Top To Bottom

As I suspected, the conditions for this year’s Thredbo Top To Bottom race were very similar to last year’s conditions - 40cm of fresh snow and a blizzard to contend with. My bad back prevented me from entering this year but friends gave me a good run down (to rub it in ;-).

It sounded as though the snow was a little heavier than last year and the race started from the top of SnowGums chair rather than from behind Eagle’s Nest. It has now been two years (due to weather conditions) since the race has been able to start from its proper site – the top of Karels T-bar.

Saturday had wet snow blizzard conditions and some upper lifts were closed due the conditions. There were several reports that the thick goopy snow on lower slopes was anything but enjoyable. The sight of drowned rats returning to the village for lunch seemed to confirm these reports.

By Sunday there had been approximately 60cms of natural new snow over the three days. There were long queues on Sunday as conditions were much improved on Saturday. I was told by many that the snow had a silky, creamy feel off piste. I just have to take their words for it.

The base is looking very good and should stay that way for a while. The temperature this morning was –10C in the village and reports say the snow makers made up to 50cms of snow on the lower trails overnight.

PS: Saturday night's auction to raise funds for the Thredbo Early Childhood Centre (after it was vandalised) was a great success raising many thousands of dollars. Big thanks to the donors, presenters, organisers and the purchasers of a varied array of goodies. Special thanks to Tim Bailey for all his efforts.

Crackenback, early Sunday morning

High Noon

Antons T-bar and new half pipe top of High Noon

Ramshead T-bar and the Basin above

Snowgums chair

Crackenback in Sunday afternoon sunshine

The official snow depth (at Spencer’s Creek) has gone past the 2m mark and that was measured before the last storm system.

It is clear and really brisk this morning and I wish I was out there as much as you guys.