Back in our apartment after another perfect bluebird day... there was no wind at all today which was a nice change, and the sun was shining again. We even managed to get a little sunburnt... feels just like home.
The snow was less than perfect though, extreme hard-pack with a thin cover on top. We still had a really fun day exploring most of the terrain across the mountain, and just cruising around on the long, fast groomers. I was having flashbacks to zali's a few times over the day. Going up the gondola we could see the top bowls, which all looked less than enticing without any recent snow. The tell-tale sound of the few brave skiiers scraping down the ice was enough for me to give that a miss.
I love my new board.... (Thanks Tim!!) It goes like a rocket, and I'm loving it more as I get used to it and it softens up a little. I've been too chicken to try any boxes or jumps yet (due to the unforgiving conditions) but might give it a go tomorrow.
We also experienced the natural gasses that the mountain contains, the old smell of sulphur (rotten eggs) would hit every now and then, both on the lift and during the run down again. We soon realised we had chosen the run that was situated right next to a small geyser that was emitting the horrible odour. No wonder it wasn't a very popular run!!
There was definitely more people up on the mountain today, being a Friday, and I'm sure the number will increase over the weekend. But everything is so spread out you only really notice it back at the main lodge where the crowds all sit in the outdoor bar and watch the slopes. There were also people soaking up the sunshine on deck chairs out the front of the lodge, which also reminded me of the spring scenes at perisher outside jax.
Three more days riding here till we make our way back... can't believe that it's almost time to get back to reality!
N. xx
