Nichola is at the Ohau Lodge.One of New Zealand’s best kept secrets, Ohau ski resort is located between Queenstown and Christchurch, just off the Mackenzie Plains highway. Though not as popular as the ski resorts in the Canterbury or Southern Lakes regions, Ohau is nevertheless well worth visiting, boasting a diverse selection of trails, good slope conditions and empty runs.
Ohau is a small, friendly resort with superb views of Mount Cook and Lake Ohau, and fabulous accommodation options just a short drive from the ski field. The resort hosts a number of exciting winter events including a festive Irish weekend, a winter ball and the Highland Games.
There are ski trails for all to enjoy at Ohau, with 20 percent of the skiable area at the resort devoted to beginners and 30 per cent to advanced riders, while the bulk of runs (50 per cent) are wide, sloping intermediate trails. The slopes are served by a fixed grip lift, a platter and a lengthy T-bar lift. The resort is almost 6,562 feet above sea level at its highest point, with a 1,312 feet vertical drop.
Excellent lodging facilities are available at Lake Ohau Lodge, with 75 rooms encompassing four different varieties of accommodation, from basic backpacker units to luxury double rooms. The lodge is located a 15-minute drive from the ski field, offering convenient access to the slopes. Alternative accommodation is available at both Twizel and Omarama, both located approximately 30 miles from the resort. On-site facilities at Ohau include a ski patrol, rental shop, ski school, and a resort cafeteria.
