Ohau (skifield)

Ohau is a small commercial skifield in the foothills of New Zealand's Southern Alps, near the boundary between the Otago and Canterbury regions, and close to the southwestern shore of the lake of the same name. The skifield was originally developed by the Mount Cook and Southern Lakes Tourist Co.^[1]

Details

In 2004, a new two seater chairlift was installed on the slopes. This chairlift opened up the snowfield a lot more and increased the lift-accessible terrain. The next year, the longest snowmat in New Zealand was installed in place of the ropetow. The skifield now has 3 lifts (1 chairlift, 1 platter lift and 1 snowmat).

The base altitude is 1400 m and the highest altitude is 1825 m. The access road is an unsealed alpine road but is usually kept in good condition with buses leaving from the lodge daily.

Historically, the season has run from mid-July to early October. As of 2008, a new 23-cannon, fully automated snowmaking system is being installed. This will allow the skifield to open earlier, capturing lucrative July school holiday business.

Expansion Plans

In March 2012 it was announced that an ex-Treble Cone 2 seater chair lift had been purchased. This was to be installed over the following summer in time for the 2013 season, giving visitors a secondary access to the peak.^[2] This installation did not occur and in June 2013 it was announced this chair had been traded for the ex-Cardrona "La Franchie" 2 seater chair to be installed depending on the success of the 2013 winter season. This new chair has a claimed increased capacity of 1200 skiers and boarders per hour on a 4.5 minute trip.^[3]

Scenery

Ohau has some of the most spectacular mountain views in New Zealand. From the summit of the skifield a view of the Southern Alps can be seen. From the skifield runs, Lake Ohau and the Mackenzie Basin can be seen spread out below in the valley floor. There are good views across the lake to Ben Ohau.

View of Lake Ohau

References

1. ↑ Wigley, Harry The Mount Cook way: The first fifty years of the Mount Cook Company Auckland: Collins, 1979
2. ↑ Mike & Louise, Neilson. "Ohau Newsletter". Ohau Snow Fields and Lake Ohau Lodge. Retrieved 28 January 2014. 
3. ↑ "Ohau Plans Second Peak Chairlift!". World Snowboard Guide. Retrieved 28 January 2014. 

External links

• Ohau Skifields Website

Coordinates: 44°13′29″S 169°46′43″E / 44.224634°S 169.778670°E / -44.224634; 169.778670