Oh How the U.S. Ski Team Loves Ohau

PARK CITY, UTAH (September 11, 2015)—As the American Downhillers head south to Chile for their second on-snow training camp of the season, we take a moment to reflect on our New Zealand camp one last time before diving into Portillo.

In a love affair that began a few years ago, Head Men’s Coach Sasha Rearick stumbled upon a small, family-run snow field called “Ohau” (pronounced "oh-how') nestled between the Ohau Range to the west in the Main Divide and the Ben Ohau range to the east. Since then, the relationship has grown to include both men’s and women’s tech and speed teams, across all levels.

It all began, like the best relationships do, when he least expected it. Rearick was in New Zealand for their annual training camp, exploring the countryside. It was really pretty simple: You could say that Ohau had him at “hello” (or at a sign that read, “Snowmaking Here,” but you catch the drift). Ohau is a special place. 

Head Men's Coach Sasha Rearick prepping the course for another day of world-class training at Ohau. (Ola Thorsen/US Embassy)

Owned by Mike and Louise Nelson since the mid-1980s, Ohau Snow Fields is a small, mom and pop-style ski area that oozes with a passion for what Mike and Louise deem the “outstandingly beautiful, yet stark landscape and a strong desire to see its special environment preserved.” Before Rearick’s visit, though, there was no ski racing at Ohau. As opportunistic and passionate as Rearick is about the sport, he saw this has a perfect opportunity to create a relationship.

Ohau we love that view.

The relationship has evolved and grown since inception, which Rearick illustrates as he walks us through a typical day at Ohau. “Groups were in transition, so we had no one scheduled to train. It was a bluebird powder day. I loaded the lift at 8:30 a.m., took eight runs in knee-deep powder, and then was watering the hill by 9:45 a.m." Rearick recalls with a smile. "The locals were skiing by, calling me by name, laughing, and saying ‘Sasha you are crazy!’ It’s just one very cool community.”

Community is the right word for it. This isn’t just another ski area: It’s a community in every sense of the word. Their commitment to the U.S. Ski Team partnership, incredible hospitality and warm and welcoming New Zealand vibes are unmatched. It boasts Lake Ohau Lodge, where the athletes have access to a prime adventure headquarters and some of the best food our athletes could ask for. “What Mike, Louise and Craig have done and built in the past three years has been a dream come true," noted Rearick. "In fact, they’ve done such a great job getting their staff trained up, that we are borrowing their young cat driver, Max, to help us in Chile.”

On top of that, it’s a raw, authentic slice of paradise, and with its location and proximity to Lake Ohau, the access to more adventure activities like stand up paddling, heli-skiing Mt. Cook, hiking and more is aplenty. The athletes take full advantage of it.

Marco Sullivan, Steven Nyman and Travis Ganong head out to Lake Ohau to find the goods for a SUP adventure.

The entire U.S. Ski Team feels the unique Ohau vibe and appreciates it, noting that this season’s New Zealand camp was among the best they can remember. As U.S. Ski Team veteran and American Downhiller Marco Sullivan (Squaw Valley, CA) reflected, “We’re enjoying your lovely little skifield here at Ohau. We’ve had a good week of training and really enjoy being here. Good vibes, good people, and we look forward to coming back.”

While the men’s speed team was in New Zealand, U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert paid them a visit, getting the chance to show Gilbert a thing or two on the mountain. In return, Gilbert, his wife Nancy and daughter Liz hosted the entire men’s speed team and coaching staff for a dinner.

Coaches Alex Hoedlmoser and Pete Anderson, and Alpine Development Director Chip Knight keep the mood light with Andrew Weibrecht during a morning session at Ohau. (Ola Thorsen/US Embassy)

Both Rearick as well as Head Women’s Coach Paul Kristofic would like to call out their gratitude to the U.S. Ski Team staff for the hard, detailed work they’re doing day in and day out. "These guys are helping to create an environment with commitment to the highest quality training, without compromise, that our teams require to be the best in the world,” said Kristofic.

See you next year, Ohau! Vamos a Chile!