Here Comes Another One ...
I think that might be one of my favourite Monty Python songs ... here it comes again...
Anyway, down to business. As forecast (yes, as forecast) the winds dropped and the sun came out. It all started with a big night of snow making and then the kiddy crowds hit the slopes early once more.
I headed out of the resort early while fog still filled Thredbo Valley. There were 2 tracks (from yesterday, I assume) on the main face of Signature Hill. Otherwise, the slopes were untouched by human. They were certainly touched by little furry animals and other assorted non-natives.
Merritts Creek has filled in and it can be crossed safely in a number of places. Mind you, there is a deep hole with a watery bottom right beside where snow mobiles have been crossing the creek below the bridge.
Despite the temperature ranging between -8C and -7C I soon had my fleece stored away and my sun hat & light weight gloves out. Goggles gave way to sunnies and with pit-zips open I was still raising a sweat on the climbs.
The snow quality was great with a couple of cms of dry soft, sparkly snow on a good base. Once off skis I found my foot would sink 10-15cms so the skins got a good workout.
No breakable crust just lovely soft smooth turns and nobody else within cooee. The main range cover is the best it has been all season but not ready for kiting yet with still quite a few obstacles in the flatter areas.
Just before midday I returned to "civilisation" and put on my helmet and heavy duty gloves for the ski back down from Eagles Nest. The slopes were, in places, like a 10 pin bowling alley - polished smooth and there were kiddies and parents everywhere. Ah, school holidays.
Fog fills Thredbo Valley early in the morning
Photo from the bridge looking at the 'hill'
Looking north east from the top of the 'Back Door'
Looking towards Eagles Nest from the top of the 'North Face'
What a stunning blue sky day
Looking back up the North Face
A bad attempt at making $s on the way back over my skinning tracks
Yep, there's still lots of boulders to ski around
Looking back towards the North Face and Back Door
I'm going to have to stop pumping out so many reports and get some work done, it's just that it's so nice to get good turns in the sunshine :-)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Frank! (for yesterday)