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

Page updated: Friday 2 October 2009 - Final Update for 09

This page is updated every Friday during the ski and ride season and earlier if some big news comes in such as a huge dump of freshies!

Closing weekend in Mackenzie this weekend so final update for 09 from us. Mt Dobson may push on for the 2nd week of school holidays conditions permitting.



Mac Highlights for School Holy's
Spring is in the air and New Zealand’s Mt Cook Mackenzie region is lining up plenty of affordable on and off-the-snow activities to keep families entertained for the coming school holidays.

It’s been a bumper season for the region’s three ski fields, Mt Dobson, Roundhill and Ohau, and all have great spring skiing with a snow base of between 100 and 150cm. Mt Dobson and Ohau are planning to remain open for the duration of the school holidays and Roundhill plans to be open for the first weekend (last ski day 27 September).

Mt Dobson will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its first opening day this Saturday (19 September) with a “Back to the ‘70s” theme. Lift passes are ‘70s prices ($20 for an all day all lift pass) and those hitting the slopes are encouraged to dig out some flares and disco down to great ‘70s tunes.

Ohau will round off its winter season with plenty of fun and games at its annual “Hot Dog Day” on Saturday 3 October. It’s a great excuse to break out some retro gear and shimmy down the mountain on skinny skis or old-school snowboards.

Off the snow there’s plenty to do, including luxuriating in hot pools, roller/inline skating, hiking and mountain biking. The more relaxed can enjoy spa treatments, sample amazing local food and wine, or just sit back and absorb the majestic surroundings.

Scenic flights are particularly spectacular in spring with turquoise blue lakes, emerald green valleys, the snow-capped Southern Alps and New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, towering above it all.

Stargazing is another great year-round attraction in the Mt Cook Mackenzie region which is renowned as New Zealand’s best stargazing spot. Its uniquely dark skies are devoid of city light pollution and there are a high number of clear nights with atmospheric stability and transparency. That’s increasingly rare as other countries lose their starry skies to light and air pollution.

Warm spring weather has prompted an early start to the iceberg and glacier cruising season for visitors to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Normally Glacier Explorers is still closed during school holidays but high levels of winter snowfall combined with an early spring ‘melt’ have caused an early lake thaw, allowing the company to resume operations six weeks early.

Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie Winter Marketing Manager Prue Blake says the region’s diversity and affordability makes it the perfect place for families to come and enjoy quality time together during the school holidays.

“It’s a great destination for a family holiday. Families can enjoy excitement and adventure or peace and quiet – as well as accommodation ranging from backpacker to top-of-the-range hotels. Spring is a particularly good time to come because you get a great mix of winter and summer activities as well as spectacular scenery.”

Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie General Manager Phil Brownie is delighted with the way the winter season has gone and says it bodes well for next year.

“We’ve experienced a 7.6% increase in bed nights over the last 12 months and a comparison of bed nights for last July and this July alone shows we’re up 33%. This is a fantastic achievement given that bed nights are down 3.1% nationally,” he says.

Some pics from the season so far

Fox Peak is closed now but this day was a powder day


Ohau is a beautiful place


And still holding good snow. Isaac heading there again this weekend!


An Inner Peace of Powder

Mackenzie country powder day! - July 09
The Powderhound blogger headed south earlier this week for some fun in the Mackenzie country. Rumours across the industry were abound that the best conditions in New Zealand at the moment were at the lesser known Mackenzie ski areas; Roundhill, Ohau, Mount Dobson and Fox Peak. I was a little skeptical as these areas are small by a north island skier’s standards. For example Roundhill only features a single Tbar and a pomma for the beginners. However having ridden the snow in most places in New Zealand the Mackenzie was a glaring gap in my portfolio and it was clearly time it was filled......Readmore>

Local ski areas status Still some great conditions for closing weekend at Ohau Ohau 3.5 hours drive from Christchurch.  3 hours drive from Dunedin Status: Closing 4 October Snowbase:1.2m-2.2m ski vote & profile Snow report Roundhill 3 hour drive from Christchurch. 3 hour drive from Queenstown. Status:Closed for season Snowbase: NA ski vote & profile Snow report Dobson 2 ¼ hours drive from Christchurch. Status: Still open for 2009 season - conditions permitting Snowbase: 1.02m ski vote & profile Snow report Fox Peak (club ski field) 29km from Fairlie Status:Closed for Season Snowbase: Gonzo 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 8002 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.