The Endless Winter

Continuing sub zero temperatures and snowfalls right up to Saturday have extended winter 2009 when only a couple of weeks ago we thought it was over for good.

Surprisingly the snow has remained soft and in places sticky after a few hours of sunshine. There is a little red dust starting to come through in places but overall the main range is the best it has been in weeks.

On our way out to Signature Hill, on Saturday, we picked up a tele skier, Michael, who was wondering if Richard of Richard’s Report would be out and about on the snow. An unknown skier, who followed us to the North Face, poached first tracks - but then we were taking our time to prepare for the descent. We all found the North Face had variable conditions. Soft and lovely at the start and then slower and softer on the rollovers.

Upon skinning back up, Michael, Rob and I decided to do the extra bit behind Signature Hill and I handed the camera over to Marion. Michael got some huge air off the wind-lip.

Marion, the Chooks and I continued across the Ramshead plateau and climbed the Ramsheads for a well-earned lunch. The weather and views were simply spectacular, especially so considering the date.

Some nice turns to South Ramshead left us following the tracks set earlier by Jax, Traktorman, Button & Alena as we skied to the lower car park at Dead Horse Gap. The descent below tree line was in deep and heavy snow, thinning on the decline.

We had spent approximately 5 hours on the range and despite the sun block we all picked up some colour. In my case it was because it was my first day out of goggles and into sunnies. I'm sure last Tuesday's hair cut didn't help either ;-)

Saturday morning - Crackenback, High Noon and Sundance

Michael going for it and pulling off an amazing tele manoeuvre

Marion, Rob, Ray and Sal on the North Face

The climb for that extra bit (Michael at top), Rob and yours truly
photos by Marion

Been there - done that

Ray in the distance on the vast expanse of the Ramshead Plateau

Lunch on the Ramsheads

The cornice on Mt Kosciuszko
Look hard and you can see people on the summit

Spectacular views in all directions

The Big Boggy and beyond

So many photos and so little space. The above are just the tip of the pile.

Despite what was either a heavy frost or a light dusting of snow overnight, the snowline has receded back up the hill to around Lover's Leap. There is more snow forecast next week. The Bluff and Central Spur look magnificent but alas the resort is closed for riding.