Snowbound Tour

The weather finally succumbed to the high-pressure system. The winds have dropped and so have overnight temperatures. The snow makers have been busy, as have the groomers & race crew.

Interschool races have been on and I believe finished tomorrow (Saturday). The lift lines have been growing and no doubt the fine weather this weekend will bring many a snow lover to the mountains.

Today we had a most enjoyable run to Dead Horse Gap with some never-been-there-before skiers. Although the lack of wind meant our tracks from yesterday were still visible, the snow quality has continued to improve culminating is 10cm deep soft untracked snow on the last descent.

The Mother of all Bagjumps (I use that term as Mother is the new sponsor) is in operation and I believe Thredbo Medical Centre is ready as well ;-)

On my first trip to the big smoke of Jindabyne in a month I was surprised to see how far the snow was still sitting beside the road down the Alpine Way. Snow depths are at a decade high in some locations. It was also good to see the pass holders' lane open at the park entrance - sanity reigns once again.

Out of the resort and on the way to Dead Horse Gap

A chance to take in the views

And spectacular views abound

A brief stop on the open flats before the trees tighten up

The final descent was sweet
a pity I dropped my camera in the snow and blurred these shots

Anatomy of a yard sale

And then there was nothing but a cloud of smoke

The last hurdle - Bogong Creek
The new bridge is well appreciated

Looking back at the final descent from the lower car park

A celebratory drink after a good run

It appears that we may get some fresh 'natural' snow Monday into Tuesday while Sunday may get a bit gnarly. We will certainly be getting a heap of man-made snow while the high hangs around.

Speaking of snowfalls. Something new has been hatched: RecentSnow.com

With the help of resort restaurants and cafes this web site has been launched to bring you a different view of snow depths in and around Thredbo. For too long the use of a once-a-week Spencers Creek base depth has seemed inappropriate so it is hoped that RecentSnow.com will bring you more meaningful local depths.

Although it is expected to take until 2012 for the new web site to become a truly useful tool for those planning their trips to the snow, I urge you to encourage the on-slope restaurants and cafe's to keep updating the web site for everyone's benefit.

With luck the web site will expand into all/most Aussie resorts and then NZ and eventually the World. Well, it's fun to think beyond the backyard ;-)

If you know anyone who might be able to contribute then go to RecentSnow.com and get in contact.

Grump:
I suggest NPWS start having an IQ test for all people (I use that term loosely) entering the Kosciuszko National Park.
It was obvious on my return from Jindabyne today that some sub human species and their graffiti have been allowed into the park.
Having not traversed the road in a month I can only assume the moron(s) with black graffiti came under the cover of school holidays - another oxymoron as the culprit(s) would be incapable of completing a school term.