On our way back from the Temple Basin Splitboard festival we decided to check out the Ohau snow field backcountry. Ohau is a special place with only one ski lift but the access is huge.
If you are willing to drive up one of the sketchiest roads in New Zealand it is well worth it.
When we made it to Ohau snow field the parking lot was empty. It was obvious we would have to backcountry to ourselves.
We purchased a one time lift ticket for around 20$ and were off to explore the Ohau snow field backcountry.
Heading into the backcountry of Ohau snow field
As we got off the lift we put our boards on our packs and were bootpacking up the ridge.
As we were walking across the ridge we were stunned by the beauty of Lake Ohau.
To the opposite side we were staring deep into the Southern Alps. While there was no snow in the low valley it looked amazing in the high country.
We made our way out to Dumbell Lake and took a quick lap in firm conditions.
With the conditions staying firm we decided to check another aspect riding a line called Hemisphere.
We took a quick lap before deciding to call it a day. We had hoped to have good conditions but it just wasn’t the case.
Once back at Ohau ski field we had our best run of the day down the groomer. While it is an awesome ski resort it just wasn’t the best day to experience it. As we made it back to the ski resort the clouds started to move over the ridge. We made it back to the car just in time and I knew I would have to come back another time.
Thank you for reading and If you enjoyed reading this and want to see more ski tours within New Zealand check out this link