Ski Dobson, ski Ohau, heli ski New Zealand                              
Mackenzie Country

Page updated: 12 September 2011

Fresh snow and spring conditions in Mackenzie Country perfect right now

Fantastic spring snow conditions and a solid lineup of events means the winter sports season in the stunning Mt Cook Mackenzie region is in full swing with plenty going on to inspire and entertain visitors.

Fresh snow (10cm and counting) at Ohau Snow Fields has set it up perfectly for this weekend’s (September 10/11) legendary fancy dress Ohau Snow Ball and continuing party on the ski field.

Next weekend (September 17/18) young skiers and riders won’t want to miss a special Gromfest at Roundhill while a celebration of all things rugby takes place at Mt Dobson.

The Dynaster CHILL Gromfest at Roundhill features Dual racing and Slopestyle on the weekend of September 17/18 for 6-12 year olds – a fabulously fun event that builds confidence and skill for young skiers and riders while parents ski or ride or simply relax in the sun.

’10 Below Rugby in the Snow’ is a seven-a-side men’s and mixed team’s tournament that scrums down on a flat-ish spot at Mt Dobson ski area on September 17. All comers are welcome and to sweeten the deal there are great raffle prizes including two scenic flights from Air Safaris. A BBQ will sizzle away to provide sustenance for players and spectators. Funds raised will go towards the Christchurch Earthquake recovery.

For families, hurtling down a snow tubing slope or ice skating at Lake Tekapo’s famous Alpine Springs is a local definition of fun. The rink is perfectly iced and the Snow Tubing slope has a brand new magic carpet to make access easy. After the fun, unwinding in the hot pools is magical.

For those who’d rather just absorb the majesty of this spectacular region, there is amazing skiing on the Tasman Glacier and superb heli-skiing with Southern Alps Guiding in the Ben Ohau ranges.

Winter marketing manager Prue Blake says early spring is a great time to visit the Mackenzie.
“The snow is superb at this time of year and the experience for visitors to our region is entirely different than anywhere else. Our mountains are high and spectacular, there are no crowds, the hospitality is incredibly warm and there’s a wide range of activity that takes advantage of our natural gifts.”

Roundhill Update

We have some great news and some not so great news......

The great news is that it's SNOWING! We've had snow falling throughout the day and have accumulated around 15-20cm so far, and it's still snowing.... The forecast is looking great with more stormy cold weather heading our way over the next few days set to deliver more snow and some nice cold temperatures - perfect for snow making.

The not so great news is that due to Mother Natures slow start to winter we have had to delay our opening by 4 days, so we're now scheduled to open on Wednesday 13th July.

We have a fantastic team of staff this year from all corners of the world, they've done their training and orientation and are amping to get to work (and onto the snow!) - as are we!

We look forward to seeing you on the mountain soon.

Take care and think snow!

Regards, the Roundhill Team.

Fairy tale land - some photos from last season.

It's a fairly tale land at Lake Tekapo where stunning scenery makes you feel you are a character in some story book. For an awesome panorama looking up the lake click here. Just a spiritual place.

This is the view from our accommodation.


It's an awesome place that a camera struggles to convey you have to try it in winter


Up at Roundhill the snow on the trails is superb as is the cover.


Looking up at the Terrain park

It ain't a bad view back to the lake either!


The pics just don't do it justice but you get the idea

Local ski areas status 2011 season, scheduled opening dates. Ohau 3.5 hours drive from Christchurch.  3 hours drive from Dunedin Status: OPEN Snowbase:60cm - 150cm excellent! ski vote & profile Snow report Roundhill 3 hour drive from Christchurch. 3 hour drive from Queenstown. Status:OPEN Snowbase:20cm - 60cm ski vote & profile Snow report Dobson 2 ¼ hours drive from Christchurch. Status: OPEN Snowbase: 120cm ski vote & profile Snow report Fox Peak (club ski field) 29km from Fairlie Status:OPEN Weekends Only Snowbase: 50 cm ski vote & profile Snow report Snow Tubing Check it out at: alpinesprings.co.nz Heli and back country big mountain options Here are the links to some huge stuff! Mount Cook 200 runs over 802 km Highest landings 2,800m Highest vertical drop 1,300m Longest run 4km over a 1,100m descent. Follow these links for more info wilderness heli ski Ski the tasman Alpure Peaks Cat skiing Total Area 2,600ha Highest peak 2,220m Follow this link for more Cat skiing Going big at Fox Peak!

Big Mountain options
Serious powderhounds can enjoy the ultimate in backcountry skiing and boarding with unique Southern Alps adventures including catskiing, glacier skiing and heliskiing. (we have added the links to these back country options at the bottom of this page)

Alpine Guides is the ‘big mountain’ skiing and boarding specialist. The only company with a concession to heliski within the spectacular Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and World Heritage Area, it offers exclusive access to the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

Operations are scheduled to start on 1 July but are likely to be earlier due to fantastic snow conditions – in May alone the Main Divide received an estimated 15m of new snow.

Small groups of intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders can also take an unforgettable journey down New Zealand's longest glacier with Southern Alps Guiding or Alpine Guides. At 27km long, the Tasman Glacier offers up plenty of opportunities to explore ice caves and seracs, amazing ice features sculpted by the elements.

For guaranteed fresh tracks, deep powder and no queues, Alpure Peaks has more than 2,600 hectares of private land near Fox Peak ski field. Opening from 1 July, the terrain boasts spectacular views of the Southern Alps, and huge untouched bowls between Fox and Butlers Saddle, a 2,220m peak with vertical 650m run and a huge area in which to ski, board, snowshoe and telemark.

In essence, catskiing offers access to terrain similar to heliskiing but is with a cheaper price tag and unusual transportation. Alpure Peaks offers an exhilarating ride on a Hagglund and Snowcat all-terrain vehicles and non-skiers are also welcome to come for a joyride.

Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie General Manager Phil Brownie believes the variety of snow options is a great drawcard for visitors.

“We’re fast becoming one of New Zealand’s most popular winter holiday destinations because people love the range of affordable on and off-the-snow fun as well as the stunning scenery and our laidback, friendly high country hospitality.

“I’m delighted we’ll be able to offer snow tubing as well this year because it will add another dimension to our on-snow activities, particularly for families.

“Hopefully we’re on track for a bumper winter season.”

Mackenzie Country New Zealand One of the most scenic places to ski and snowboard in New Zealand is the Mackenzie country. It is spectacularly beautiful and offers a variety of smaller ski areas and some superb heli and plane skiing. If you like small fields that are family friendly but can offer some great conditions think about a ski Dobson or Roundhill trip. If you are looking for a hidden powder stash and some wicked terrain go to Ohau or the club field Fox Peak. If you want to Heli ski New Zealand head up to Mount Cook and you can either find the steeps or cruise the 17km long Tasman glacier. Powderhound loves the Mackenzie country and we think you will too.

Ripping it up at scenic Roundhill ski area.