Still plenty of ‘pop’ to the season at Ohau Snowfields. Photo: P.M.Fadden
Report from 23 thru 25 August, 2025
The hearty (and rowdy) winter spirit native to Ohau Snowfields runs far too deep to be subdued by the likes of a (so far) low tide snowpack.
The fine etched art of line picking. Photo: P.M.Fadden
In all transparency, anybody at Ohau with a free foot is tapping a snow-jig as this is typed. But there’s not a heap of stress upon the beat. This family-owned highcountry snowfield brings its own scene, whatever the weather.
(there’s a lesson there somewhere, we’re sure of it)
Tips down. Spirits up. Photo: P.M.Fadden
The hero of this tale to present is the low temp which has seemingly roosted to stay, especially at altitude and overnight. Thanks to brisk mornings with a side of slate-breeze, Ohau’s snowpack has fought the good fight, and with equally good humor.
A thorough test of the waters. Photo: P.M.Fadden
Sharks indeed abound but that keeps things interesting. And to share what are perhaps the most sage words ever uttered about skiing at Ohau Snowfields, “in-between the rocks, it’s really rather good.”
Naturally, the above outlook is the ideal attitude to extract the best from any ski day, anywhere. And at Ohau Snowfields, New Zealand it’s all best days, to be sure.
Ohau Snowfields as she stands. Photo: P.M.Fadden
Riding the wave of what comes. Photo: P.M.Fadden
As this is typed, a storm is meant to be gathering to stay. But forecast matters less than the spirit to shred. And unsurprisingly, Ohau Snowfields still stocks a surplus of that.
It’s a new day, everybody. Let’s grin and lean into it 🙂