A Touch of Spring

Saturday proved to be close to the weather predictions. Initially starting with snow falling as very small wet flakes all the way to the village and later with a misty drizzle in the valley but still wet snow up higher. The cloud cover stopped it from getting too warm and yet surprisingly the snow pack remained quite firm.

Overnight everything froze but a dusting of snow (probably more wind blown than out of the clouds) added a couple of centimetres of soft to the frozen base.

Sunday was another blue-sky day with just enough light breeze to prevent you from getting too hot. Lots of sunscreen was the order of the day.

After attempting both the Bluff and Cannonball early up we decided that it would take time for the frozen lumps under the dusting to soften enough to become enjoyable. Above Crackenback the snow looked more inviting but once we got to the top of Karels we could see even better ahead.

First tracks out of the resort beyond Karels convinced us that Signature Hill would be a good call. And I might say it was but our first tracks were soon to be trashed by many followers.

An offer of a ride back from Dead Horse Gap with J & W made it easy to decide what to do next. The run to DHG was very pleasant up high on untracked soft snow but as we approached the end we could feel the sun’s influence on the snow, especially the north and north eastern aspects. The final descent to the bridge was in shadow on rather firm rutted snow – still worth the effort.

Warm-up run behind Karels T-bar

Peter completing first tracks from the top of Signature Hill

Creamy surface before everyone else trashed Signature Hill

Untracked outcrop after Warwick spotted it en route to Dead Horse Gap

Warwick got first go

Linda finishing her descent to the waiting gang

Peter on his way to Dead Horse Gap

Linda cutting the powder

The forecast is for showers/snow late Tuesday and into Wednesday with fine weather on either side of that. Hopefully the winds will strengthen just a little (not a lot) to allow for some kite flying. The breeze appeared to be just too light for the kiters out of the resort today.