Dumb-bell Lake is on the Ōhau Range and may be accessed from the Ōhau Skifield. Discuss backcountry conditions with the ski patrol before setting off.
After the skifield has shut at the end of the season, there may still be great skiing up there. Contact Lake Ōhau Lodge for permission to go up the skifield road, and a key to unlock the gate. Permission for access is not always given, so phone in advance. A road toll and additional security may be required.
From the top of the lifts at Ōhau, climb steeply for about 15 minutes in boots to the top ridgeline, where there are excellent views down into the Maitland valley.
Skin along the ridgeline to the south, just less than 2km, to Mount Sutton (2007m). To reach Dumb-bell Lake, either pick a steep line from near the summit, or swing around the peak’s western shoulder (point 1942) to find easier slopes. After skiing in the basin that contains the lake, one may return to Ohau skifield via the way of access.
Alternatively, there is a hut to stay in down in the Maitland valley. Maitland Hut is a four bunk DoC hut in the bush at 960m elevation (G38: 498605). Snowy Gorge Creek Hut (DoC, 5 bunks) may also be accessed via Dumb-bell Lake, and used as a base for the region (G38: 465531).
- P1
- 450m