Changing the Face of Thredbo

Thin spots and icy patches had been appearing all week especially around High Noon and those areas heavily tracked during last weekend’s wet weather. Plus temps in the valley during the day have softened the slopes only to freeze solid overnight. This together with reasonably large crowds has placed a fair bit of pressure on the slopes.

Much more pressure is now being applied to Central Spur where the resort is all but split into two parts. The construction of the course for the Sprite Sessions to be held mid August has seen a large section of Central Spur roped off. The site lies between Antons and Sponars T-bars and the rope starts not far below the top of Antons and now extends all the way to the Cat Track traverse. For those not knowing the resort really well, traversing from the Sponars side of Central Spur to Antons or High Noon it presents quite an obstacle. There are now so many unnatural obstacles (boarder toys) around Thredbo it does not look like the Thredbo we are used to. Yesterday, I finally saw the three big jumps on the other side of Antons T-bar open but there are so few people using the new jumps, terrain parks, etc that you start to wonder if it is worth the effort. Certainly the big wide smooth expanse we knew as Central Spur is no more. The result is ever narrowing runs with harder snow base and more people using less area.

This morning we had 5cms of fresh up top and only a dusting below. The new snow has certainly helped to prevent the snow pack from continuing to harden. Karels and Basin areas were beautiful as was Wiamea. The wind (yes still blowing hard) is coming from an unusual direction (W – NW) that is strong on Karels but not even felt on Cruiser.

Supertrail getting firmer last Tuesday

Milk run - great cover and very firm Tuesday

Freshies below the Bluff this morning

Early lines off Karels today

And then into the Basin

Upper half of Central Spur roped off

The main access from Sponars to Antons also roped off

Looking back at Wiamea from the top of the Cruiser

Compared to the past few years, the snow base is fantastic for this time of year and you can still ski/board to the village on a good cover on any run or line through the trees. Meanwhile the wind is building some nice dry wind drifts on the upper slopes.

The Austrian Masters is on this Saturday so those not competing or watching will have the rest of the resort to themselves for one day.

There are forecasts of big snows early next week with up to 50cm accumulation by midweek.