Ohau Ski Field

ski resort

Ōhau is a small commercial ski field on the foothills of New Zealand's Southern Alps beside Lake Ōhau; travellers come for its dramatic mountain views and relaxed, uncrowded slopes.

Ohau Ski Field Queenstown, New ZealandDunedinOamaruWānakaArrowtownPort ChalmersOhau Ski Field

Ohau Ski Field essentials

Address: Lake Ōhau, Otago, New Zealand

Ōhau is a compact commercial skifield set on the western shore of Lake Ōhau near the boundary between the Otago and Canterbury regions. The field was originally developed by the Mount Cook and Southern Lakes Tourist Co. and sits high in the foothills of the Southern Alps, giving clear panoramas over the valley below.

The skifield has a relatively simple lift setup (one chairlift, one platter lift and one snowmat) and a vertical range from about 1,400 m at the base to around 1,825 m at the summit. An unsealed alpine access road leads up to the field; buses usually run from the alpine village and the area installed a significant snowmaking system to help open earlier in the season. Visiting feels low-key compared with large commercial resorts: services and accommodation are centred on Lake Ōhau Alpine Village and the slopes are valued for scenery and quieter skiing rather than big infrastructure.

  • Summit viewpoint: From the higher runs there are wide views across the Southern Alps and down into the Mackenzie Basin.
  • Lake Ōhau panorama: Several runs and viewpoints look directly down to Lake Ōhau, with Ben Ohau prominent across the water.
  • Beginner and learning area: The snowmat and lower lifts provide a gentle area for learners and low-gradient runs.
  • Scenic lift rides: The chairlift gives easy access to open snowfields and scenic photo stops on the way up.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Ohau Ski Field#

Ōhau's ski season is in the southern winter and early spring; historically the field runs from mid-July to early October, with snowmaking helping earlier openings in some years.

Winter (best)
July - September · -5°C - 6°C (23°F - 43°F)
Full winter snow cover and the most consistent lift access are generally in mid-winter; conditions are cold and often ideal for on-piste skiing and scenic views.
Early season
June - July · -5°C - 2°C (23°F - 36°F)
Early winter can be variable but snowmaking sometimes allows runs to open for early school holidays; expect changeable conditions and shorter operating terrain.
Late season
September - October · -2°C - 9°C (28°F - 48°F)
Spring skiing can offer longer daylight and softer snow; scheduled season closures and variable snowpack mean conditions change rapidly.

Weather & Climate near Ohau Ski Field#

Climate

Ohau Ski Field's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -5°C to 17°C. Heavy rainfall (3416 mm/year), wettest in May.

Air Quality: AQI 28 Good
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
-16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 5° - 17° 11° 207 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.3 m/s 2.3 extreme 14.9h
February Good 5° - 17° 11° 165 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.8 m/s 1.9 very high 13.7h
March Poor 3° - 14° 6° 356 mm partly cloudy 84% 4.8 m/s 1.2 high 12.2h
April Poor 1° - 10° 2° 202 mm partly cloudy 87% 5.9 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.7h
May Poor -2° - 6° -3° 411 mm partly cloudy 92% 6.1 m/s 0.2 low 9.4h
June Poor -4° - 3° -6° 305 mm partly cloudy 93% 5.8 m/s 0.1 low 8.7h
July Poor -5° - 2° -6° 159 mm partly cloudy 94% 3.9 m/s 0.1 low 9.0h
August Poor -4° - 3° -6° 211 mm partly cloudy 92% 5.6 m/s 0.3 low 10.2h
September Poor -2° - 6° -4° 410 mm partly cloudy 88% 7.1 m/s 0.6 moderate 11.6h
October Poor -1° - 9° -1° 355 mm overcast 85% 7.2 m/s 1.1 high 13.2h
November Poor 1° - 12° 3° 236 mm partly cloudy 82% 6.0 m/s 1.8 very high 14.6h
December Poor 3° - 15° 6° 399 mm overcast 81% 4.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 15.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Ohau Ski Field#

The skifield is served from Lake Ōhau Alpine Village, the small service community on the lake shore below the field; many visitors stay in the village and travel up to the field each day. The nearest major airport and main rail connections are in Christchurch; from there you travel inland by road toward the Mackenzie country.

The final approach to the field is on an unsealed alpine road that is usually maintained but can be alpine in character; buses commonly run from the village and some operators run shuttles from regional towns. If you are self-driving, plan for a mountain road and check local access conditions before heading up.

Tips for Visiting Ohau Ski Field#

  • Expect rapidly changing alpine weather and bring warm, windproof layers even on sunny days.
  • The access road is unsealed; check whether your rental vehicle or hire company is suitable and confirm road conditions locally.
  • Services are concentrated in Lake Ōhau Alpine Village, so plan food, fuel and accommodation there rather than at the skifield itself.
  • Snowmaking can extend the season but opening dates vary by year; check the field’s current season information before you travel.
  • Mobile coverage can be patchy in the high country; download maps and transport info in advance.