Richard's Report - Saturday, 26 May 2007 10:14:02 PM

First Fix For Winter 2007

You are all probably aware that it snowed last week in Thredbo. On Friday the Kosciuszko Express Chair reopened after a break for maintenance. Jackie and I went for a walk out the back to see what the snow conditions were like. It had been very windy prior to Friday and rain had also affected the cover. The snow on the lower slopes had melted. Temperatures jumped abruptly yesterday while on our walk but we were significantly impressed, so today (Saturday) we returned with skis. After coffee at Eagle’s Nest we strolled out looking for the best lines. The snow was melting quickly and Merritts Creek was opening up again.

We went almost all the way to Kosi Lookout, skied back down for a few hundred metres and then traversed across to high above the Summer Drift. We skied to the summer drift but did not descend the final drop as the climb out looked much more dangerous than the drop down to the rocks. After a short climb, we managed to pick up a line that took us back to the bridge. Sure, there wasn’t a lot of snow around but it was firm and great fun. I only hit one rock and that was while traversing. Not sure I’ve had enough of a fix yet.

The temperature continued rising today and we could see the snow literally melting around us. There won’t be much left to ski on tomorrow.

This afternoon at the Thredbo Volunteer Ski Patrol get-together there was an informative report about that rescue performed by members of the Thredbo Ski Patrol who were skiing with local guide Simon Bernard in Hakkoda earlier this year when they came upon a group hit by an avalanche. Unfortunately I did not have my camera, so no snappys. I would have liked to post a photo of the rescue group, guide and cheque for $2000 given by Take 5 magazine for the rescuers’ story.

Friday - lots to photograph
Friday - lots to photograph

Play time too
Play time too

Central Spur, The Bluff and Figure 8s on Crackenback
Central Spur, The Bluff and Figure 8s on Crackenback

Signature Hill (from my usual position)
Signature Hill (from my usual position)

Saturday – first turns
Saturday – first turns

Kosi Cornice coming along nicely
Kosi Cornice coming along nicely

Jackie working out the cobwebs
Jackie working out the cobwebs

Some drifts were quite deep
Some drifts were quite deep

Marion on snow shoes, 2 weeks after knee surgery
Marion on snow shoes, 2 weeks after knee surgery

Some people just weren't taking it seriously
Some people just weren't taking it seriously

The forecast is for more snow around Wednesday next week. Snow making is scheduled to start next Monday. I hope to be skiing out back by next weekend.

Disclaimer: 
The views and opinions expressed on this page are my own personal observations and in no way represent the views or opinions of the resort or any other person.

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