Monday, July 11, 2011

Snow, snow and more snow for Queenstown

Snow, snow and more snow for Queenstown. It was a famine and now the proverbial feast. We have had a very deep low parked up just south of the country firing front after front during this storm cycle which has lasted nearly 2 weeks now. Each front has had plenty of moisture and combined with the cold temps has dropped lots of snow to low levels. Coronet Peak has picked up 65 cms so far and will get quite a bit more over the next 3 days or so. This has taken Coronet Peak from zero to hero and now the whole mountain is pretty well ski-able.

As the wind during this storm cycle has been predominantly from the NW Greengates has seen less snow accumulate especially on the ridge lines but anything in the gullies and skiers left of the Greengates chair is skiing very well. Late yesterday afternoon we had a small 2 hour clearance and the skiing was unbelievable off the Quad and through Exchange and the T-Bar, actually everywhere. The snow that has fallen has been quite light and dry although very wind affected so the avalanche danger is high and back country skiing is not recommended at present --- don't go!

I decided to get on my new Salomon skis yesterday has the snow conditions have improved so much from a week ago. Over the last few years I have decided I like ride an all mountain style ski to deal with any conditions I come across and still be able to rip some wicked on piste turns as well as being a ski I can stand on comfortably all day while teaching and the Salomon All Mountain ski range has certainly lived up to and exceed my expectations. They are really starting to come into their own and I would highly recommend demoing some thru your ski shop. The crew at R&R Sport in Queenstown will listen to your needs and requirements in a ski and direct you to the one that will suit best.

Ski tip: Skiing on piste or where the snow is firmer keep your stance hip width apart. If you are in the powder narrow your stance.

Remember to book me for your private ski lessons at Coronet Peak. See you in the powder!

No comments:

Post a Comment