Ski Patrol

TIS SPRING

12 September 2006

Glorious sunshine, and no wind. On with heaps of sunblock, and out to get the slopes ready. There is hard pack where the groomers have been at work, and soft snow where the snow-guns have worked all night. Better put out the sign that warns of variable snow conditions.

Funny thing about sunshine....a lot of skiers and boarders go very fast. Hence a few accidents before ten. Surprise, surprise...a couple of the injured are Tasmanians...must be "Tasmania Week". However, by ten o'clock the snow has softened, and there are no more accidents. Gives us time to reassess the signage needed, move the various signs around so that ruts do not form, and ponder what to wear at the Patroller Party this coming Saturday night. The theme is FUR, FEATHER & FANG, so what do I wear? Maybe I better check the roster first....I think I've drawn the short straw and have to work at Night Ski at Big D, while all the other patrollers are getting.....

Allen

Cricket

20 August 2006

What an awesome weekend at hotham. Powder on Saturday morning, Billabong Banked Slalom at noon, Big Air at 4, Sincronised skiing on dusk, Flare run and fireworks at 7, Ski Patrol BBQ and a cricket match on sunday.

In a lean winter we get excited over 5 cms. Uncle John Steen came off Imagine glowing, saying the powder between the bumps was his best turns for the season. In a normal year it would be described as dust on crust.

Now we are talking September. in the 20 seasons I have been here I havn't seen a season without at least 4 weeks of good skiing, so the odds are geting better for good skiing in September. Or it may be the only season Iv'e seenwithout a real powder day.

Gotta go, somebody just hit a six into Avalanche Gully so I have to don crampons to go on a ball retrieval mission.

Howzat.

Cricket

20 August 2006

Gotta go, somebody just hit a six into Avalanche Gully so I have to don crampons to go on a ball retrieval mission.

Howzat.

Snow & Birthdays

17 August 2006

At about quarter to seven this morning it started snowing and has been snowing on and off during the day, but it is hovering around zero, so it has turned a little bit wet and sloppy. Still it is great to get to work and see the resort covered in white and the snow clearing guys getting out and about. It is trying hard to snow at the moment so hopefully we get a few more cms of snow out of this front.

In other news young Robin's (Medical Centre) 24th birthday party went off without a hitch last night. Compliments to the chef and special mention must go for the sticky date pudding. We can't forget to mention that in the excitment of Robin's birthday, Alisha forgot to ring her mother for her birthday. We know it is a day late, but happy birthday to Robin and Alisha's mum.

Remember to stay safe on the slopes and say G'day to ski patrol.

Cheers

Alex & Matt

great week

11 August 2006

I chose work experience with ski patrol because I thought it would be a great way to spend a week. Skiing, milo and rest. But during my week of work experience I learned that there was a lot more to it. Ski patrol is not just a bludge theres lots to do and i was kept quite busy. Over 20 different call outs, 2 chopepers, fences to fix, posts to dig, skidoos to ride, training to do and partys to attend made my week lots of fun. Monday started of with digging holes and i was a bit worried about what i had got myself into but in the afternoon and after a few call outs i was looking forward to tuesday. On tuesday morning i opened heavenly valley and in the afternoon i helped a chopper land (due to a wreck). wednesday started of with blue skys which quickly tured into snow showers we were forced inside talk had a big talk about darts before sweeps. Thursday was busy lots of wrecks and another chopper in the afternoon i swept heavenly and summit which was just awsome i felt like i had the whole mountain to myself (which i did) after work party on big D great fun. Friday (today) opened heavely thismorning and now writing log. Thanks to all ski patrol for making my week so great and making me feel so welcome.

Thomas

The Valley of Heaven Is Open!

05 August 2006

Finally the skiiing area of Heavenly Valley is open. It's been a late start but finally it's open!! Ski Patrol has designated the area as a Black Diamond area, for advanced skiiers only. Although the snow coverage is adequate it's not quite enough for a snow groomer to make it the Valley of Heaven that we are used to. In the last couple of days I have found the Canyon and Upper Brockhoff to be the best skiing; a little patchy down the bottom but the upper area not too bad at all! Hopefully the bad looking weather coming through will bring us a little more snow to make the skiing that little bit better! Hope everyone is having a fantastic winter, ski fast, take chances!!! Please ski safe....Mt Hotham Ski Patrol!!!

Its all happening

01 August 2006

Well its all happening!!! The last storm has deposited 27cm of fresh snow and the plan is for Heavenly Valley to open tomorrow. There is also talk of more snow falling on Thursday.

If you missed out on making some turns today bad luck. Those who got out there today would understand why I say that, with blue skies, fresh snow, excellent grooming this morning was probably the best day for the season (that I have skied).

All the best,

Stephen

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!!!

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