2016 - Beyond The Hangover & Fireworks

Here we are now well into 2016 and what's happening? It's been drizzling in Thredbo just in time for the Summer Long Lunch planned to be held in the open in the Village Square today. I guess it might now move indoors.

Andy O'Donnell et al welcomed in the New Year in the Village Square on a balmy Thursday night. We have had several balmy nights (relatively speaking) since I returned to Thredbo.

Meanwhile the real action is in the northern hemisphere. Lucky Phil has joined Peter and Andrea in Rusutsu and just 45 minutes away in Niseko (Hirafu to be precise), Rosco (aka Snowfighter-orange) has joined Rob for his annual ski-a-thon.

Rosco's first comments were about how late the season start has been and how much Sasa grass (bamboo) is still sticking through the base - up to 6 feet high in places. Rosco described much of the off piste as 'tricky' due to the lack of base.

Below are Rosco's first photos and below them, more winter images from Peter in Rusutsu. I hope I might be able to conjure up a bit of a contest between the two resorts with regular updates ;-) At the very least there will be some interesting contrasts, all more exciting than watching TV.

Santas, on what looks like the Family Run in Niseko
Too much port and puddin' ?

The scene from Ace2 quad chair

Miharashi

Rosco reports many pine trees appear to have been blown over during summer

The run out from Chook Run

Rosco reports the snow pack is at least 1.5m lower than usual
But the lunch crowds are on par with last year

Meanwhile in Rusutsu, Peter takes his skidoo for a run after work

How to get face shots on flat ground

One of the many features off piste in Rusutsu

And in answer to my question on an earlier report here's a snow bomb update ;-)

The forecast from SnowJapan for Niseko is "The forecast remains good for snow every day in the coming week".

For Thredbo, we are expecting cooler weather. Will I need more than just a sheet to sleep under? In any case, it looks as though wet weather gear may be required for the next week.

The Thredbo Craft Beer Festival is on next Saturday and the Thredbo Blues Festival begins the following Friday - regardless of the weather :-)

Grumpy old man prediction for 2016: With the outrageous increase of almost 43% in the cost to mail a standard letter in Australia, I predict Australia Post has now stamped it's own demise. I see that St George Bank has joined the greedy big four, increasing mortgage rates from the start of 2016. The "greed is good" doctrine, is such a short term vision that ultimately destroys its host. The reality of the "greed is good" doctrine will claim many in 2016. Take notice: Woolworths and Cadbury, just to mention a few.