Red October

Last week it was mostly rainy and I didn’t get out to ski at all. Monday morning we had snow fall in the village but by Tuesday morning there wasn’t even a sign of it on the main range when I went for a walk out to Kosciuszko Lookout. Tuesday had very strong winds under a blue sky and I was glad not to be carrying skis in the wind, however it was interesting to see how firm the snow base was even though overnight temperatures had been above zero.

Today I was more enthusiastic and Marion and I walked out to Signature Hill under grey skis but without yesterday’s winds. The snow was still firm with a one centimetre soft surface. The continuing thaw has resulted in the slopes becoming steeper and steeper. Skiing was a delight. Despite the layer of red dust, the condition of the snow was the best I have experienced since September.

All in all, it was a very pleasant way to finish October. Hopefully I will still get some November turns. I doubt if I will get any in December.

Mt Kosciuszko and Club Lake chutes from Kosciuszko Lookout – Tuesday

H20 from solid to liquid

The snow is not exactly white – hence Red October

More turns than you can poke a ski pole at

Yours truly about to descend the North Face (photo by Marion)

North Face –steeper and great fun due to the thaw

Marion below the now defunct big kicker

Waterfalls tell us that the snow base is washing out from beneath

It’s all breaking up

Signature Hill tracked from every angle

Thunderstorms and rain are forecast for the end of this week and into the weekend so it may be a while before I get out again. Meanwhile the National Park rabbits appear to be doing very well.