FOR SALE: Majestic New Zealand Ski Resort & Hotel

Canterbury, New Zealand – Have you ever wanted to own a ski resort? The Ōhau Snow Fields on the South Island in New Zealand is for sale, which gives you the chance to escape the United States and actually have affordable health care.

Last year, HNR Hotel News reported that after 33 years of running the mountain, the Neilson family has listed the Lake Ōhau Lodge and Ōhau Snow Fields for sale. Based on the latest developments shared by Boss Hunting, the property remains on the market, as they aim to sell it this year.

Mike Neilson, who is the co-owner of the property, explained to the Otago Daily Times last year why they’re selling it:

“We brought up three children, we’ve now got five grandchildren, and we’re still going 24/7 with it. We just can’t keep doing that. We’d like to think a nice family would take it over and carry on the heritage…It’s just it’s own place really, we’ve always maintained that we’re just the caretakers of something very special. And we’re just passing the baton.”

The sale includes the Ōhau Snow Fields, which is known for its pristine powder skiing. The mountain has fifteen trails and three lifts, with more terrain accessible by boot packing. In total, there are over 618 acres of skiable terrain. The ski field hosts international teams throughout the winter.

Located around a twenty-minute drive from the ski resort is the Lake Ōhau Lodge, which is also part of the sale. This 72-room hotel includes a restaurant, game room, disc golf course, tennis court, and spa. The critical decision for the new owners will be whether to renovate and expand the lodge or build on the two other possible sites that come with the purchase. There’s also the potential to start from scratch and rebuild it as a luxury hotel, but that’s not the ski bum way, and thus, you’ll probably go to hell for that.

Tim Rookes, who is CBRE Christchurch’s Managing Director, described the potential upside to grow the accommodations:

“The potential to renovate the existing 72-room lodge or develop a new luxury accommodation offering opens up endless possibilities for creating an unforgettable experience for guests, surrounded by the picturesque beauty of the Southern Alps.

Over the years, the lodge has become an integral part of the South Island regional tourism landscape, strongly supported by the key attractions of the Ōhau Snow Fields and the world-famous Alps 2 Ocean bike trail. Located within Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the world’s largest dark sky reserve, the property is surrounded by other outdoor experiences such as Aoraki Mount Cook, Tasmin Glacier, trout fishing, boating and stargazing.”

If you’re interested in buying this ski resort, time is limited. If you want to buy the property, you’ll have to submit an International Expressions of Interest by July 3rd at 4:00 pm (NZST).

Photos and mountain stats of the ski field are below.