Because The Wind Is High It Blows My Mind

... as the Beatles so eloquently put it. The wind has howled constantly for days, reaching 120kph overnight, blowing everything not securely tied down. Yesterday it was the endless rain showers that kept me off the hill, even though many lifts were on 'wind hold'. Thredbo River has risen about a metre :-(

This morning, with limited options but no rain, I caught Merritts to Creek Station, skied to Gunbarrel where through kind offers, I ended up on first chair. First run down High Noon was fast and generally smooth and very carve-able. The second run was crowded and so it was off to Antons. Cruiser, Sponars and everything on Crackenback were on wind hold.

After several runs on Antons (yes it was very windy at the top but only at the top) the snow got softer and softer and started getting sticky so I headed back towards the village.

At BunnyWalk Station I asked the operator if Snowgums was open (chairs were moving). He said they were still testing the wind. The Supertrail was quite soft and slow. Peter's favourite run was surprisingly good. By the time I got to the bottom of Snowgums chair it was open but I decided the snow conditions were simply deteriorating too fast to warrant another run. Lots to do before the big dump arrives today/tonight :-)

Sorry for lack of photos but most were just white or grey or blurred ;-)

Sandy's grand staircase at Black Sallees on Monday - windy but sunny

Tuesday - Karels finally opened to reveal some extensive grooming to the Rim and over
Not that you could see much ;-)

Today (Thursday) on first chair - many lifts were on wind hold

Looking up Dream Run (it was closed today after yesterday's rain damage)

Looking down Dream Run was a bit of a nightmare ;-)

"Winemaker's Dinner" season has started in Thredbo and I'm pleased to say I enjoyed an excellent dinner last night at Segreto with Linda. Great wines from Grant Burge, wonderful food (I've never had such tender lamb) from executive chef Kane and interesting info on the wines from winemaker Craig. Thanks to Nick and crew for a most enjoyable evening.

The forecasts look awesome for good snow. The barometer is diving as I type this report. Watch out on the roads tomorrow and over the weekend. They're going to be slippery dippery.

Richard's Grump:
I quickly realised that with so much to post on my grump that I'd have to post more than just one article at a time, so the next 3 articles on WikiGrumps start here.