Never Say Die

The long weekend is the traditional end of Thredbo’s ski season. Like last year, a good base has seen this year’s close postponed to next weekend but the spirit of the 'end of season' was indeed this weekend.

I have to think hard to remember so much snow on the ground at the long weekend. The base has been melting very quickly over the last week. A lack of overnight freezes has seen the entire snow pack soft 24 hours a day for many days.

Saturday morning, after 5cm of overnight fresh snow, was even stickier than the week before. We tried going higher out of the resort but conditions were stickier off piste than on the groomed runs in the resort. Sunday was not as bad but the snow was still slow. The brown snow was faster and more consistent than the white. The weather was wonderful. Monday was even better and with almost a freeze overnight the snow was pleasantly firm for the first few hours. There was even a queue (mostly locals) awaiting the start of the Kosi Express this morning to get to the firm snow in the Basin. I stayed out till early afternoon and it was definitely the best snow of the three days.

Alas most of the resort was closed for the season on Sunday afternoon but not for lack of snow. The Supertrail did go off very quickly over the weekend, especially around Bunny Walk station but Central Spur was still in great condition even around the bases of Sponars and Antons T-bars.

The only lifts available today for skiing and boarding were Cruiser chair at Merritts and the Basin & Karels T-bars. Word has it that Cruiser will be closed mid week if there is not enough interest and that no more snow will be pushed around Karels so it will close as soon as the pooling water cuts the flat section of the lift line.

Sticky freshies below the Bluff on Saturday morning

Saturday’s changing weather on the main range

The Weakest Link – Supertrail around Bunny Walk station

The last grooming on the Supertrail – Sunday morning

Top of High Noon Sunday. Really says it all for the resort in general

Bottom of Antons T-bar on Sunday, still with a good cover of snow

Stairway to heaven? Out on the main range on Monday

Ray descending Signature Hill

Signature Hill somewhat trashed

Beginner lessons return to the Basin

Some good overnight freezes will sustain the life of the main range snow pack but creeks are opening up everywhere and care must be taken when touring. There is some snow forecast but without cold days to consolidate the new snows we will just end up with another layer of glue over the existing snow pack.