oz update
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OZ UPDATE: FROM STEVE ANGUS |
16 July 2001 |
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Thredbo has seen some consider progress on the snow-front. There was making my first turns in powder - yes powder in the Southern Hemisphere - and then it was time for some tree skiing although it's not as you'd know it. Out got the fir trees and into its place gum trees. I keep on wondering when I will see a Koala sitting in some tree as I ski past! Since my last report there has been
a considerable amount of snow and compared to the European
season this time of the year compares to early January
ie the snowbase is still forming and the snow is falling.
The pow-pow that falls from the sky here isn't the light
stuff that you would normally expect but instead is
rather heavier. It basically snowed across the whole of the Snowy Mountains for a week on and off and the cover is pretty much across most of the higher parts of the range. The natural snow line comes down to about 1600m but since Thredbo and Perisher Blue have more snow making capacity in one week than the Tamworth snowdome has in its entire life this worries no-one. The snow guns fire all day and all night and with the temperatures bouncing favourably and unfavourably back and forth in the thermometer they are over time winning the battle. Most of the lifts within the 480ha Thredbo area are now open. The mountain restaurants seem to be in party mood all day. For those who have never experienced it, you really should see it go off during an afternoon on the side of an Australian ski resort mountainside!!!!! Perisher Blue - the big mamma of the Australian ski resorts - with almost 1,250ha of skiing area available has plenty to keep you going week on week (well almost). After several mornings of dustings of snow on the ground new lifts seem to be opening up by the day. The famous snowboard park in front valley is also now fully up and running. Mount Perisher itself seems to be holding its fair supply of snow for the season as well and with 16 lifts alone open on it there is something to suit everyones taste. Victoria struggles Further down the mountain range into Victoria the resorts of Mount Hotham, Mount Buller and Falls Creek are not doing quite as well at the moment. Mount Hotham is unfortunately having a bit of a disaster so far with only 3 lifts open. However for those of you who have been on a University ski trip will know that lack of snow is no excuse for having a great time and you will be pleased to know that each night the whole mountain comes alive to the sounds of partying students keeping up the Aussie traditions for another generation to come. Falls Creek - the classy neighbour to Mount Hotham is all set to start offering next to free, cat skiing into the back country in the next couple of weeks! The snow depth across most of the Snowy Mountains is improving day on day at the moment. At the moment the averages are about 50cms of snow, low winds, fair visibility although the forecast is for more snow!!!!!!!!!!!!! Until next time
- take care, |
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