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!
Showing posts with label lessons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lessons. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Snow, Snow where for art though thou lovely snow?
Bugger, I was wrong! The front that may have given us enough snow to open Queenstown's Coronet Peak just didn't eventuate and I was not making turns today.....just as well I am not a betting man!
Even though the snow has not arrived I am not getting desperate ....... yet. Mother nature always balances itself out so the snow will come. It's just a matter of when. So will the cold temperatures. traditonally it always gets colder after the shortest day, that's 2moro. The coldest day in Queenstown almost without fail, is the same day that the Queenstown winter festival Mardi Gras falls on so lets hope history works in our favor. On the positive side when it does get cold at least all the reservoirs are full so they should be able to crank out tonnes of snow.
Now is a great time to be getting the ski fitness up and working on specific muscle groups. Here is a great video so you can work on some exercises at home and be much better off when that snow finally gets here.
Got your own skis or snowboard? Are they tuned and ready to rip? Or are they how you left them at the end of last season? Get them sorted before you head to the snow. If you are on the snow for 2 weeks get them tuned at least once while you are on your vacation in Queenstown, preferably twice. It's amazing how fast man made snow makes a set of once sharp edges blunt. After I get a tune, 6 runs on man made snow I run a diamond stone over the edge to help keep them honed!
Check the bindings din setting is correct. Check that your boots toes are not overly worn. Get them checked out if you are not sure......better safe than sorry.
When you do get on the snow for your first day, savor it! It's easy to forget the fantastic location you are in and why you are really there. Take 30 seconds at the top of the chair before you head down the run and enjoy the view. This is a great thing to do on each and every run......allows the mind to clear and focus to the situation at hand.
Right start thinking SNOW.....seriously!
Remember to book me for your private ski lesson this winter if you want the opportunity to take the next step on snow.
Even though the snow has not arrived I am not getting desperate ....... yet. Mother nature always balances itself out so the snow will come. It's just a matter of when. So will the cold temperatures. traditonally it always gets colder after the shortest day, that's 2moro. The coldest day in Queenstown almost without fail, is the same day that the Queenstown winter festival Mardi Gras falls on so lets hope history works in our favor. On the positive side when it does get cold at least all the reservoirs are full so they should be able to crank out tonnes of snow.
Now is a great time to be getting the ski fitness up and working on specific muscle groups. Here is a great video so you can work on some exercises at home and be much better off when that snow finally gets here.
Got your own skis or snowboard? Are they tuned and ready to rip? Or are they how you left them at the end of last season? Get them sorted before you head to the snow. If you are on the snow for 2 weeks get them tuned at least once while you are on your vacation in Queenstown, preferably twice. It's amazing how fast man made snow makes a set of once sharp edges blunt. After I get a tune, 6 runs on man made snow I run a diamond stone over the edge to help keep them honed!
Check the bindings din setting is correct. Check that your boots toes are not overly worn. Get them checked out if you are not sure......better safe than sorry.
When you do get on the snow for your first day, savor it! It's easy to forget the fantastic location you are in and why you are really there. Take 30 seconds at the top of the chair before you head down the run and enjoy the view. This is a great thing to do on each and every run......allows the mind to clear and focus to the situation at hand.
Right start thinking SNOW.....seriously!
Remember to book me for your private ski lesson this winter if you want the opportunity to take the next step on snow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)