nz update

NZ UPDATE - CHRIS LOFTUS

11 June 2001

Well we've just completed the first week of the 2001 season here on Coronet Peak. As any local will tell you it's been the best start to the season for at least five years. Helped by the man made stuff the snow has held up well despite the mild daytime temperatures.

Unfortunately a low pressure system that blew through on Friday brought more rain than snow and the slopes lost approx 10cm of cover. Currently we have 30-40cm on the lower slopes and 50-60cm on the upper, off piste is not really a proposition until new snow arrives.

Riding yesterday was pretty sketchy in places and new snow is needed asap, this is forecast for tonight (9th June).

By far the biggest difference to riding the mountains down here is the business of getting to the slopes everyday. Coronet Peak is the nearest mountain to Queenstown but is still a 30 minute coach or car ride away. The bus is approx GBP8 a day return so us poor Brits have to beg lifts or stick the old thumb out, though getting a lift is pretty easy.

The transport situation means that there is a vibrant market in anything mechanical that will get bodies and boards/skis up the hill - GBP70 for a clapped out Toyota is the cheapest deal I've heard of so far!

But with my shiny new GBP330 Mazda and my GBP87 three mountain season pass I'm pretty well set for the months ahead.

Let it snow.

Chris Loftus

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