Cracking Up

Like a tradie bending over under your sink, there are cracks appearing all over Japan as the thaw gathers momentum.

With rain and rising temperatures the slopes are on the move but not necessarily all at the same time, thus the splits in the snow pack. The groomers are the treat in the morning but the off-piste is falling apart. There may yet still be some big late-season dumps but be aware of what they might be covering. Mind you, in Japan they are more of a crevice than a crevasse but you can still break bones if a leg or two gets trapped whilst travelling at speed.

A few photos tendered by Peter, in Rusutsu, as Spring marches on:-

Snowmobile traps, like elephant pits, can cause serious damage if not avoided

Cracks appearing deep and wide across the alpine areas

Too big for a fireman's pole - the new trend is in having your own personal ice climbing wall

In true Interschools tradition, the Interschools MTB championships being held in Thredbo this weekend have brought rain to the mountains. In many ways this is a relief, it has dropped temperatures a tad and has settled the dust on the trails.

The Thredbo 80s Reunion is on next weekend as well as the Australian Alpine Ascent Triathlon on Sunday, which will cause some chaos on the Alpine Way between Jindabyne and Thredbo.

Then, the following weekend is Easter, which will cause spots on young faces and long queues on Kosi chair, weather depending.