nz update
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NZ UPDATE - CHRIS LOFTUS |
16 July 2001 |
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First things first; snow, it last fell on June 28th and all four mountains that I've ridden in the last seven days (Coronet, Remarks, Cardrona & Treble Cone) could certainly do with a substantial dump. The existing cover has undoubtedly held up well, the freezing overnight temperatures (-9 in QT last night) have helped considerably as has the additional man made stuff. It's quite amusing to listen to the various snow reports called in from the mountains each morning, to say they err on the positive is something of an understatement. I never realised "packed powder" could be quite so painful when you take a fall - you or I may recognise it as sheet ice! The locals have re-named Coronet Peak "Concrete Peak" due to the "firm" conditions up there. But thousands are still boarding and skiing everyday and we are having the most amazing sunny days under brilliant blue skies - these mountains can be quite stunning at times. I can't wait for the overdue dump, especially as I've now had a good look at Treble Cone and despite being 1.5hrs drive away it is going to offer fantastic off piste riding - certainly bigger and steeper than Coronet or Cardrona.
The next update will describe in some detail the awesome dump of new snow that is headed our way, it will, honest!
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Greetings
from sunny and not so snowy Queenstown where you find
us in the middle of the "Air New Zealand Queenstown
Winter Festival".
Queenstown's
slopes, streets and bars are now packed to the rafters
as we head into day four of the nine day festival. It's
basically one long party for the young and old alike
with fireworks, bands, novelty ski races, a Mardi Gras,
big air and half pipe comps etc etc. The undoubted highlight
of the week for me will be the celebrity cow pat throwing
competition - perhaps 
