The Annual UNOFFICIAL Zermatt chinese downhill

As has been the status quo in most resorts this season, snow here in Zermatt is still rubbish. We are expecting some this week but its best not to hold your breath. All cannoned areas are open but very hardpack. All links between the three main areas are closed and the runs down into resort can best be described as nasty (with the exception of the run down from the klein lifts - still v. icy but not too bad).

Thursday 9th Jan saw the Annual UNNOFFICIAL Zermatt chinese downhill. Loosely organised by staff at the North Wall Bar, the chinese is a race purely for residents. It's really just a chance for us all to get together and actually get on the mountain. Entrants were proving to be slightly more
competitive this year, with a toal of just under 50 entrants, racing was gong to be tight. I knew I was in trouble when I realised I was the only snowboarder with strap bindings.

After a mad Le Mans style start the race was underway. While the leaders sorted themselves, some exciting action was underway in the mid runners with a close cut race all the way between seasonaires Asher, Kiwi Gareth and the Rocket. Gareth eventually came out on top of that.

The winner with an incredible time of 10:43 (Klein Matterhorn station to the bridge ) was Loris Bossard

Close behind Loris came Christian Luthi and 3rd place went to Swiss national team mogul skier Dario Faronata. First Lady was Anna 'Mrs. Rocket' Main of Murphys Bar. Chris from the North Wall came a very credible 10th. Special mentions must go to Big Al, also from the North Wall, who placed well up in the mid runners on his snowboard (although he was using step-ins for the start) and Big Dave Percy who decided to race in touring skis. In case anyone was wondering, I managed to come dead last, maybe next year.

On the social side of things, most new staff members this year have been aquainting themselves with the delights of Santichis (hope I spelt that right) in the old area of town. 5.50 for a 5dl of beer and 15chf for the biggest vodka red bulls you are ever likely to see.

Report from Rich Coleman - Natives Resort Reporter in Zermatt

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