes?

"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Ohau - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.

When should I buy Ohau lift tickets for the best price?

Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.

Does Ohau offer group discounts on lift tickets?

Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Ohau directly for group booking information and rates.

How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?

Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Ohau.

More Ohau intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.