thredbo

Got to test out my $100 board and boots and also my winter camping gear setup. I was initially very pleased as the boots very comfy and the board didn't look like it had any big dints or scratches. Once i got on the snow though it was a different story. The first day was a struggle, trying to get to know the board and how it rides, I was really rueing the flex in the boot. It was comfy for walking but no so good for them long traverses. A tighter boot would ahve been much easier going. The second day on the board was much better experience and I was feeling in my element. Although i still fell quite regularly I was starting to really get a handle on the board and the tricky terrain. Moguls and trees were less difficult and I could get a fair way into them before falling over =) The transition between soft to hard snow was no longer and issue, just bend my knees and ride!

Thredbo itself was a mix of conditions ranging from clear sunny skies near the bottom of the slope to howling cross winds of snow up near the top. The first day had the best weather which i couldnt enjoy fully due to my trouble with my boots, and the second day it was snowing heavily with a few whiteouts here and there. All and all, its a different experience then Japan, but its not so bad. I've been spoiled by the consistent conditions of Japan, but i suppose im a more aware skiier now =) Either way, it was great to be out there ripping down a mountain at the fastest speeds i can muster is a thrill or weaving thru the trees on the thick layers of powder. 2 days is just not enough though =(

Fav run: high noon, steep and wide enough but too short or dream run, the trees aren't too dense so you can go thru the trees pretty mcuh all the way to the end. Excellent fun.

Meanwhile camping out at 4am in the morning was an interesting experience. I did want to camp both days, but the temptation to stay inside was too much. I should have got myself dropped off at the campsite so I wouldn't be tempted. Temperature was not a problem though, but I can see how constant skiing would make drying things very awkward. Socks, gloves and boots would be the three would be the most problematic. Luckily my ski pants and jacket remained relatively dry if i took care of them. Oh, eating muffins and pasta was awesome, food was good and plentiful as well. Perhaps need some more high energy stuff though. Looking forward to go camping fully next time, it seems very manageable...


anyways. Im psyched for new zealand, SNOWSKIING !!!