Head Line

Well the big news of the week was Marion’s little adventure in the Southcare helicopter. After being knocked unconscious from a fall early on Monday morning, she ended up being flown to Canberra hospital for a precautionary cat scan, which was, luckily, all clear. Marion is now back in Thredbo nursing a black eye and sore bruising to hip and ribs. Up to that point the skiing had been fine. The Basin was open for the first time in season 2009 and the rim run from the base of Karels T-bar was fun especially when there was only one track in before Marion and me.

The overnight temps have been way low. Staff told me that it went below –10C last night. The snow makers have been taking advantage of the conditions and adding heaps to the slopes. The groomers made a right mess of Little Beauty last night but I’m sure they will fix that tonight. Generally the grooming has been great. Today the piste and off piste were firm as …

The bottom of the Basin is fairly poor and really needs more snow to be pushed in, blown in or to fall from the sky. Everything is open except for Sponars T-bar. I even saw Ramshead moving this morning in an attempt to de-ice the chairs and towers heavily frosted by snowmaking.

I’ve tried on a heap of helmets over the last two days but there are very few brands and models available. The ones that actually fit on my swelled head have plastic straps that cut into my ears so I still don’t have one. After going through 4 shops in Thredbo today I think I will have to go back to Jindabyne in the hope of finding another brand or model. Short of shaving my head and getting plastic surgery on my ears I’m not sure what I can do. No suggestions thank you ;-)

Snow Makers' Fog

Grooming Delight - Monday morning

GD above the Basin - after Marion and I had been there

Marion arriving in akja after fall

Marion departing in helicopter for Canberra hospital

Tough working conditions on Sundance (Lovers Leap Bypass)

The Bluff this morning

Top of Karels T-bar looking to Signature Hill

Looking back to Central Spur

Antons T-bar was very popular today

Forecasts are mixed - everything from heavy R… on the weekend to several days of snowfalls next week. The last trough that was to bring R… appears to be being pushed south by the high. Only time will time. Reports from R & S who went outback today was that the base is mostly firm except for the odd breakable crust causing chaos with occasional turns.

Grump: People with non standard heads and ears!

Last Word: I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the patrollers, medical staff and mountain staff for their care and patience on Monday and hope that if I ever need it that I get same level of care that Marion got. Don't forget to buy a ski patrol lottery ticket when asked.