Changes for 2005

Another great week of weather in Thredbo and the weekend carried on pretty much in the same pattern although it did get a little windy yesterday morning and despite threatening skies at midday, the 2005 MTBA NSW State Downhill Series was spared the rain that fell later in the evening.

As always at this time of year, there has been a lot going on around Thredbo. There is a new hut being built at the top of Antons T-bar and there are major renovations underway at Merritts restaurant.

A subtle change some of you will notice when next flying across the slopes at Thredbo will be the absence of the Tower 10 mid station on the Ramshead chair. The tower remains but the mid station is gone and the terrain has been smoothed over and the ski run widened. It appears some good drainage has been put in place to minimise the effect the spring had on the snow just above Tower 10.

The grass has been slashed on the major ski runs and now we just have to wait for the white stuff. Regular early morning frosts are helping the ground prepare for winter but general daytime temperatures are still quite high.

A slight shiver went through a few of the locals yesterday afternoon as the valley began to fill with smoke and ash was seen dropping from the sky. A nasty reminder of the bush fires earlier this century. Rumour has it that the smoke and ash was the result of burning-off near Khancoban. It cleared away before the rains leaving us with the fresh alpine air we are used to.

Para glider seen a week ago enjoying the air space above the village

Ramshead Tower 10 - no longer an option for getting on or off

Looking up from Tower 10 towards Little Beauty the Supertrail

Looking back down toward Tower 10 from below Kosi Express mid station

Framework for the new hut at the top of Antons T-bar

Some of the mountain bike action over the weekend

Mountain bike riders taking full advantage of the lift system

Road works continue along the Alpine Way and the Jindabyne dam upgrade continues to slow traffic in and out of the Snowies.

One final note for those planning on coming to the Snowy Mountains, REX will be beginning regular commercial flights between Sydney and Cooma starting from June 10th this year.