TR New Zealand—September 2007

[cloudpeak]

We just returned from a fabulous trip to New Zealand. We did some hiking, some sightseeing, some birdwatching, and some really fun spring skiing. Oh, and we ate at some great cafes.

Me skiing the Tasman Glacier at Mt. Cook

Me looking over the edge and getting ready to ski the Buchanans Range

Me skiing the Buchanans Range

My spouse skiing the Buchanans Range

My spouse skiing the Buchanans Range

Me at Milford Sound

Hanging valley at Milford Sound

 

[ski diva]

All I can say is wow, wow, wow.

Breathtaking.

 

[altagirl]

Gorgeous! Definitely on my list of places to visit.

 

[Sheena]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing these. New Zealand is definitely on my list of places to visit! These pictures make me want to go even more.

 

[NannyMin]

Thanks so much for sharing. I can't wait to go there!

 

[abc]

Thanks for sharing.

Too many places, not enough time....

 

[Gloria]

That must have been wild dropping in there, it is sooo wide open. How cool. I can't think of anything that I have skied that was that expansive, that remote maybe, just not that wide open.

 

[cloudpeak]

It was really fun. The runs averaged 2,000 to 3,000 ft of vertical. The snow was mostly spring corn, and the runs tended to be steep at the top and mellow for the last third. The snow conditions made for very fast skiing. We did both resort skiing and heliskiing, but the pictures here are from heli-skiing and a trip we did from a fixed-wing plane.

One of the exciting parts of the trip for me was getting out of the helicopter. They would land on ridges that had steep drop offs on both sides. You had to stay low in the snow while the heli took off and then get your skis on in a moderately steep area. The guides taught us what I now know is a common back country skiing technique for getting into your bindings in deep or steep conditions. They showed us how to dig the backs of our skis into the snow and then get into the bindings while the skis were anchored and sticking up out of the snow. It works really well and eliminates the problem that I've often encountered where my skis try to slide out from under me while I'm trying to click into a binding in deep snow or in a steep place.

The corn snow made for easy, fast skiing. It was pretty effortless. We would ski these gigantic pitches and be down at the bottom in no time. Looking back up, we'd be amazed at how far we'd come. Very fun.

All in all, it was a great trip.

 

[bklyn]

Nice TR!
Looks like you guys had a great time.

 

[Gloria]

It was really fun. The runs averaged 2,000 to 3,000 ft of vertical. The snow was mostly spring corn, and the runs tended to be steep at the top and mellow for the last third. The snow conditions made for very fast skiing. We did both resort skiing and heliskiing, but the pictures here are from heli-skiing and a trip we did from a fixed-wing plane.

One of the exciting parts of the trip for me was getting out of the helicopter. They would land on ridges that had steep drop offs on both sides. You had to stay low in the snow while the heli took off and then get your skis on in a moderately steep area. The guides taught us what I now know is a common back country skiing technique for getting into your bindings in deep or steep conditions. They showed us how to dig the backs of our skis into the snow and then get into the bindings while the skis were anchored and sticking up out of the snow. It works really well and eliminates the problem that I've often encountered where my skis try to slide out from under me while I'm trying to click into a binding in deep snow or in a steep place.

The corn snow made for easy, fast skiing. It was pretty effortless. We would ski these gigantic pitches and be down at the bottom in no time. Looking back up, we'd be amazed at how far we'd come. Very fun.

All in all, it was a great trip.

Total indulgence, I get goose bumps just reading about it. Isn't it insane, within minutes you are getting dropped off at the top of the world, to ski. I will never get over that feeling, its funny everyone talks about the landing, it just doesn't seem like theres enough room
for the darn thing, the first few times you get up there you are sure that if someone so much as sneezes the whole thing is going to topple over the edge. What is cool is when you step out there is actually alot more space around than it appeared . And then you are off skiing, isn't it weird to have guides, for the simple fact that normally you know where you are going, but now you have no idea, you are just following along. What a great experience, I am so happy for you that you got to go.

 

[Lola]

Thanks for the awesome trip report! I so wish I was there!

 

[abc]

Did you guys rented those giant planks? It looks like two snowboards, one on each feet!

 

[SnowHot]

Cloudpeak! I love this trip report!
I've said it before and I'll say it again.............I admire your adventurous spirit!
I am in awe of this beautiful trip!

 

[cloudpeak]

Did you guys rented those giant planks? It looks like two snowboards, one on each feet!

Actually, each of us took two pairs. I skied Volkl Auras and Line Elizabeths. The Auras are 163cm long and 94mm under foot. The Elizabeths are 172cm and 110mm under foot. Both skis performed great!

My spouse took Gotamas and Pontoons and had a good time on both. The Toons are 130mm under foot and were definitely a conversation starter. They elicited much friendly laughter from our companions. :D

 

[SnowHot]

Pardon me for bringing this quote from Spindrifts TR on Epic, but I felt a need to share!

Free of immediate family obligations for the first time in 20+ years, cloudpeak and I decided to catch the last bits of winter in NZ. So off we went for two weeks. Every single day was great. The trip can only be described as a celebration of life and time together and friends and good company and nature and the wonder of it all. And some pretty decent skiing, wine, beer and food too .

This one line says it all!
Your pics are fabulous. Your trip is inspiring!

 

[Lisamarie]

A friend of mine from Epic just returned from a one month instructor training program in Treble Cove, NZ. It sounds amazing. Cloudpeak, your pics are gorgeous!

 

[Lori_K]

Me skiing the Buchanans Range

I LOVE THIS PICTURE! That bowl looks awesome!

New Zealand is also on my list of places to visit...someday....