Oh Wow

I had made my plans and despite a nor-westerly running 20-30kph higher than forecast I completed my chosen task. But before I begin this account there was the lead-up. Again interschool races in Thredbo (and again under spectacular weather) had the lifts starting 30 minutes early. The upper T-bars weren't ready for me so I decided to take a run down the freshly groomed True Blue. If you read yesterday's report you will remember I wasn't impressed with the run out below Tower 10. Today it was worse - much worse. In fact there was no continual snow. I only did it today because I was on my rock-hopper touring skis but I soon found out that I would have been better off with rock, gravel and mud-leaping skis. But (as Rosco would say) - I digress. Soon after I arrived back at the top of Kosi chair the T-bars were opened and I was quickly out the back of Karels headed on my way.

My chosen destination was Kosciuszko South Ridge. I was hoping that the snow out there was going to be similar to the wonderful conditions experienced yesterday going to Dead Horse Gap. The wind chill was low and the snow was dry. Even with skins on, my skis were tracking 5cm+ deep into the off piste. The wind kept rising and at no time did I remove a single layer of my 3 layers of clothing, nor my helmet or goggles. I did switch to wind-stopper gloves and I opened my vents but that was it. The wind chill dipped to below -13C in full sun shine.

When I first set my eyes upon my target slope I could see that others had been out there yesterday. The west facing slopes were in excellent condition and the quality of snow was very nice - a pity about the 30kph+ head wind that meant minimal turns were made on the descent into Cootapatamba Valley. Those who visited yesterday had kindly left a nice firm packed track to the top. I counted 1400 steps on my way up to the top. Both because of the wind chill and approaching cloud I did not linger at the top except to take some snappies.

I passed another climber about half way down my run. The snow was mostly soft and deep (10cm+) with a few firmer bits. A most enjoyable run. I stopped at a singular rock below the South Ridge and dug into my light lunch. During this time Simon then Mike arrived and prepared to begin the ascent to the top of the ridge. I advised them about the approaching cloud that I had seen from the top and I pointed out Cootapatamba Hut and told them where to find Seamans Hut in case a total white out happened. The weather changes quickly out there on the main range and I decided to head back.

The cloud front rolled in and chased me up the eastern side of Cootapatamba Valley like a giant sand storm. Even as I skied down the other side towards Thredbo the cloud nipped at my heels. I hope Simon and Mike were going to be OK.

Apart from one other stop in the morning for a brief cup of jo and chocolate, I had been going non stop and was quite tired when I got back to the village well after 1pm. After a hot shower, a nana-nap and second lunch I got down to culling today's photos. Enjoy:- the back country snow conditions are close to the best I have ever encountered.

First run (down True Blue) to the disconnected base of rock, gravel and mud below Tower 10

Skis running deep in the soft fresh and very dry snow
The totem rock below Pyramid

Beautiful snow and rock formations

First glimpse of the South Ridge with the peak of Mt Kosciuszko to the right
On the floor of Cootapatamba Valley with the survival hut just 2 pixels of red in the centre of the lower photo

At the top of the South Ridge looking west and seeing the clouds for the first time
Looking North West with Mt Townsend in the middle and Mt Kosciuszko on the right

Looking east across the valley to Pyramid in the top centre
And back at the bottom after a glorious ski down

View from my lunching rock looking back up the skier I passed on the way down
Simon and Mike starting their ascent as the clouds begin to wisp over the range

With cloud entering Cootapatamba Valley I made my exit
The South Ridge was all but engulfed in cloud as I exited the valley

For a brief moment the clouds parted to expose Simon and Mike at the top and my tracks coming back down
Skiing down the next valley on the way home as the cloud chased me all the way

That regular shot from the bridge(s) showing how far the cloud bank had followed me obscuring even Signature Hill

I think I'll take it easier tomorrow. Another early lift start and more sun but I won't take my good skis down True Blue unless I get a good report.

Only 7 more reports after this to reach that magical 1000. Even my camera will need a reformat as it only has space for about another 150 photos (out of 10,000).