Missed By That Much

The first front of snow falls this week moved up the Hume Highway in Victoria and missed Thredbo. A light dusting on Perisher but a big dump over Orange, Oberon and central NSW.

Despite this, the wind helped dry out and shift the snow around. Yesterday I had my first run on the Bluff and my first fall for the season when one ski went under the slabbing snow and my boot popped out of my binding. Better to crash on deep snow at slow speed than some of the other options.

With overnight temperatures dropping below –7C this week, snowmaking has been a priority.
After a marathon effort of snow making, the lower exits are in much better shape despite the huge holiday crowds. Antons opened on Wednesday and was so popular I stayed clear.

Today it snowed and it snowed and it is still snowing. On the high reaches of Merritts Falls I figure there is close to 20cm of fresh snow and while somewhat less in the village there is enough to cause havoc on the roads. Anything without chains was in trouble.

I didn’t go out this morning but waited till 2pm when the cover was building up. It had a creamy texture and the best comparison I can make was that it was like a bad day in Japan, which is pretty OK in Australia. Some areas still need more snow and I hit a few of those hidden obstacles.

Freshies under Kosi chair on Tuesday

Friday Flat - very popular

Antons opened yesterday - also very popular

Cats preparing the Basin for today

Karels looks good

High Noon this morning

Front face this morning

Snow depth indicators below mid station

Snow in the village

View from the bridge - note the snow covered road - freshly graded

The Basin due to open today was closed due to poor visibility. Tomorrow we should see all lifts open and pretty well all runs including Funnel Web.

Barring high winds, tomorrow should be awesome but if you drive, use those chains.

Hopefully by Saturday we will have that 50+ cm that I predicted. Only need another 20+ cm in the next 36 hours. It is currently snowing nicely in the village.