Super Spring Skiing

Strong, cold winds and strong, hot sun are having an interesting effect on the snow. The slopes were very firm first up but rapidly softened, except in shadowed areas. The wind seems to be helping to suck some of the moisture out of the snow despite what the sun is attempting to do, especially when you consider that the layer of dust deposited on Tuesday morning is helping to absorb the Spring rays.

By mid morning the SuperTrail was very sloppy but other slopes were just beautiful. I found fresh tracks off Karels but the snow was a little inconsistent depending upon its angle to the sun. Sponars and Antons were great. Even the untouched off piste (which looked very icy) was easily carved up.

My pick was definitely Wiamea. It was obviously nobody else’s as I got first tracks (around 10:30am) on smooth consistent snow. Admittedly there were two other tracks on the slope by the time I returned for seconds.

The rain and hail of the past two days have taken their toll on the slopes.

Not to despair - SuperTrail still has a good cover

Mid SuperTrail prior to the softening

Course inspection for the University Moguls event

Wiamea in true Spring form

To the disappointment of some, today’s conditions have been the best of the week so far. Forecasts are for snow (on the higher slopes) on Friday through Sunday.

Hopefully colder temps will drop the snow to village level.