This week has definitely been a week of firsts and new
experiences.
Five days of skiing, five different resorts in New Zealand.
The idea behind this weeks’ training was to experience
skiing in a new way. We visited the Club Fields of New Zealand’s Southern Alps,
all located within two hours drive of Christchurch.
The Club Fields are renowned for their incredible off-piste
terrain and for their local skiing enthusiasts. You have to really love the
sport of skiing to spend a day up here, and the level of difficulty involved in
all aspects being on the mountain means that there is not one beginner in site. There is
no grooming, no chairlifts, no cafes or bars. It’s like skiing back in the 60s. Mum always tells me about how she first learnt to ski at
Mount Mawson in Tassie. “You have it
so easy these days,” she says. “When I learnt to ski in Tassie we
used a leather belt, a nutcracker and a pulley system to get up the mountain…”
Mum would do run after run on the one ski slope using the rope toes. Maybe this is where I inherited my passion for skiing from?!
Day 1: Mount Olympus
The pulley system was definitely more difficult than I
anticipated. You’ve got a small window of opportunity to latch your nutcracker
onto the rope whilst you’re still on the flat. After a few trial and errors, I
slowly started to figure out how best to avoid having your arm wrenched from
the socket as you get dragged up the hill. Best part of the day was hiking to
the summit, taking in the view, and skiing the soft spring snow
all the way to the bottom.
Made it to the summit after a solid hike.
My best friend for the next four days; the nutcracker.
Day 2: Broken River
The day started with a ride up a vintage self-operated tram carriage
designed by New Zealand engineering students. A little sketchy but we managed to get up in
one piece. We did a full day’s skiing followed by a long walk all the way to the bottom. The tram has limited opening hours (obviously everyone is obviously
out skiing!)
Broken River tramway.
The scenic walk all the way to the bottom.
Day 3: Craigieburn
After two days of warm spring skiing, we were lucky enough
to wake up to 27cm of fresh winter snow. My first powder day in a while! And it just so happened to be bluebird.... Craigieburn had some amazing terrain to offer; steep chutes and couloirs, large
open bowls, and even a few small cliffs to jump. Deep snow, blue skies and a
whole new mountain to explore… my idea of fun!
No friends on a powder day!
Anton and Jamie making some fresh turns through the chute.
Who sees the scary ghost man climbing through the mountains?
Day 4: Temple Basin
The toughest day of all! Before we even contemplated putting
our skis on, the day started with a 50 minute strenuous hike from the car park to the day lodge. We climbed over 2000 vertical feet (approx
600m) over a 3km track. Trekking on a rocky path, with warm temperatures and arid
vegetation, I felt like I was somewhere in the Himalayas. Once we finally
arrived to the day lodge, we had another 20 minute hike with skis and boots
before we reached the Temple Basin ski area. Once again, incredible terrain,
amazing views, and a great adventure experience.
Another hike
Himalayas style hiking to the top.
Day 5: Mount Hutt
Groomers on fast, sharp race skis and a high-speed 6-seater chairlift at
Mount Hutt felt like a piece of cake after the past four days roughing it on crud,
icy moguls, steep uneven terrain and rope toes!
We are now training super G and GS at Mount Hutt for the
next five days. I might even pull out the old alpine lycra race suit if I’m
feeling game! Next stop on this New Zealand Spring training camp is Lake
Tekapo, three hours south of where we currently are; Methven.
I’ll be sure to keep you posted with all of my adventures
over the next three weeks.
Soon to come is a video blog from the past week of skiing...
Enjoy!
