Richard's Report

Now That’s Service

In reference to my last grumpy report, I received a phone call on Wednesday night from one of the groomers who told me that there was now a run out at the bottom of Little Beauty.

I wonder if I grump about there not being a 2m base at the bottom of the mountain if someone might arrange that? Just kidding – I’d settle for 1m. The run down Little Beauty was very nice this morning - thank you.

Today was Ski Patrol Race Day. An event that receives little to no publicity but one that is for a very good cause – financially supporting Thredbo’s Ski Patrol. The weather was perfect and Rodney and the race crew set the course for us – thanks. For the first time in the many years that I have been to the Ski Patrol races there were some injuries. I’m sure Daf’s hand will heal quicker than Marcus’s knee, which didn’t look good when I last saw it. It is nice to have Ski Patrol close by but we never want to see them drawn into professional duty, especially at their own event. Thanks to all sponsors, cooks and competitors.

Each morning this week has seen the overnight freeze soften earlier than the preceding morning. The cool breeze kept body and surface temperatures under control as the daytime temperatures crept above zero. Today the snow base was firm with enough of a soft topping to mean that you could not hear that scrapping noise normally associated with a frozen run. Off piste has pretty well been off limits till after lunch. The Bluff and areas below have been closed each morning due to the high risk of injury in the frozen conditions. No loss though as the groomed runs have been fast and fun and certainly not what you would call crowded.

Everyone has had a big smile on their face and everyone I have spoken to has been wondering why there is no one on the slopes. The result has meant more fun for us all.

I have ranged far and wide this week. Sure the grass is creeping up the slopes from the village but all the runs that have man-made snow are a treat. Supertrail, Sundowner, Sundance, High Noon, Sponars, Antons, Merritts and The Basin are all great. The Schuss, Dream Run, True Blue, Lower Funnel Web and Golf Course have severe thinning.

Mare’s tail over The Bluff